Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra Faces Rivalry From Standard Model

Samsung’s introduction of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra has brought a new top-tier folding device to the market, but reviews indicate that its strongest competition may come from within the company’s own lineup. According to a review by Android Police conducted by technology journalist Andy Boxall, the standard Galaxy Z Fold 8 has proven more enjoyable for day-to-day use, raising questions about whether the larger and more expensive Ultra model risks being overshadowed by its sibling as reported by Ibtimes.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra Faces Rivalry From Standard Model

The standard Z Fold 8 is smaller and lighter, offering a shape that presents consumers with a distinct choice between two big-screen foldable designs. The Z Fold 8 Ultra starts at $2,100 for the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage configuration, with pricing increasing to $2,300 for the 512GB version and $2,700 for the top-tier 16GB and 1TB model. In the United Kingdom, the device is priced at £1,899, while European pricing is set at €2,199, and Australian pricing reaches A$2,999 according to The Guardian.

Design and Hardware Specifications

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra features an 8-inch QXGA+ 120Hz AMOLED flexible main display and a 6.5-inch FHD+ 120Hz AMOLED cover screen. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy processor, the device includes 12GB or 16GB of RAM and storage options of 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB. When folded, the device measures 158.4 x 72.8 x 8.9 mm and weighs 215 grams, maintaining physical dimensions nearly identical to its predecessor, the Z Fold 7.

The device incorporates Flex Titanium display construction, which uses a titanium film in the display stack to reduce the visibility of the screen crease. Screen brightness on the Ultra reaches 3000 nits, an increase from the previous generation’s 2600 nits. The hardware is rated IP48 for water resistance, allowing submersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.

Camera Capabilities and Performance

The camera system on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra includes five total cameras. The rear setup features a 200-megapixel wide camera, a 50-megapixel ultra-wide camera, and a 10-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. Additionally, the device is equipped with 10-megapixel selfie cameras on both the front and main displays.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra Faces Rivalry From Standard Model — Photo: News.com.au

While the 200-megapixel main sensor and upgraded 50-megapixel ultra-wide camera received praise for detail and performance across various lighting conditions, the 10-megapixel telephoto lens was noted as a weak point. Reviewers observed that zoom quality could become inconsistent and grainy at higher magnifications, particularly past 10x.

Software, Battery Life, and AI Features

The smartphone runs One UI 9 based on Android 17. Samsung has committed to providing Android and security updates for the device until July 31, 2033. Multitasking features allow users to run up to three apps simultaneously in a split-screen grid, alongside floating windows and Flex mode functionality. The software also integrates Google’s Gemini and a proactive suggestion tool known as Now Nudge.

Energy is supplied by a 5,000 mAh battery, an increase from previous capacities, supporting up to 27 hours of video playback. The device supports fast charging, capable of reaching up to 67 percent charge in 30 minutes when using a 45W adaptor.