Samsung claims the Galaxy Z Fold 8's wider shape is ‘the new standard for viewing content’ — but is it really better than the Z Fold 8 Ultra? I tested Netflix, YouTube, and Instagram on both phones to find out

Samsung asserts that the Galaxy Z Fold 8's wider shape represents "the new standard for viewing content," but is it truly superior to the larger Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra? I conducted tests on Netflix, YouTube, and Instagram to determine which phone offers the better viewing experience.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 boasts a smaller, more affordable price point and fewer cameras compared to its Ultra counterpart, but it may emerge as the most popular foldable device on the market. This is due to its 7.6-inch inner screen with a 4:3 aspect ratio, which Samsung claims is the "new standard for viewing content." In 2026, content consumption appears to be a priority for many users.

In contrast, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra features an 8-inch inner screen with a 10:9 aspect ratio, ideal for spreadsheets and multitasking but less optimal for watching videos.

To substantiate Samsung's claim, I compared the video streaming experience on both devices in portrait and landscape orientations. The side-by-side comparisons reveal that the Galaxy Z Fold 8 offers a cleaner viewing experience for Netflix and YouTube in almost all orientations, with narrower black bars and no pillarboxing. In the 3:4 orientation, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 has larger black bars, but Samsung acknowledges this format is more suitable for reading e-books or browsing the web.

The Instagram Reels experience is similar between the two phones, but personal preference will ultimately determine which device you choose for video consumption.