Samsung Launches Eighth-Generation Galaxy Z Foldable Series

Samsung has officially released its eighth-generation family of Galaxy Z foldable smartphones. The new lineup introduces a new middle-tier option alongside its flagship and compact models, offering consumers three distinct form factors: the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, the Galaxy Z Fold8, and the Galaxy Z Flip8. While each device targets a different user preference, they share several core hardware upgrades and design refinements.

Shared Technology and Core Specifications

Despite their differing sizes and form factors, all three eighth-generation foldables share key display and performance technologies. Each device features Samsung’s Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, supporting a 120-Hz refresh rate, HDR, and a peak brightness of up to 3,000 nits to improve readability in direct sunlight. The screens also include built-in features to filter blue light and minimize eye strain.

To improve durability, the Fold8 Ultra and Fold8 incorporate a specialized Flex Titanium layer. This titanium-alloy film is designed to reduce the visibility of the screen crease, provide extra flexibility, and deliver a flatter, smoother display surface with an anti-reflective finish. All three models are built with Samsung’s scratch-resistant Advanced Armor Aluminum frame, which helps protect the devices from minor drops, and they carry an IP48 rating for water and dust resistance.

Under the hood, the entire lineup is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor. The standard configuration for all three models includes 12 GB of RAM paired with either 256 GB or 512 GB of storage. For users requiring more capacity, the Fold8 Ultra and Fold8 are also available in configurations featuring 16 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage. Connectivity across the lineup includes Wi-Fi 7, while the Fold8 Ultra and Fold8 also feature Ultra Wideband (UWB) support.

The Flagship Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra

The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra stands as the largest and most expensive model in the new lineup, starting at $2,100 for the 256 GB base model. Designed for users who want maximum screen real estate, it features a 6.5-inch cover display that mimics a standard smartphone when closed. Unfolding the device reveals an 8-inch main display. The Fold8 Ultra weighs 215 grams and measures 4.1 mm thick when unfolded, making it the thinnest of the three models when open.

The Fold8 Ultra is equipped with a 5,000-mAh battery, which is significantly larger than its predecessor, the Fold7. It supports 45-watt wired fast charging and 20-watt fast wireless charging, alongside Wireless PowerShare for topping up accessories. However, the device does not feature magnetic Qi2 wireless charging alignment.

The camera system is a major differentiator for the Ultra model. It features a 200-megapixel main camera, a 50-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a 10-megapixel telephoto lens with 3X optical zoom. Both the main and ultrawide cameras are capable of recording 8K video, supported by various AI-assisted photo and video editing tools. The device is available in Violet Shadow, Graphite, Cream, and Green Shadow.

The New Form Factor: Galaxy Z Fold8

The standard Galaxy Z Fold8 introduces a new, shorter, and wider form factor to the lineup, starting at $1,900. Measuring 124 mm tall and 161 mm wide when unfolded, it is shorter but wider than the Fold8 Ultra. When folded, its width is 82 mm compared to the Ultra's 73 mm, resulting in a shorter, squatter appearance that may require some user adjustment. Despite its wider profile, it is the lightest large-screen foldable on the market at 201 grams.

The Fold8 features a 7.6-inch inner display with a 4:3 landscape or 3:4 portrait aspect ratio, alongside a 5.5-inch cover screen. It is powered by a 4,800-mAh battery and supports the same 45-watt wired and 20-watt wireless charging speeds as the Ultra model.

Unlike the Ultra, the Fold8 does not include a telephoto lens. Its camera setup consists of a 50-megapixel wide lens and a 50-megapixel ultrawide lens, offering up to 10X digital zoom and 8K video recording. It introduces software features like dual recording and "FanCam," a post-video editing tool that automatically centers and reframes a selected subject for social media. Color options include Lavender, Graphite, Cream, and Pistachio.

The Compact Galaxy Z Flip8

For users prioritizing portability, the Galaxy Z Flip8 offers a traditional clamshell design starting at $1,200. It is the thinnest and lightest flip phone in the world, weighing 180 grams. The device features a 4.1-inch cover screen that supports a 60/120 Hz refresh rate, and it opens up to reveal a 6.9-inch main display.

The Flip8 is equipped with a 4,300-mAh battery. Due to its smaller size, its charging speeds are slightly lower than its larger siblings, topping out at 25-watt wired and 15-watt wireless charging. It still supports Wireless PowerShare but lacks UWB connectivity.

The camera system on the Flip8 includes a 50-megapixel main shooter and a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera, with video recording maxing out at 4K resolution. The rear of the device is constructed with reinforced polymer, while the cover screen uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. It is available in Pink, Graphite, Cream, and Mint.

Purchasing Details and New Wearables

All three smartphones are available unlocked directly from Samsung's website, which offers exclusive color options, trade-in promotions, and a six-month trial of Google AI Pro. Customers purchasing with a Galaxy Card in the US can earn 5 percent cash rewards on direct Samsung purchases, 3 percent on Samsung Wallet transactions, 2 percent on streaming services, and 1 percent on other purchases made with the physical card.

Alongside the smartphones, Samsung has updated its wearable lineup. The new Galaxy Watch Ultra2, priced at $700, features a Snapdragon Wear Elite chipset, a titanium case, and a display reaching up to 5,000 nits of brightness. It offers specialized tracking for pro-level sports, hydration, and diving depth. The Galaxy Watch9 starts at $380 for the Bluetooth model, featuring a 3,000-nit display, a 390-mAh battery, and personalized health and fitness tracking metrics.