The wobble that’s still holding foldables back
When Samsung launched the first Galaxy Fold in 2019, the industry treated it as a curiosity. Seven years on, the technology has matured – the hinges are smoother, the inner displays are brighter, and the overall thickness has shrunk. Yet a surprisingly simple physical flaw continues to nag owners: the phone rocks back and forth when it sits flat on a table.
The culprit isn’t a loose hinge or a cheap chassis; it’s the camera module that sticks out from the back of the device. Engadget’s Filipe Espósito highlighted the problem in a recent piece, noting that the Galaxy Z Fold 8 – and its pricier sibling, the Z Fold 8 Ultra – have a vertically‑mounted rear camera that protrudes enough to make the phone wobble noticeably.
“The camera bump is actually a pretty clever idea… but in real life, that massive bump makes your phone wobble a lot when it’s sitting on a table,” — Engadget
Why the bump exists
Modern smartphone cameras need space for larger sensors, optical zoom lenses and, increasingly, per‑pixel phase‑detect autofocus. Foldable phones try to keep the overall profile thin so the device feels like a regular phone when folded. The only way to accommodate the extra lens depth without thickening the whole chassis is to push the camera lenses out of the body – creating the familiar “camera plateau.”
On a conventional slab phone this is a minor inconvenience; the bump is only a few millimetres and the device sits on a flat surface without much movement. On a foldable, however, the rear camera sits higher than the rest of the chassis and, because the back panel is often made of a flexible polymer rather than rigid glass, the centre of gravity shifts. The result is a perceptible wobble that can be irritating when you’re watching a video or typing on a flat surface.
Real‑world complaints
Reddit threads dedicated to the Z Fold 8 are peppered with screenshots of the phone rocking back and forth on a desk. Some users have taken extreme measures – dismantling the rear camera assembly entirely – just to eliminate the wobble. While that’s obviously not a viable solution for most, it underlines how annoyed owners can become.
The issue isn’t limited to Samsung. Early‑generation Huawei Mate X 3 and Motorola Razr 40 Ultra also sport camera protrusions, though their designs place the bump more centrally, reducing the wobble effect. Still, any foldable that relies on a raised camera will face the same physics.
What does this mean for UK buyers?
For consumers hunting for a contract deal, the wobble problem adds another layer of hesitation. Foldables sit at the top end of the price spectrum – the Z Fold 8 retails for US$1,799 (about £1,450) and the Z Fold 8 Ultra tops out at US$2,099 (roughly £1,690). Those figures are already a steep premium over flagship slab phones like the Samsung Galaxy S 26 Ultra or the Google Pixel 8 Pro.
If you’re looking to spread the cost over a 24‑month contract with a UK carrier, you’ll likely be paying £70‑£80 a month for a foldable, compared with £45‑£55 for a high‑end non‑folding phone. Adding a bulky protective case – the most practical way to dampen the wobble – can push the monthly cost even higher.
Possible work‑arounds
- Thick, rubberised cases – Brands such as Spigen, OtterBox and ESR now sell cases specifically designed for the Z Fold 8 that add a few millimetres of rubber around the camera module, stabilising the phone on flat surfaces.
- Flat‑back accessories – Small silicone pads that stick to the back of the phone can level the surface, though they may affect wireless charging efficiency.
- Future design shifts – Some analysts speculate that manufacturers may accept a slightly thicker chassis to accommodate a flat rear, but market pressure for ultra‑slim devices makes this unlikely in the near term.
The bigger picture – upcoming competition
Apple is rumored to unveil its first foldable iPhone as early as next month. While details are scarce, analysts expect Apple to adopt a horizontal camera layout similar to the iPhone 15 Pro, potentially avoiding the vertical protrusion that Samsung uses. If Apple can integrate a flat‑back design while keeping the camera performance high, the wobble issue could become a differentiator.
However, Apple’s foldable is also expected to carry a premium price tag, likely north of £2,000, and will initially launch on a limited carrier basis in the UK. Until the device lands in stores, Samsung remains the most accessible foldable for contract shoppers.
Should you still consider a foldable?
The answer depends on how you value the tablet‑sized inner display versus the physical quirks. If you spend a lot of time consuming media, multitasking with several apps, or need a large canvas for note‑taking, the Fold 8’s 7.6‑inch inner screen can replace a separate tablet. On the other hand, if you’re primarily a pocket‑sized communicator and are sensitive to price, the wobble – plus the crease in the middle of the screen and limited app optimisation – may outweigh the benefits.
For UK contract shoppers, the key takeaway is to test the device in‑store before committing to a long‑term plan. Feel the camera bump, place the phone on a flat surface, and see whether the wobble feels tolerable. If it doesn’t, consider waiting for the next generation – or for Apple’s entry – which may finally resolve the design compromise that has plagued foldables for the past seven years.
Engadget’s original article was published on 6 September 2026. This piece has been rewritten for android‑mobiles.co.uk, with additional UK‑focused context and pricing information.
