Samsung has launched its new flagship foldable, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, alongside the Fold 8 and Flip 8. While the 'Ultra' designation might suggest significant changes, the Z Fold 8 Ultra bears a strong resemblance to its predecessor, the Z Fold 7. Initial impressions suggest that the primary upgrades lie within, particularly in its battery and camera systems, though these improvements come with a new starting price of $2099.
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra will be available starting August 7, with the entry-level model featuring 256GB of storage and 12GB of RAM priced at $2099. Higher configurations are available, topping out at $2699 for 1TB of storage and 16GB of RAM.
Design and Display
Samsung claims the Z Fold 8 Ultra is its thinnest foldable yet, shaving off 0.1mm from the previous generation to measure 4.1mm unfolded and 8.9mm folded. However, this marginal reduction is imperceptible when comparing the two devices side-by-side. Despite the slim profile, Samsung has incorporated a new titanium alloy film beneath the display to enhance structural integrity and prevent unintended folds. The displays themselves are similar to the Fold 7, with an 8-inch unfolded display (2504 x 2256 resolution) and a 6.5-inch cover display (1080 x 2520 resolution). While the unfolded display resolution is slightly higher, the most noticeable improvement is the reduced crease, which is less pronounced than on previous models, offering a more tablet-like viewing experience when looked at head-on.
Camera and Performance
The camera system sees a notable upgrade, with the main 200MP lens now paired with a 50MP ultrawide lens, matching the specifications of the Galaxy S26 Ultra. This configuration should allow for improved performance in capturing distant subjects compared to the Z Fold 7's 12MP ultrawide.
Under the hood, the Z Fold 8 Ultra is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, the same chipset found in the Galaxy S26 Ultra. In early testing, the phone has proven to be very responsive. However, the device's thin chassis struggles with heat dissipation. Even during app installations, the phone becomes noticeably warm, and demanding tasks like gaming can make it uncomfortable to hold. This issue was present in the Fold 7, and while Samsung has introduced a new graphite cooling structure, the inherent limitations of the design may lead to thermal throttling during extended heavy workloads.
Battery Life and Value
A significant improvement for the Z Fold 8 Ultra is the inclusion of a 5000mAh battery, a considerable upgrade from the 4400mAh unit in the Fold 7. Samsung claims up to 27 hours of video playback, a figure that will be verified with further testing, but it is expected to offer improved endurance over its predecessor.
While the enhanced battery and camera are welcome additions, they may not fully justify the 'Ultra' moniker or the $2099 starting price for many consumers. The Z Fold 8 Ultra feels more like a natural evolution of the Z Fold 7, with the 'Ultra' branding seemingly intended to legitimize the price increase. For those considering the device, the standard Fold 8 offers the same chipset and a similar overall experience, albeit with a thicker build, smaller screen, and a less capable camera, making it a potentially more sensible option for the majority of users.
