At Samsung’s recent Unpacked event, the company introduced three foldable devices, expanding its typical annual offerings. While the Galaxy Z Flip 8 and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra were anticipated, the distinctive Galaxy Z Fold 8, known for its compact, passport-like form, emerged as a point of intrigue. This unexpected unveiling ignited discussions in the tech community.
Tech reviewer MKBHD had early access to all three devices and shared insights on the base Fold 8 in a first-look video. “As I use and explore the device,” he noted, “I find myself increasingly impressed by it.” This endorsement carries weight, especially from a reviewer experienced with various foldable models over the years.
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra: Continued Evolution
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra retains its candy-bar style and flagship features similar to its predecessor, the Z Fold 7. It includes an 8-inch inner display, a powerful 200MP main camera, a 10MP 3x telephoto lens, and a 5,000mAh silicon-carbon battery with 45W wired charging capability. Priced at $2,099, the Ultra is $100 above the Z Fold 7, which, according to CCS Insight’s Ben Wood, is a notable discussion point.
The Remarkable Galaxy Z Fold 8
The standard Galaxy Z Fold 8 stands out with its unique design. Folded, it measures approximately 4.8 by 3.2 inches, resembling a passport more than previous Samsung models. Its 7.6-inch interior screen unfolds to a 4:3 aspect ratio, perfect for photos taken in the same format. The 5.5-inch outer display features thin bezels, providing better frame coverage in the camera viewfinder compared to the Ultra’s display. Weighing 201 grams, it matches the Galaxy S26 Plus, despite housing two screens and a 4,500mAh battery.
Both Fold 8 models run on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and incorporate Samsung’s Flex Titanium hinge, which effectively reduces the center crease visibility. The anti-reflective display peaks at 3,000 nits brightness. MKBHD compared this to Oppo’s Find N6, rating the new Samsung between 8 and 8.5 out of 10 for crease reduction, a substantial improvement from last year’s model.
The Fold 8 lacks Samsung’s telephoto lens, offering only a 50MP primary and a 50MP ultrawide camera, without Flex mode. Priced at $1,899 and launching on August 7, the pre-orders are open for those willing to embrace these trade-offs.
A Step Ahead of Apple
Apple plans to introduce a foldable iPhone in 2026, rumored to have dimensions similar to the Fold 8. Samsung has staked its position in the foldable market, with the Ultra model serving multitaskers and the Fold 8 appealing to fans of Apple’s purported design. MKBHD likened the Fold 8 to the Surface Duo’s finer features, praising its potential as a lightweight e-reader.
Strategic product positioning will be crucial in a full review. The Galaxy Z Flip 8 completes the lineup at $1,199, featuring a slimmer body and the same Snapdragon chip. Samsung is reportedly producing more Fold 8 units than the Ultra or Flip 8, betting on the new design’s appeal. MKBHD’s surprising fondness for the device suggests that Samsung’s gamble could pay off despite the $1,899 price.
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