Samsung’s Foldable Lineup: The Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra Unveiled
At Samsung’s recent Unpacked event, the company introduced three foldable devices, one more than usual. Included were the anticipated Galaxy Z Flip 8 and the newly named Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. However, it was the Galaxy Z Fold 8, with its compact and broad, passport-like design, that sparked the most interest and conversation.
Before the event, tech YouTuber MKBHD had access to all three devices. His reaction to the base Fold 8 was unexpectedly positive. In his first-look video, he expressed increased fondness for the device after extended use, saying, “Yeah, I’m really impressed by how much I like the smaller Fold, and I can really see myself… dailying it.” Such an endorsement from a seasoned reviewer brings significant attention to the device.
Reimagining the Fold 8
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra continues the traditional upright, candy-bar form, similar to the Z Fold 7, focusing on flagship features with minor updates. It features an 8-inch inner display, a 200MP main camera with a 10MP 3x telephoto lens, a 5,000mAh silicon-carbon battery, and 45W wired charging. Its starting price is $2,099, which is $100 more than the previous model, a detail noted by Ben Wood from CCS Insight.
In contrast, the regular Z Fold 8 presents a unique design. When closed, it measures about 4.8 by 3.2 inches, resembling a passport, a first for Samsung. The internal 7.6-inch screen opens to a 4:3 aspect ratio, perfect for full-display photo viewing. The external 5.5-inch screen with thin bezels enhances the camera viewfinder’s frame coverage compared to the Ultra’s taller display. Weighing 201 grams, it is akin to the Galaxy S26 Plus, remarkable given its dual screens and 4,500mAh battery.
Technical Features
The Fold 8 models both feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and Samsung’s Flex Titanium hinge design, reducing the center crease’s visibility. The anti-reflective inner display can reach 3,000 nits of peak brightness. MKBHD rated the crease reduction as notable, comparing Samsung’s improvement to rival Oppo’s Find N6.
The Fold 8 lacks a telephoto lens but includes a 50MP main and ultrawide camera. The absence of Flex mode is a trade-off for its $1,899 price at launch, available from August 7 with pre-orders open now.
Samsung vs. Apple in the Foldable Market
With Apple predicted to release a foldable iPhone in 2026, Samsung’s Fold 8 strategy preemptively asserts dominance in the compact foldable market. Though Oppo and Google explored similar shapes earlier, they shifted towards the taller formats Samsung champions. Samsung’s dual approach has the Ultra catering to multitaskers and the Fold 8 appealing to those interested in Apple’s potential design.
MKBHD likened the Fold 8’s form factor to the best aspects of the Surface Duo, highlighting its hardware and suitability for e-reading due to its lightweight design. If Samsung’s execution matches its strategy, the clever positioning may pay off.
The Z Flip 8, priced at $1,199, features the Snapdragon chip with a slightly thinner body, aligning with anticipated updates. Samsung prioritizes production of the Fold 8, indicating confidence in its broader market appeal. Given MKBHD’s surprised enjoyment of the device, Samsung’s gamble might prove less risky than the price tag suggests.