Samsung launches Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra with upgraded screens, cameras and AI features
Samsung’s new Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra adds a brighter foldable display, a 200 MP main camera and on-device AI tools, but its $2,100 price keeps it out of reach for most consumers.
Samsung unveiled its 2026 flagship foldable, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, positioning it as a modest upgrade over the previous model. The device retains the tablet-sized 8-inch internal Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, now rated at 3000 nits and equipped with an anti-reflective coating and a new "Titanium Flex" layer that reduces the visible crease. When folded, the 6.5-inch cover display matches the size of standard smartphones and uses Gorilla Glass Ceramic.
Powered by a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor customized for Samsung, the phone offers 12 GB of RAM (up to 16 GB in higher-storage variants) and storage options ranging from 256 GB to 1 TB. Benchmarks place it near the top of current smartphones, though sustained performance may drop 30-40 % under heavy load due to thermal limits. Battery capacity has been increased to 5,000 mAh, and fast charging has been upgraded to 45 W, allowing roughly 63 % charge in half an hour.
The camera system includes a 200 MP primary sensor, a 10 MP telephoto lens with 3× optical zoom, and a new 50 MP ultrawide sensor. While the main sensor delivers bright, high-resolution images, the telephoto lens is limited by its small size, and the camera module protrudes noticeably from the rear glass. Video recording supports up to 8K at 30 fps with enhanced stabilization.
Samsung’s One UI 9 continues to emphasize multitasking, offering flexible window management that can run three apps simultaneously in split-screen mode. The company also expands its Galaxy AI portfolio, integrating on-device Gemini AI for features such as Now Brief, Now Nudge, and app automations, as well as call-screening similar to that found on Pixel devices. Some AI functions are optional and run locally to protect user data.
At a launch price of $2,100, the Z Fold 8 Ultra is only slightly more expensive than its predecessor but remains far costlier than conventional smartphones. Samsung reports strong sales for its foldable line, though they still lag behind flat-screen models.
"The hinge feels smooth and springy, and the device folds flat enough to fit in a pocket," a Samsung spokesperson said.
Overall, the Z Fold 8 Ultra delivers refined hardware and software improvements, but its high price and modest camera upgrades may limit broader adoption.