Samsung has unveiled its Galaxy Z Fold8 lineup, featuring three distinct foldable models designed to cater to various user preferences and needs.
Samsung has expanded its foldable phone offerings with the introduction of three new models in the Galaxy Z Fold8 lineup. Each device is tailored for different user experiences, running on Android 17 with One UI 9 and enhanced Galaxy AI capabilities.
The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is designed for users seeking a device that combines the functionality of a smartphone and a small tablet. It features an expansive 8-inch main display, allowing users to multitask with two apps side by side. For instance, you can keep your email open while checking your calendar or enjoy a video while browsing related content. The device also boasts a 6.5-inch outer screen, which resembles a traditional smartphone display, enabling quick access to tasks without the need to unfold the phone.
When opened, the Fold8 Ultra measures approximately 0.16 inches thick and weighs around 7.6 ounces, making it relatively lightweight for a device of its size. However, it does present more bulk compared to standard smartphones. The camera system is the most advanced in the lineup, featuring a 200 MP main camera that captures intricate details, particularly beneficial for cropping or enlarging photos. Additionally, a 50 MP ultra-wide camera is included for landscapes and group shots, along with a dedicated telephoto camera offering 3x optical zoom—an advantage not found in the other two models.
The Fold8 Ultra is powered by a 5,000 mAh battery and supports 45-watt wired charging, although a compatible charger must be purchased separately. Samsung has also integrated enhanced cooling features to maintain performance during multitasking or high-resolution video recording. The starting price for the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is $2,099.99 for the 256 GB storage option, with 512 GB and 1 TB variants available.
In contrast, the regular Galaxy Z Fold8 adopts a different design approach. It features a shorter and wider shape rather than the taller design of its predecessors. The 5.5-inch cover screen allows for quick tasks while the phone is closed, and upon opening, users are greeted with a 7.6-inch main display that resembles a small tablet. This wider screen is ideal for reading articles, e-books, and websites, as well as enhancing the viewing experience for movies and games.
Weighing approximately 7.1 ounces, the Fold8 is touted as Samsung’s lightest Galaxy Z Fold to date. When opened, it measures about 0.18 inches thick and 0.38 inches when closed, making it more comfortable for extended reading sessions or video calls. The device is equipped with two 50 MP rear cameras—one for standard photos and the other for wider shots. While it can record video in up to 8K resolution, it lacks a dedicated telephoto camera, relying instead on a digital zoom that reaches 10x, which does not match the optical clarity of the Ultra model.
The Fold8 shares the same Snapdragon processor as the Ultra and is powered by a 4,800 mAh battery. It also supports 45-watt wired charging with a separately sold compatible charger. The starting price for the Galaxy Z Fold8 is $1,899.99 for the 256 GB version, with options for 512 GB and 1 TB storage.
The Galaxy Z Flip8, the most compact model in the lineup, resembles a traditional smartphone when opened but folds in half for easy portability. Its main screen measures 6.9 inches, while a 4.1-inch FlexWindow remains accessible when the phone is closed. This smaller screen allows users to check the weather, view their calendar, or respond to messages without needing to open the device, minimizing distractions from other notifications.
Weighing in at about 6.3 ounces, the Flip8 is the lightest of Samsung’s new foldables, measuring approximately 0.24 inches thick when opened. It features a 50 MP main camera and a 12 MP ultra-wide camera, and its folding design allows it to stand on a table, making hands-free video calls or group photos more convenient. The outer screen also provides a preview for selfies taken with the main camera. Samsung has incorporated tools to help stabilize video while moving, enhancing the overall user experience.
The Flip8 is powered by a 4,300 mAh battery and supports 25-watt wired charging, capable of reaching up to 55% in about 30 minutes under optimal conditions. The starting price for the Galaxy Z Flip8 is $1,199.99 for the 256 GB model, with a 512 GB version also available.
All three models run on Android 17 and feature Samsung’s One UI 9 software, which includes two new Galaxy AI functionalities. Now Brief provides a personalized daily summary, aggregating weather, appointments, and reminders into one view, while Now Nudge suggests helpful next steps based on on-screen activity. For instance, if a date is mentioned during a conversation, the phone may prompt you to check your calendar.
Samsung has also introduced Gemini Intelligence, which can manage broader requests across supported applications, such as finding restaurants or making reservations. Users are advised to review any significant actions involving travel or purchases before confirming. The new AI Assistant Activity dashboard offers visibility into actions the phone has taken on your behalf, while Privacy Alerts notify users when apps attempt to access certain permissions in the background. Security features like Knox and Knox Vault are included to safeguard sensitive information.
Samsung employs a new Flex Titanium structure beneath the folding displays, enhancing support and reducing the visibility of the crease. The Fold screens can achieve brightness levels of up to 3,000 nits, and a low-reflection finish improves outdoor visibility. All three devices carry an IP48 water resistance rating.
For users transitioning from an iPhone, Samsung has updated its Smart Switch feature, allowing for wireless transfer of supported information via QR code without needing to install additional apps. This includes passwords, call history, and more, depending on the device and carrier. Quick Share now supports AirDrop compatibility, facilitating file exchanges between Galaxy and Apple devices.
Preorders for the Galaxy Z Fold8 lineup are currently open through Samsung, major U.S. carriers, and participating retailers, with general availability set to begin on August 7, 2026. The Fold8 Ultra is available in Graphite, Cream, and Violet Shadow, with Green Shadow as an online-exclusive color. The Fold8 comes in Graphite, Cream, and Lavender, with Pistachio as an online-exclusive option. The Flip8 is offered in Graphite, Cream, and Pink, with Mint as an online-exclusive choice.
Samsung is promoting savings of up to $1,200 with eligible trade-ins during the preorder period. Buyers opting out of trade-ins may receive up to $200 in Samsung credit for eligible add-ons. Each model also includes a six-month trial of Google AI Pro, which provides 5 TB of cloud storage, with a monthly fee of $19.99 thereafter unless canceled.
With these new offerings, Samsung has clarified the distinctions between its foldable devices. The Fold8 Ultra emphasizes a larger workspace and superior camera capabilities, while the standard Fold8 is geared towards reading and entertainment. The Flip8 caters to users seeking a compact device. The introduction of two Fold models allows for greater flexibility based on user needs, and the new AI tools enhance the overall experience. Ultimately, the decision on which model best suits your daily use will depend on your preferences for screen size, portability, and the latest AI features.
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