Samsung has introduced three new Galaxy Z foldable smartphones this week, offering consumers a range of choices tailored to different needs and preferences. The lineup includes the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, designed for productivity and advanced photography; the regular Galaxy Z Fold8, optimized for reading, gaming, and media consumption; and the Galaxy Z Flip8, a compact model that emphasizes portability and hands-free use. Each device runs on Android 17 with Samsung's One UI 9 software and incorporates Galaxy AI features, including a personalized daily summary tool called Now Brief.
The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is positioned as the most powerful model in the series, targeting users who want a device that can function as both a smartphone and a small tablet. It features an 8-inch main display when opened, allowing users to run two apps simultaneously, such as email alongside a calendar or a video while browsing related information. The 6.5-inch cover screen operates like a traditional smartphone display, enabling quick tasks without unfolding the device. Samsung reports that the Fold8 Ultra measures approximately 0.16 inches thick when opened and weighs about 7.6 ounces, making it relatively light for a large folding screen, though it still carries more bulk than conventional phones.
The camera system on the Fold8 Ultra is the most advanced in the lineup, featuring a 200-megapixel main sensor that captures detailed images suitable for cropping or enlarging. It also includes a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens for landscapes and group shots, as well as a dedicated telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, which is absent in the other two models. This zoom capability is useful for photographing distant subjects, such as a child on stage or an animal across a yard. The device is powered by a 5,000 mAh battery and supports 45-watt wired charging, though a compatible charger must be purchased separately. Samsung has also added extra cooling to maintain performance during multitasking or high-resolution video recording. The Fold8 Ultra starts at $2,099.99 for the 256 GB storage version, with 512 GB and 1 TB options available.
The regular Galaxy Z Fold8 takes a different design approach, adopting a shorter and wider shape compared to previous Fold models. Its 5.5-inch cover screen handles quick tasks while closed, and opening the device reveals a 7.6-inch main display with a shape closer to a small tablet. This wider screen is intended to make reading articles, e-books, and websites more comfortable, while also providing a better viewing experience for movies and games with less unused space. Samsung describes this as its lightest Galaxy Z Fold to date, weighing about 7.1 ounces and measuring 0.18 inches thick when opened and 0.38 inches when closed. The reduced weight may make it easier to hold during extended reading sessions or video calls.
The Fold8 is equipped with two 50-megapixel rear cameras: one for everyday photography and another for wider shots. It can record video in up to 8K resolution, but lacks a dedicated telephoto lens, relying instead on digital zoom up to 10x, which may not match the clarity of the Ultra's optical zoom. The device uses the same Snapdragon processor as the Ultra and has a 4,800 mAh battery, also supporting 45-watt wired charging with a separate charger. The Galaxy Z Fold8 starts at $1,899.99 for the 256 GB model, with 512 GB and 1 TB variants available.
The Galaxy Z Flip8 is the most compact option in the lineup, resembling a traditional smartphone when open and folding in half for easy storage in a pocket or purse. Its main screen measures 6.9 inches, and when closed, a 4.1-inch FlexWindow on the outside provides access to weather updates, calendar events, and supported messages. Users can also interact with some apps and AI tools without opening the phone, which may help reduce distractions by allowing quick checks of information. The Flip8 weighs about 6.3 ounces and measures 0.24 inches thick when opened, making it the lightest of the three foldables.
The Flip8 includes a 50-megapixel main camera and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera. Its folding design allows the phone to stand on a table independently, enabling hands-free video calls or group photos. Users can place the device on a surface, adjust the angle, and step into the frame without needing a holder. The outer screen can also serve as a preview when taking selfies with the main camera. Samsung has added tools to keep video level during movement. The 4,300 mAh battery supports 25-watt wired charging, with Samsung claiming it can reach up to 55% charge in about 30 minutes under lab conditions; the charger is sold separately. The Galaxy Z Flip8 starts at $1,199.99 for the 256 GB version, with a 512 GB option available.
All three phones run Android 17 with Samsung's One UI 9 software and include Galaxy AI features. The Now Brief tool functions as a personalized daily summary, gathering information such as weather forecasts and upcoming appointments. The expanded lineup reflects Samsung's strategy to cater to diverse user preferences, from those seeking high-end productivity and camera capabilities to those prioritizing portability and ease of use.
