Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 review: The compact foldable I've wanted all along

Seven years of folding phone innovation have led Samsung to finally embrace a wide-format design with its new Galaxy Z Fold 8. The compact, BlackBerry-esque phone unfolds into a mini tablet, with aspect ratios that feel more natural than its taller Fold 8 Ultra sibling. This isn't the first time we've seen a shorter, wider folding phone, but this is indeed the first time it appeals to a wider audience. Samsung's all-new form factor debuts amid mounting rumors of a palm-sized foldable iPhone Ultra, and isn't free of shortcomings. However, the fun, practical design outweighs all weaknesses. Since its launch at Galaxy Unpacked, I've used the Fold 8 for 10 days, and unexpectedly, it hasn't lost its charm yet. I'm still amazed by how comfortable it is to type on the cover screen or how comfortably it fits my pocket. This is, in a way, the compact phone I've been waiting for. Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team, and may be unrelated to this article. I was skeptical about the usability of a short and wide cover screen, but I've found it to be the perfect combination of novelty and practicality. In fact, the 5.5-inch AMOLED panel…