US journalist who mocked 2019 Galaxy Fold now loves the Fold 8

Joanna Stern, a prominent American tech journalist who famously ridiculed Samsung's first foldable phone, has reversed her stance, now expressing strong approval for the latest Galaxy Z Fold 8. In 2019, Stern famously quipped, "If you're going to fold, you might as well fold hot dogs," criticizing the original Galaxy Fold's awkward design and durability concerns.

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If you're going to fold, you might as well fold hot dogs.

However, in a recent review on her website, Stern declared, "I really like Samsung's new Galaxy Z Fold 8." She attributes her change of heart to a surprisingly simple factor: the device now fits comfortably in her pocket. Previously, she noted, foldables were about "a big smartphone becoming a small tablet," but the Fold 8 represents a shift to "a small smartphone becoming a reasonably sized tablet."

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I really like Samsung's new Galaxy Z Fold 8.

Stern specifically praised the Fold 8's transformation when closed, noting that it now resembles the size and shape of a passport. She emphasized that this seemingly minor change makes a significant difference in usability. When unfolded, the device offers advantages for activities like reading, watching videos, and multitasking with two apps side-by-side.

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The reason I'm finally sold on foldables is surprisingly simple: they fit in my pocket.

Her initial skepticism stemmed from the original Fold's issues, including its tendency to crease and its perceived fragility. Stern even demonstrated its limitations by inserting a hot dog between its screens. Her current endorsement of the Fold 8 suggests that Samsung has successfully addressed many of the early criticisms, delivering a foldable device that is both practical and desirable for everyday use.

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Previously, it was 'a big smartphone becoming a small tablet,' but now it's closer to 'a small smartphone becoming a reasonably sized tablet.'