Key facts
- The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is the thinnest book-style foldable sold in the U.S.
- It features a 6.5-inch cover display and an 8-inch foldable AMOLED display.
- The device is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy processor.
- It has a 5,000mAh silicon-carbon battery with 45W wired charging.
- The phone has an IP48 durability rating, making it water-resistant up to 1.5 meters.
- Samsung offers 7 years of software support for the device.
Samsung's latest flagship foldable, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, enters a competitive market with a starting price of $2,099. The device aims to justify its premium cost against rivals like the Motorola Razr Fold, Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold, and the upcoming iPhone Duo. While the Galaxy Z Fold 7 saw a significant leap, the Fold 8 Ultra builds upon it with incremental but appreciated improvements.
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra maintains similar dimensions and weight to its predecessor but addresses key user complaints by enhancing battery life and making the device easier to open. It boasts a new rear camera and a sharper, brighter folding display. The phone is recognized as the thinnest book-style foldable available in the U.S. However, it omits several desirable features found in modern foldables, such as a wide aspect ratio, IP68 durability, Qi2 magnets for MagSafe compatibility, and pen support.
Samsung has refined the design by thinning the aluminum side rails and slightly reducing the unfolded thickness to 4.1mm, down from 4.2mm on the Fold 7. This, along with a subtle chamfer on the edges, makes the device easier to open. Despite these improvements, the absence of Qi2 magnets for magnetic charging and accessories is noted as a drawback, especially since competitors like iPhones and Pixels have adopted this standard.