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The Galaxy Z Fold 8 needs battery banks that actually fit; iPhone Duo might help

Magnetic battery banks aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s hard to argue with the convenience factor they deliver. Samsung’s camera design already makes these difficult on Galaxy devices, but Galaxy Z Fold 8 only makes matters worse with a short form factor that leaves battery banks hanging way over the edge. iPhone Duo might help matters here, but the same old problem remains.

The Qi ring on Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 is very low on any already-short frame, which leaves magnetic wallets and battery banks well out of place on the foldable, hanging down below the bottom of the device. It’s a problem begging for a solution, and one that other wide foldables are also going to run into.

Is the iPhone Duo the solution to Samsung’s problem?

Not just yet. The iPhone Duo is bringing about a new wave of smaller Qi2 battery banks to fit the short and stout form factor. BMX just launched one of the first models with a solid-state battery specifically designed to fit the Duo. It has a kickstand ring and a little display to show battery percentage, with 5,000 mAh of power and a fit that doesn’t hang below the bottom edge of Apple’s first foldable.

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I was hoping this would work on the Galaxy Z Fold 8, but BMX tells 9to5Google that this power bank won’t fit on Samsung’s device due to the camera. Foiled again!

Samsung’s camera design continues to be a problem here, which is why it’s nice that Samsung might be moving to something new on some of its Galaxy S27 devices. But, in the meantime, it remains a problem for existing users.

While BMX says the battery bank won’t fit perfectly on the Fold 8, it’s likely still a major improvement. The $80 power bank is available for purchase now, and it probably won’t be the last battery designed for the Duo and, in turn, a better fit for the Fold 8.

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Avatar for Ben Schoon Ben Schoon

Ben is a Senior Editor for 9to5Google.

Find him on Twitter @NexusBen. Send tips to schoon@9to5g.com or encrypted to benschoon@protonmail.com.