Samsung's latest foldable phones have won over enthusiasts with a more refined design and a new addition to the family. However, anyone who needs two physical SIM cards must reconsider their plans. None of the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Flip 8, and Z Fold 8 Ultra models support dual physical SIMs simultaneously.
Only one nano-SIM slot across the new Galaxy foldables
The Galaxy Z8 series includes three devices, the Galaxy Z Flip 8, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, and the new Galaxy Z Fold 8, which joins the lineup for the first time. All share the same configuration, a single nano-SIM slot, and no support for a second physical SIM. Those wanting a second line must activate an eSIM.
A step back from previous Galaxy Z Fold models
The lack of dual physical SIM is a change in the Fold series history. The first models, the Galaxy Fold and Z Fold 2, had only one slot. From the Z Fold 3 through the Z Fold 7, Samsung always included a dual-SIM tray. Now, the new Fold 8 Ultra reverts to the original approach, removing the second physical slot. The Galaxy Z Fold 8, being a new addition, follows the same path.
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Two active lines but only with eSIM or a mixed setup
The SIM configuration on the new foldables includes one nano-SIM and up to two eSIM profiles. However, you cannot use the physical SIM and two eSIMs at the same time. Only two lines can be active simultaneously. This means that to have two numbers, you can either use one nano-SIM and one eSIM or two eSIMs. The choice is flexible but eliminates the possibility of using two traditional SIM cards, a detail that could weigh on frequent travelers or those managing personal and work numbers on separate devices. For a comparison with other foldable smartphones that retain dual physical SIM, one can look at the Chinese market, but Samsung has decided to go all-in on eSIM technology, aligning with a consolidated industry trend. Samsung's decision might not surprise, as other manufacturers are also abandoning physical SIMs. As reported by Wikipedia, the eSIM is becoming the standard for new-generation devices, and the new Galaxy foldables are a concrete example.
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For users who love gaming, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 has already proven to be an excellent device, as highlighted in our test Galaxy Z Fold 8 proves to be the best mobile gaming device in SamMobile hands-on test. However, the abandonment of dual physical SIM might make those who use two cards for work or travel think twice. In any case, adopting eSIMs offers greater flexibility in managing profiles, even if it requires adaptation for those not yet used to this technology. It remains to be seen how the public will react, but Samsung seems determined to push towards a future without physical SIMs.
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Source: https://www.sammobile.com/news/galaxy-z8-series-does-not-support-dual-physical-sim-cards
