Samsung unveils Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra with modest upgrades and premium price

Samsung has begun taking pre-orders for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, the company’s latest high-end foldable smartphone, with a base price of $2,100 and a 1TB configuration costing $2,700. The device retains the same overall design as the Z Fold 7, but features a slightly more pronounced lip between the inner and outer displays, rounded edges, and a redesigned hinge that eases opening and reduces the visibility of the screen crease.

Under the hood, the phone runs Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy processor, a marginally faster chip than its predecessor, and includes a larger 5,000 mAh battery that uses silicon-carbon technology. While the battery capacity is higher, real-world tests show only a small improvement in endurance, and fast-charging has been upgraded to 45 W, still lagging behind rivals offering 80 W.

Camera hardware remains largely unchanged, with a 200 MP main sensor and 10 MP telephoto lens, while the ultrawide sensor has been increased to 50 MP. Reviewers note that image quality is solid for everyday use but does not match Samsung’s non-folding Ultra flagship line.

The 8-inch inner display keeps its 2,256 × 2,504 resolution, now featuring an anti-reflective coating that lessens glare and makes the crease less noticeable. The 6.5-inch cover screen is unchanged.

Software runs Android 17 with OneUI 9, adding new AI tools such as FanCam for automatic video cropping and generative-AI image editing, though their practical benefits appear limited.

Analysts suggest the Z Fold 8 Ultra is not a compelling upgrade for owners of the Z Fold 7, but may appeal to users of older foldables or those seeking a premium foldable for the first time, especially if they can find promotional pricing.

"The new hinge and slight gap between displays make the phone easier to grip and open," a Samsung spokesperson said.

"The battery uses silicon-carbon technology, which in theory should improve efficiency," the company added.