The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, the rumored successor to the company’s newly debuted Galaxy Z Fold 7 model, isn’t scheduled to arrive for another year. Still, facts about the device have already started to emerge online. With the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 model, the company unveiled an improved component designed to enhance the device’s structural stability. However, a South Korean publication claims that it may not be featured on the foldable phone that is expected to be released next year.
Samsung Could Revert to Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Backplate
According to The Elec (in Korean), Samsung is considering using titanium or carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) for the alleged Galaxy Z Fold 8 backplate. Although it is presently unknown if it will be included in the model for next year, the South Korean tech company added a titanium backplate to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 (First Impressions), which was just released, and the Galaxy Z Fold SE model from the previous year.
The article states that Samsung has included a CFRP backplate with all of its folding devices, ranging from the Galaxy Z Fold 3 (Review) to the Galaxy Z Fold 6 (Review). The Galaxy Fold and Galaxy Z Fold 2, the company’s first two foldable phones, both have the identical stainless steel component.
Samsung is reportedly considering using CFRP for the Galaxy Z Fold 8’s backplate instead of titanium, due to the ongoing uncertainty between China and the US resulting from the latest tariff war. According to reports, the business relies on China for raw materials such as titanium, and the protracted conflict may impact its ability to source these components for its upcoming foldable phone models.
Samsung is aiming to reintroduce the S Pen stylus in a future generation of its devices. Still, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 has eliminated support for it to make the phone thinner by removing the digitizer. According to the article, the company has developed a method to provide stylus support for devices without requiring a digitizer. A future model might also utilize glass as the backplate material, rather than titanium or CFRP.
Although it’s too soon to tell, the Galaxy Z Fold 8’s CFRP or titanium backplate illustrates how geopolitical concerns may affect the materials used to make smartphones. Since the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7’s replacement isn’t anticipated to appear until the second half of 2026, it’s best to treat these statements with a grain of salt.
