Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Z Fold8 at the Galaxy Unpacked event on July 22, 2026. It has quite a different shape this year, with the cover screen now wide at 5.5 inches in a 10:16 shape. Open it and you'll get a 7.6-inch inner screen at 4:3, so it's almost square.
Yet, it weighs 201 grams, and is the lightest Fold Samsung has made. The 7.6-inch folding screen ships with a plastic film already on it, which Samsung bonded at the factory, and but you can't remove it because it's part of the screen. JerryRigEverything scratched it at level 2 on the Mohs scale, which is fingernail level.
This is a bit of a tricky point for users looking to get a screen protector. Frankly, glass can't bend at the fold, so it'll crack along the crease. The factory film is the only protector you need right now, and Samsung replaces it once for free. You'll pay $19 after that.
Now the outside, on the other hand, needs a protector. Although the cover screen uses Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 3, it marked at level 6 and dug in deeper at level 7 in a scratch test. A regular 9H tempered glass protector should add protection and increase its resistance to damage, and you can buy one now for an affordable price.
Letosan 3-Pack screen protectors
$16.99
These glasses are 5.4 inches, which leaves a small gap at the edges so cases don't lift it. Simply line up the frame, pull a tab, and it goes on with dust removal built in. It fits under an OtterBox case, but some people had it crack within a month, which is why the spares help.
ZAGG Glass Elite screen protector
$39.99
This single glass is aluminosilicate, ion-exchanged, and ZAGG says it tested five times stronger than basic glass. The ClearPrint coating hides fingerprint smudges while the screen is on, and the manufacturer also calls out sand in the scratch protection. It's a major culprit in glass scratches.
BENKS GlassWarrior AR screen protector
$32.99
Get this screen protector if you use your phone's cover screen outside a lot. It has an anti-reflective coating with up to 96% light transmission, so you see less glare in sunlight. The glass is aluminum-lithium silicate at 0.25mm, which is about as thin as tempered glass gets.
TOCOL bubble-free screen protector
$12.99
These two protecters have triple ion-exchange strengthening, and TOCOL claims it survives 8-foot drops. It also says the glass comes off without damaging your screen. Although it does fit well as promises, you may want to watch out for the edges stop sticking. Other than that, it's a great place to pour your money for screen protection on a budget.
UniqueMe 2-Pack screen protector
$19.99
UniqueMe narrows the edge clearance on this product so a tight case won't push the corners up. You'll install it with a squeegee, not a tray this time. You might want to watch their video before you start because it's a bit more hands-on than the others.
Arshek 3-Pack privacy screen protector
$16.99
These are 0.26mm glasses with a 25-degree privacy filter, so anyone looking from the side sees a black screen. You'll get two camera lens protectors too. It's good for reading your chats on public transport, though expect the screen to look dimmer at an angle.
Widespread protection for your Galaxy Z Fold8
It's a good thing Samsung decided to keep the fingerprint sensor off the Z Fold8's screen. To some degree, it's to your benefit. You can stick any glass on the cover screen, whether it's thick, matte or privacy, and unlocking remains the same.
Even though there's the inconvenience of reaching for the side button every time, you get used to it fast. That aside, make it a habit to inspect your phone regularly. Whatever sits on the screen when you fold it gets pressed into the pre-applied soft film, and you don't want them leaving a dent.
Again, at some point, the factory film might lift at a corner or bubble near the crease. When it does, don't peel it and don't press it back down. Take it to Samsung and take advantage of the free replacement. Otherwise, you'll void the screen warranty.
