For years, the Galaxy Note10 and Note10+ held a seemingly untouchable record in South Korea, racking up 1.38 million pre-orders over an 11-day window. That record stood as a testament to the Note series’ enduring popularity, even as subsequent Galaxy flagships struggled to match the hype. But now, the foldable era has rewritten the history books.
According to a report from Yonhap News, the new Galaxy Z8 trio has finally surpassed the old master. The latest foldable flagships—presumably the Z8, Z8 Plus, and Z8 Ultra—garnered a staggering 1.44 million pre-orders in South Korea. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is the timeframe: pre-orders ran from Wednesday to Monday, a mere six days. That’s nearly 5.5 days shorter than the Note10’s period, yet the numbers came out on top.
The Numbers Behind the New Record
To truly appreciate this milestone, let’s break down the figures. The Galaxy Note10 and Note10+ set their record back in August 2019, with combined pre-orders of 1.38 million units. That was a massive number for a time when foldables were still a niche curiosity. The Note series had built a loyal following, and the promise of a powerful stylus-equipped device drove fans to reserve their units in droves.
Fast forward to today, and the Galaxy Z8 series has not only matched but exceeded that benchmark. The 1.44 million pre-orders represent a 4.3% increase over the Note10’s total, but the more telling stat is the pace. With a shorter pre-order window, the daily average was significantly higher, indicating a surge in consumer interest that the Note10 never saw.
Comparing to Recent Galaxy Foldables
To put this in perspective, let’s look at how previous foldables performed. The Galaxy Z Fold5 and Z Flip5, which launched in 2023, combined for around 1.02 million pre-orders in South Korea over a similar period. That was already a strong showing, but the Z8 series has blown past it by over 40%. The Z6 series, released in 2024, saw pre-orders of roughly 1.1 million, still short of the Note10’s record. Now, the Z8 has not only broken the foldable-specific record but also the all-time Galaxy pre-order record.
Industry analysts attribute this surge to several factors: improved durability, more refined designs, and a growing acceptance of foldables as mainstream devices. The Z8 series, with its slimmer profile and enhanced hinge mechanism, has addressed many of the pain points that previously held back foldable adoption.
What Drove the Surge in Pre-Orders?
Enhanced Durability and Design
One of the biggest hurdles for foldables has always been durability. Early models were prone to screen creases, hinge failures, and dust ingress. The Z8 series has tackled these issues head-on. The new Ultra Thin Glass (UTG) layer is reportedly more resilient, and the hinge mechanism now uses a dual-rail structure that better disperses impact. This has given consumers more confidence in the long-term viability of the device.
Additionally, the design has been refined. The Z8 and Z8 Plus are noticeably thinner and lighter than their predecessors, making them feel more like traditional slab phones when closed. The Z8 Ultra, with its larger cover display, offers a more versatile experience that appeals to power users who want a phone and tablet in one.
Aggressive Pricing and Trade-In Offers
Samsung also played a strategic game with pricing. The Z8 series launched with a starting price that undercut the previous generation, and trade-in deals were more generous than ever. In South Korea, customers could receive up to $500 off by trading in older Galaxy devices, making the upgrade path more accessible. This aggressive pricing strategy likely contributed to the pre-order spike.
Marketing and Hype
Samsung’s marketing campaign for the Z8 series was also more extensive than for previous foldables. The company leveraged social media influencers, ran teaser campaigns that highlighted the new features, and even partnered with popular K-pop groups to generate buzz. The result was a level of anticipation that translated directly into pre-orders.
The Broader Implications for the Foldable Market
This record-breaking performance is not just a win for Samsung; it’s a signal that the foldable market has finally come of age. For years, foldables were seen as experimental devices for early adopters. But with the Z8 series, we’re seeing mainstream acceptance. The fact that it outsold the Note10—a beloved classic—is a clear indicator that consumers are ready to embrace the foldable form factor.
This also puts pressure on competitors like Google and Motorola. Google’s Pixel Fold has been well-received, but it hasn’t come close to Samsung’s sales volumes. Motorola’s Razr series has carved out a niche, but it still trails Samsung in market share. The Z8’s success could force other manufacturers to step up their game, leading to more innovation and lower prices across the board.
What This Means for Samsung’s Strategy
For Samsung, the Z8’s success validates its decision to double down on foldables. The company has been gradually shifting its flagship focus from the Galaxy S series to the Z series, and this record suggests that bet is paying off. In fact, some analysts predict that foldables could account for over 50% of Samsung’s premium smartphone sales by 2027.
Samsung is also likely to expand its foldable lineup in the coming years. Rumors of a Z8 FE (Fan Edition) have been circulating, which would offer a more affordable entry point into the foldable ecosystem. If that materializes, it could further accelerate adoption.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the record-breaking pre-orders, Samsung still faces challenges. The foldable market is still a fraction of the overall smartphone market, and there are lingering concerns about long-term durability and battery life. Additionally, the high price point—even with discounts—remains a barrier for many consumers.
However, the Z8’s success shows that there is a substantial appetite for innovation. As production costs decrease and technology improves, we can expect foldables to become more affordable and even more reliable. The Z8 series has set a new benchmark, and it will be interesting to see how the next generation builds on this momentum.
Final Thoughts on the Z8’s Record-Breaking Run
The Galaxy Z8 series has done what no other Galaxy phone could do in over five years: it toppled the Note10’s pre-order record. With 1.44 million units reserved in just six days, the Z8 has proven that foldables are no longer a niche experiment—they’re the future of smartphones. This achievement is a testament to Samsung’s relentless innovation and its ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences.
For consumers, the Z8 series offers a compelling mix of cutting-edge technology and practical usability. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or a casual user looking for something different, the Z8 is a strong contender. And for the industry, this record is a wake-up call: the foldable era is here to stay, and Samsung is leading the charge.
As the Z8 series begins shipping to customers, all eyes will be on the actual sales numbers. If the pre-order figures are any indication, Samsung is poised for one of its most successful product launches ever. The Note10’s reign is over, but the legacy of innovation that defined it lives on in the Z8.
