Can you use Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 cases on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra?
Best answer: No you cannot use Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 cases on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. Though they might look very similar in shape and size, minor differences in the camera module and hinge make this impossible.
A more in-depth explanation about the incompatibility of older cases with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra
When you hold the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and the last-gen Galaxy Z Fold 7 in your hand, or look at pictures of them next to each other, it is very reasonable to think they could share cases. After all, their dimensions are nearly identical, even on paper.
Here's a comparison of the measurements of the two large-form foldable devices.
Dimensions |
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra |
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 |
|---|---|---|
Folded |
158.4 x 72.8 x 8.9 mm |
158.4 x 72.8 x 8.9mm |
Unfolded |
158.4 x 143.2 x 4.1 mm |
158.4 x 143.2 x 4.2mm |
Looking at the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, the numbers hint at potential backward compatibility of cases. After all, the measurements match almost perfectly.
When folded, both the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the Z Fold 8 Ultra measure 158.4 x 72.8 x 8.9 mm, and when unfolded, they're almost identical too, 158.4 x 143.2 x 4.2mm and 158.4 x 143.2 x 4.1 mm. Even their displays have the same sizes, 8 inches internally and 6.5 inches externally.
So what gives? Why can't you use the phone cases for the Galaxy Z Fold 7 on the Z Fold 8 Ultra? Well, if you can't tell from the pictures, the raised unit housing the camera lenses does not match, differing in sizing and placement.
The second difference hindering backward compatibility of cases between the two Z Fold models is the hinge. Because of these two small but important discrepancies between the two Z Fold devices, you cannot use cases for either foldable on the other.
It's hard to say whether these were functional design changes, or alterations that were made to warrant purchasing new phone cases so Samsung could make more money. Regardless, if you've taken advantage of the excellent Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra preorder deals and are waiting for your new foldable, be sure to check out the best Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra cases to go with it too.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra
The true Z Fold successor
Unlike its wider counterpart, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is the true successor to the Galaxy Z Fold 7. It has similar dimensions, a robust IP rating, incredibly powerful hardware under the hood, and almost no crease to speak of. If you want a slim and tall foldable, this is the one to get. Just don't forget to buy device specific cases for it, since older Fold 7 cases are incompatible with it.
