Samsung has unveiled three new foldable phones in its Galaxy Z Fold8 lineup, each designed to cater to different user needs with unique screen sizes and features.
Samsung is expanding its Galaxy Z foldable phone lineup with the introduction of three new models, each targeting distinct user preferences and functionalities. The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is tailored for productivity and photography, while the standard Galaxy Z Fold8 offers a versatile experience for reading, gaming, and media consumption. The Galaxy Z Flip8, on the other hand, emphasizes compactness and accessibility with enhanced AI tools on its outer screen.
The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is designed for users who desire a device that functions as both a smartphone and a small tablet. It features an impressive 8-inch main display, allowing users to multitask by viewing two apps simultaneously. For instance, one could keep their email open alongside a calendar or watch a video while researching related content. The device also boasts a 6.5-inch outer screen that operates similarly to a traditional smartphone display, minimizing the need to open the phone for everyday tasks.
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, users may notice more bulk compared to conventional smartphones. The Fold8 Ultra is equipped with a robust camera system, featuring a 200 MP main camera that captures intricate details, particularly beneficial for cropping or enlarging images. Additionally, a 50 MP ultra-wide camera is included for landscape and group shots, along with a dedicated telephoto camera that offers 3x optical zoom—an advantage not found in the other two models.
The device is powered by a 5,000 mAh battery and supports 45-watt wired charging, although a compatible charger must be purchased separately. Samsung has incorporated advanced cooling technology to ensure optimal performance during multitasking or high-resolution video recording. The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra starts at $2,099.99 for the 256 GB storage option, with 512 GB and 1 TB variants also available.
In contrast, the standard Galaxy Z Fold8 adopts a different design philosophy. Rather than following the taller form factor of its predecessors, it features a shorter and wider shape. The 5.5-inch cover screen facilitates 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 enhances the reading experience for articles, e-books, and websites, while also providing ample space for movies and games.
Weighing in at approximately 7.1 ounces, the Fold8 is marketed as Samsung’s lightest Galaxy Z Fold to date. It measures about 0.18 inches thick when opened and 0.38 inches when closed, making it easier to handle during extended reading sessions or video calls. The Fold8 features two 50 MP rear cameras, one for standard photography and the other for capturing wider views. 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 but does not match the optical clarity of the Ultra model. The Fold8 is powered by a 4,800 mAh battery and also supports 45-watt wired charging with a separately sold charger. The starting price for the Galaxy Z Fold8 is $1,899.99 for the 256 GB model, with 512 GB and 1 TB options available.
The Galaxy Z Flip8 is the most compact of the three models, resembling a traditional smartphone when opened and folding in half for easy portability. Its main screen measures 6.9 inches, while a 4.1-inch FlexWindow remains accessible when the device is closed. This smaller screen allows users to check the weather, view their calendar, or respond to messages without needing to open the phone, helping to minimize distractions from notifications.
Weighing about 6.3 ounces, the Flip8 is the lightest option in Samsung’s new foldable lineup, measuring approximately 0.24 inches thick when opened. It features a 50 MP main camera and a 12 MP ultra-wide camera, with its folding design enabling hands-free use for video calls or group photos. Users can position the phone on a table, adjust the angle, and take selfies with the main camera while previewing the shot on the outer screen. The Flip8 is powered by a 4,300 mAh battery that supports 25-watt wired charging, 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 devices run on Android 17 with Samsung’s One UI 9 software, incorporating two new Galaxy AI features. Now Brief provides a personalized daily summary of essential information, such as weather updates and upcoming appointments, while Now Nudge suggests helpful next steps based on user activity. For instance, if a date is mentioned in a conversation, the phone may prompt the user to check their calendar. Gemini Intelligence can handle broader requests across supported apps, such as finding restaurants or making reservations.
Samsung has also introduced an AI Assistant Activity dashboard, allowing users to review actions taken by the phone on their behalf. Privacy Alerts notify users when apps attempt to access certain permissions in the background, while Knox and Knox Vault provide enhanced security for sensitive information. The new Flex Titanium structure beneath the folding displays aims to support the screens and reduce the visibility of creases, while the displays can reach up to 3,000 nits of brightness for improved outdoor visibility. All three models carry an IP48 water resistance rating.
Samsung has updated its Smart Switch feature to facilitate the transition from iPhones, enabling users to transfer supported information wirelessly by scanning a QR code. This process can include passwords, call history, and other essential data, making the switch to Galaxy devices more seamless. Additionally, Quick Share now supports AirDrop, allowing file exchanges between Galaxy and Apple devices.
Preorders for the new Galaxy Z Fold8 models 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 offered exclusively online. The Flip8 is available in Graphite, Cream, and Pink, with Mint as an online-exclusive option.
Samsung is promoting savings of up to $1,200 with eligible trade-ins during the preorder period, while buyers opting for no trade-in 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 offers 5 TB of cloud storage, with a subscription fee of $19.99 per month after the trial period unless canceled.
With the new Galaxy Z Fold8 lineup, 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 offers a compact design that shrinks when closed. Ultimately, the choice will depend on individual preferences regarding screen size, portability, and the utility of Samsung’s latest AI features. Do you think a larger folding screen would enhance your daily smartphone experience? Let us know your thoughts at Cyberguy.com.
According to CyberGuy, Samsung’s latest offerings are designed to meet diverse user needs while integrating advanced technology and AI features.