[Edaily Reporter Han Kwangbeom ] SamsungElectronics(005930) As the new foldable smartphone, the “Galaxy Z Fold 8,” gains attention as the “passport phone,” SamsungElectronics has actively incorporated the ergonomic characteristics of a passport into its form factor design to intuitively deliver portability, one-handed grip, and visibility when unfolded.
Lee Il-hwan, Head of the Design Team (Senior Vice President) at SamsungElectronics’ MX Business Division, stated in an interview published on the SamsungElectronics Newsroom on the 3rd, “Passports are designed to be easy to carry, fit in one hand, and allow users to see the contents at a glance when opened,” adding, “We have reflected these ergonomic characteristics in the Galaxy Z Fold 8 as well.”
Vice President Lee explained, “When folded, the 16:10 aspect ratio allows for convenient one-handed use, and when unfolded, the balanced 4:3 aspect ratio enables an immersive viewing experience on a large screen.”
SamsungElectronics cited “Emotive Geometry” as the design philosophy underlying this Galaxy Z series. The aim is to create a harmonious design that connects with users’ emotions by adding a human touch to simple, refined forms.
In particular, the company emphasized that it has realized “Emotive Slim” through the “Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra,” which boasts the thinnest profile of any Fold series model to date. This means the company did not stop at simply reducing the numerical thickness but pursued a tangible slimness that can be perceived by both the eyes and fingertips.
Vice President Lee said, “We applied a gentle slope to the frame to make the foldable easier to unfold, and increased the curvature of the edges to achieve a smooth and comfortable grip,” adding, “We minimized the flat surface area on the sides to make it appear even slimmer visually.”
Regarding the rationale behind diversifying the lineup, he explained, “Through seven generations of foldable innovation, we’ve recognized that user needs have become more diverse.” He continued, “We’ve differentiated the features to cater to various lifestyles, such as users who prioritize productivity and those who prioritize portability.”
Product colors were also diversified to match each target lineup. The selection includes sophisticated “Violet Shadow” (Fold 8 Ultra), refreshing “Lavender” (Fold 8), and vibrant “Pink” (Flip 8), as well as versatile options like Cream and Graphite.
These design innovations are resonating with younger consumers. In fact, the 1030 generation accounted for more than half of the pre-order customers for the Galaxy Z Fold8 series. Analysts note that the portability when folded and the immersive large-screen experience when unfolded have captivated young consumers who enjoy short-form content, webtoons, and games.
The “Galaxy Watch Ultra 2” and “Galaxy Watch 9” focused on refining the finer details while maintaining their unique design identities. Centered on the “cushion design”—a signature feature of the Galaxy Watch—they achieved an organic silhouette where the display, bezel, and body flow seamlessly into one another. Even the spacing between buttons was meticulously adjusted to allow for operation without looking at the screen.
For the bands—which determine comfort—an “air pocket” structure was introduced to enhance breathability while reducing weight and thickness. In particular, “Computational Design” technology—utilizing data from over 100 million user wrists and more than 10,000 simulations—was applied to thoroughly verify the fit and stability.
Vice President Lee added, “As the AI era deepens, human-centered values become even more important,” noting, “Conveying the value of comfort in every moment of use is the starting point of our design.”
