After months of speculation and leaked details, Samsung has officially introduced its latest flagship foldable smartphone: the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. The device was unveiled during a Galaxy Unpacked event in London, where the company also showcased two additional foldable models and two new smartwatches. As the successor to last year's well-received Z Fold 7, the Z Fold 8 Ultra brings several hardware and software improvements while maintaining the book-style form factor that foldable enthusiasts have come to expect.

The naming convention takes a slight turn: while the Z Fold 7 was the previous top-tier model, the Z Fold 8 Ultra now sits at the pinnacle of Samsung's foldable lineup. This shift aligns with the industry trend of using "Ultra" to denote the most feature-rich and expensive variant. Alongside the Ultra, Samsung also introduced a standard Z Fold 8, which features a wider body and a lower price point for those who don't need the absolute best.

In keeping with its flagship status, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is priced at a staggering $2,099.99 — $100 more than its predecessor. This puts it firmly in the category of luxury devices, competing directly with other premium foldables and the upcoming iPhone Fold Ultra expected later this year. Despite the price hike, Samsung is offering various pre-order incentives, including a $350 e-gift card through Amazon and carrier deals that can reduce the cost by up to $1,100 for customers who meet specific terms and conditions.

Key specifications at a glance

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra's rumored specs turned out to be accurate. It runs on the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chipset, paired with either 12GB or 16GB of RAM. Storage options include 256GB, 512GB, and a spacious 1TB. The device features an 8-inch inner AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a 6.5-inch outer AMOLED display, also at 120Hz. Samsung has managed to trim the unfolded thickness to just 4.1mm, down from 5.1mm on the Z Fold 7, while keeping the weight unchanged. When folded, the phone measures 8.9mm thick. Available colors include Violet Shadow, Graphite, Cream, and Green Shadow.

One of the most significant hardware upgrades is the battery. Last year's Z Fold 7 had a 4,400mAh cell that received criticism for mediocre endurance. The new 5,000mAh battery should provide all-day usage for most users, and it supports 45W wired charging and 20W wireless charging — a welcome improvement over the previous model's slower charging speeds.

The camera system has also received a substantial overhaul. The main sensor is a 200MP wide lens, which is a major step up from the 50MP sensor on the Z Fold 7. The ultrawide camera jumps from 12MP to 50MP, dramatically increasing detail and low-light performance. Additionally, there's a 10MP selfie camera. The new camera array brings the Z Fold 8 Ultra closer to the Galaxy S26 Ultra's pro-level setup, and the phone can record 8K video, making it suitable for content creators and professionals. Early impressions suggest that image quality is excellent, though full testing will be needed to confirm improvements.

Display innovations and build quality

Samsung has introduced a new display technology called Flex Titanium, which aims to make the crease on foldable screens nearly invisible. Hands-on demos confirm that the crease is virtually gone, a remarkable achievement compared to earlier foldables. The hinge has also been reinforced for greater durability, addressing a common concern among foldable phone buyers. The device still retains an IP48 water resistance rating, protecting against splashes.

The overall design is refined, with a more seamless folding mechanism and a premium feel thanks to the use of titanium in the frame. Samsung has also improved the ultrawide camera's performance, though we need more time to evaluate its real-world benefits. The phone remains relatively heavy, but the thinner profile makes it easier to handle when unfolded.

AI and software enhancements

Beyond hardware, Samsung has added several AI-powered features exclusive to the Z Fold 8 Ultra. Two standout features are My Fan Cam and Cine LUTs. My Fan Cam uses Galaxy AI to automatically create vertical video edits from horizontal recordings. During the demo, Samsung showed how the tool could isolate the performance of a single dancer in a group, making it perfect for social media content. Cine LUTs provide four preset filters that give videos a cinematic look, boosting colors and contrast for a more professional appearance.

These AI additions complement the existing Galaxy AI suite introduced with earlier models. The phone also benefits from One UI 6.5, which includes multitasking enhancements tailored to the large inner display, such as improved split-screen support and new gestures for switching apps. Samsung promises at least four years of major OS upgrades and five years of security patches, ensuring longevity.

Comparison with competitors

As of July, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is arguably the most advanced foldable phone on the market. Its main competitor is the upcoming Apple iPhone Fold Ultra, expected in September, which is rumored to have a smaller display and fewer cameras. Android rivals like the Google Pixel Fold 2 and OnePlus Open 2 are also contenders, but Samsung's decade of foldable experience gives it an edge in refinement and software optimization. The Z Fold 8 Ultra's 200MP camera and 5,000mAh battery set a new benchmark.

However, the high price remains a barrier. At $2,099.99, it's $100 more than last year's model and $500 more than many flagship slab phones. Samsung's decision to launch a dedicated Galaxy credit card to help with financing suggests that even the company recognizes the affordability challenge. Carrier deals and trade-in offers can lower the cost significantly, but the upfront investment is steep.

Availability and pre-order details

Pre-orders for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra began on the day of the announcement, with the phone officially launching on August 7. It can be purchased directly from Samsung, as well as from Amazon (with a $350 e-gift card) and major carriers like T-Mobile and Verizon. Customers who pre-order through carriers can save up to $1,100 depending on trade-in devices and plan eligibility. Storage configurations start at 256GB, but the 1TB variant is available for those who need ample space for photos and videos.

For early adopters, the Z Fold 8 Ultra represents the pinnacle of foldable technology. The combination of a nearly invisible crease, a high-resolution camera, a larger battery, and AI-powered software makes it a compelling choice for tech enthusiasts and creative professionals. However, the price tag may deter mainstream buyers, who might consider the standard Z Fold 8 or other alternatives. Nonetheless, Samsung continues to push the boundaries of what foldables can do, setting the stage for the next generation of mobile devices.

Source: Mashable News