At Samsung’s Unpacked event, three foldable devices were introduced. This included one more than what is typically announced each year. The anticipated Galaxy Z Flip 8 and the newly named Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra were revealed. However, the Galaxy Z Fold 8, noted for its compact, passport-like design, was a surprise and has generated significant discussion.
Famed tech reviewer MKBHD had an early look at all three devices. Discussing the base Fold 8, he noted an unexpected appreciation, stating, “The more I use it and hold it and just mess around with it – I’m not going to lie – the more I’m liking it,” in his initial video review. His positive feedback is important given his extensive experience with foldables.
Why the Fold 8 Stands Out
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra maintains the familiar candy-bar shape and flagship identity from the Z Fold 7, with minor updates. It sports an 8-inch inner display, a 200MP primary camera paired with a 10MP 3x telephoto lens, a 5,000mAh silicon-carbon battery, and 45W wired charging tech. Its starting price is $2,099, which is $100 more than its previous version. Ben Wood from CCS Insight commented that this price would become a notable point of discussion.
Contrastingly, the standard Z Fold 8 is a distinct entity. Closed, it measures approximately 4.8 by 3.2 inches, making it resemble a passport more than any previous Samsung phone. Its 7.6-inch interior screen opens to a 4:3 aspect ratio, allowing full display use of photos in the same format. The outer screen measures 5.5 inches with slim bezels. MKBHD noted better frame coverage on the camera viewfinder than the taller Ultra display. At 201 grams, it matches the Galaxy S26 Plus, a notable achievement considering its dual screens and 4,500mAh battery.
Both Fold 8 models operate with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. The devices feature Samsung’s Flex Titanium hinge, reducing the center crease visibility, and an anti-reflective display capable of 3,000 nits at peak brightness. MKBHD ranked the crease improvement that’s significant compared to prior editions. However, the Fold 8 lacks a telephoto lens and Flex mode, offering a 50MP primary and a 50MP ultrawide lens instead. With a $1,899 launch price, available from August 7, and pre-orders currently open, buyers must be mindful of these compromises.
Samsung Prepares for a Foldable iPhone
Apple’s foldable iPhone is expected around 2026, and it’s rumored to share a design similar to Samsung’s new Fold 8. Early foldables by Oppo and Google briefly used this shape before shifting to a style dominated by Samsung. Now, Samsung is leading in both areas, with the Ultra model for multitasking and the Fold 8 catching those interested in Apple’s rumored approach.
MKBHD likened the Fold 8 to the positive hardware aspects of the Surface Duo, suggesting potential as an e-reader due to its light weight. The Z Flip 8, priced at $1,199, includes the same Snapdragon chip and a slightly refined form, as expected.
Reports from GSMArena indicate Samsung is producing more Fold 8 units compared to the Ultra or Flip 8. The company appears to anticipate broader appeal for the new form factor. With MKBHD’s surprise and interest in using the device, this gamble could prove less risky than the $1,899 price suggests.