Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra: Thinner, Flatter, and Nearly Creaseless

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra emerges as a significant refinement in the foldable phone market, building upon its predecessor’s strengths while introducing key enhancements. This latest iteration focuses on a sleeker design, a dramatically reduced screen crease, and upgraded camera capabilities, positioning it as a top-tier foldable device. While it shares the stage with the more compact Galaxy Z Fold 8, the Ultra model distinguishes itself with a more substantial feature set and engineering advancements.

Engineering a Flatter Foldable Display

A primary area of innovation for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra lies in its internal display engineering. Samsung has incorporated new titanium panels beneath the ultra-thin glass and flexible AMOLED screen. One panel is constructed from pure titanium with a novel perforation design to improve bending performance, while the other uses a thinner, yet stronger, titanium alloy. This combination results in a main screen that unfolds to an 8.0-inch flexible display, appearing virtually flat with a significantly less visible crease compared to previous models. This design aims to enhance durability and maintain a smooth visual experience over time.

The device maintains a familiar form factor when folded, resembling a standard, albeit slightly narrower, smartphone. The exterior features Gorilla Glass Ceramic 3 on the cover display and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the back, housed within an Armor Aluminum Frame. A subtle but appreciated design change is the new chamfered edge along the hinge, making it easier to open the device. Additionally, the power/fingerprint button is no longer recessed, improving tactile accessibility.

Display Enhancements and User Experience

The main 8.0-inch AMOLED display boasts a resolution of 2504 x 2256 and an adaptive refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz, offering vibrant visuals and smooth scrolling. Peak brightness reaches an impressive 3,000 nits. While the crease is now barely perceptible, a slight indent can still be felt when running a finger across the center. A notable absence, carried over from the Z Fold 7, is the digitizing layer for S Pen support, which may disappoint users who rely on precise stylus input for drawing or note-taking.

The 6.5-inch cover display, while slightly narrower than that of the Galaxy S26 Ultra, remains highly functional for everyday tasks. Its adaptive 1Hz-to-120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 2,400 nits ensure a responsive experience. However, its maximum brightness can occasionally be overwhelmed by direct sunlight, a point where it falls slightly short of the main display’s capabilities.

Camera System Upgrades

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra features a versatile camera array, including five lenses. The 200MP main camera remains largely unchanged, but the ultra-wide camera receives a significant boost to 50MP, enhancing the quality of wide-angle and macro shots. The 3x optical zoom lens is still 10MP, a specification some users might wish was extended to 5x optical zoom for greater reach. Samsung’s ProVisual engine, with its focus on color fidelity and improved image processing, contributes to excellent photographic results across various lighting conditions. The device defaults to 12MP photos through pixel binning but offers 50MP and 200MP options.

Video capabilities include 8K recording and editing directly on the device. Unique features like Dual Camera shooting, which creates a split-screen view for simultaneous front and rear camera footage, and My FanCam, an AI-powered tool that tracks a selected subject in videos, offer creative possibilities for content creators. Night photography is also a strong suit, with the phone adept at capturing detail and color in low-light environments.

Performance and AI Integration

Under the hood, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chipset, paired with 12GB or 16GB of RAM. This configuration delivers exceptional performance, handling demanding games, multitasking with up to four apps on the main screen, and 8K video editing with ease. While the device can become warm during intensive use, it generally remains comfortable to hold.

The software experience is driven by Android 17 and OneUI 9, offering a clean and intuitive interface. The system integrates multiple AI platforms, including Bixby, Galaxy AI, and Gemini. Galaxy AI provides powerful tools for photo editing, such as voice-activated object removal, and features like Now Brief for personalized information summaries. Gemini offers advanced capabilities when granted access to personal data, providing schedule and location information. Features like Circle to Search and QuickShare enhancements for cross-platform sharing further enrich the user experience.

Battery Life and Charging

Despite its thinner profile, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra houses a larger 5,000mAh battery, enabled by new battery technology and the use of thinner internal components. This battery provides robust all-day usage, with tests indicating around 12.5 to 14 hours of mixed use. Charging is supported by 45W wired charging, capable of reaching approximately 50% in 15 minutes, and 20W wireless charging. Wireless PowerShare allows for charging other compatible devices.

Pricing and Availability

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is positioned as a premium device, with a starting price of $2,099.99 / £1,899.00 / AU$2,999. This represents a modest price increase over its predecessor, reflecting the rising costs of components and technological advancements. It is available in Graphite, Cream, Green Shadow, and Violet Shadow color options.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra stands out as a highly refined foldable smartphone. Its advancements in display technology, leading to a flatter and less creased screen, combined with significant camera and performance upgrades, make it a compelling option for those seeking the pinnacle of foldable technology. While its premium price point may be a barrier for some, the device offers a comprehensive package for users prioritizing cutting-edge features, a versatile camera system, and extended battery life in a sleek, durable design.