[Edaily Reporter Han Kwangbeom ] SamsungElectronics(005930)’s new foldable phone, the “Galaxy Z Fold 8,” is continuing its global success by attracting a large number of Gen Z and millennial customers, as well as female consumers. The Fold series, which had long been perceived primarily as a business-oriented product for middle-aged and older Nsamngs, is now expanding its reach to include young women, thanks to its lighter design and improved portability.

According to an analysis by global market research firm Counterpoint Research, global pre-sales of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 series increased by more than 30% compared to its predecessor. Overwhelming early demand was confirmed in major markets, with pre-sales up 39% in South Korea and more than 20% in Europe compared to the previous model. Counterpoint Research cited the device’s ability to maintain the advantages of a large screen while adopting a shorter, wider form factor—thereby balancing portability with the content consumption experience—as the key factor behind its initial success.

The most striking aspect is the dramatic shift in the consumer base. According to Samsung.com, the 1030 demographic accounted for over half of domestic pre-orders, and the Galaxy Z Fold 8 was the most popular model among this group. In particular, purchases by female customers in the 1030 demographic more than doubled compared to the previous model, signaling a significant shift in the user base, which had previously been concentrated among specific age groups and genders.

◇ Moving Beyond “Business Use” into Everyday Life… A Practical Design That Captivates Younger Consumers

This shift stems from fundamental improvements to the product itself. Unlike its predecessors, which focused on multitasking and work productivity, the Fold 8 has significantly enhanced everyday usability with a lighter and thinner design. It is praised for establishing itself as a new smartphone alternative for trend-conscious young consumers, as it can be used comfortably like a standard bar-style smartphone when folded and offers a large screen for enjoying videos, social media, and web browsing when unfolded.

The wave of popularity that began in South Korea is spreading to major overseas markets as well. In the Japanese market, where there has traditionally been a strong preference for the iPhone, select models of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 sold out on Samsung Japan’s official online store.

◇Sold-Out Frenzy in Japan, All-Time High in the U.S.—Global Expansion

Interest is also spreading in the U.S. and Europe, particularly among the younger generation and content creators. Pre-order sales in the U.S. increased by more than 30% compared to the previous Fold series, which had set an all-time record, and Europe also recorded growth of over 20% compared to the previous model. This marks a shift in the perspective of global consumers—who previously viewed foldable phones as “novel but not mainstream devices”—toward actual purchases.

Industry observers believe the foldable market has entered a phase of full-scale mainstream adoption, driven by a synergy between the influx of young and female customers in South Korea and strong sales in global markets. Analysts note that by innovating in design and portability while retaining its core competitive advantage—the large display—the Galaxy Z Fold 8 has firmly established itself as a mainstream product that transcends a specific consumer segment.