The perfect foldable phone will never exist

Samsung’s new Galaxy Z Fold8 is a reminder that you can’t have it all. The Fold8, which launched in early August for $1,900, is Samsung’s attempt to wipe away the last remaining compromises of earlier foldables in pursuit of broader appeal. The new passport-like shape is more pocketable than previous versions while unfolding into a small tablet, and the crease on the inner screen is barely noticeable. Samsung says it’s targeting folks who consume video on their phones, which is to say pretty much everyone. It’s probably no coincidence that the rumors of a forthcoming Apple foldable indicate a similar size and shape. But in using the Fold8 over the past few weeks, I’ve noticed that the new shape doesn’t really eliminate the compromises of a foldable phone. It merely introduces some different ones. I’m still a foldable phone fan and have enjoyed my time with the Fold8, but while I was once so sure that the perfect foldable was within reach, the new shape illustrates how foldable phones, like most tech products, will always have trade-offs. [Photo: Samsung] Why Samsung widened the Fold’s front screen In a way, the Fold8’s outer screen is a throwback, using the same 16:10 aspect ratio…