The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 is a capable device, but a design oversight affects how it handles audio. While the wide display is built for video, the stereo speaker placement remains a notable flaw. When the phone is unfolded, both speakers end up on the same side of the device. This creates an unbalanced sound experience that is impossible to ignore once you notice it.
Most tablets distribute speakers on opposite sides to create a balanced soundstage. The Z Fold 8 keeps its speakers on the top and bottom edges, which shifts all audio to one side of the screen when held in landscape mode. This disrupts the immersion of movies and TV shows, making the sound feel one-dimensional compared to proper stereo output.
While this choice likely comes down to internal hardware constraints, it creates a distraction for anyone who values audio fidelity. Good sound design requires proper spacing to replicate the direction of the action on screen. When sound comes from a single direction, it breaks the connection to the content.
Most users may not notice this if they rely on wireless headphones. For casual viewing without external audio, the limitation becomes apparent. It is a specific drawback for a device that is marketed primarily for its screen size and media consumption capabilities.