Design and Dimensions
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra arrives as the first folding phone to carry the “Ultra” moniker, signalling a premium shift in Samsung’s book‑style lineup. Weighing 215g and measuring just 8.9mm when closed, it matches the dimensions of a large conventional slab phone, making it one of the slimmest foldables on the market. The chocolate‑bar profile when open offers a tall, super‑bright exterior display that handles messaging, calls and mapping with ease, while the square internal tablet screen unfurls to 8 inches – a format that feels natural for reading, multitasking or watching video on the move. The design retains the refined, svelte aesthetic of its predecessor, the Z Fold 7, but the price has risen to £1,899 (€2,199/$2,099.99/A$2,999), placing it above the standard Z Fold 8 (£1,699) and alongside flagship rivals such as the Honor Magic V6 (£1,999.99) and Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold (£1,299).
Screen and Streaming
The 8in QXGA+ 120Hz AMOLED flexible display is notably crisper and brighter than earlier models, thanks to a new anti‑reflective coating that improves visibility in direct sunlight. Browsing, reading and comic‑book viewing are particularly satisfying on the spacious panel, though video content often arrives with large letterboxing black bars top and bottom. The stereo speakers, when the device is held in landscape, deliver decent sound for casual viewing without headphones. The cover screen, at 6.5in and 422ppi, remains sharp and responsive for one‑handed use, though the crease – still present where the display folds – is less visible during use but can be felt when the screen is off or when tracing a finger across the surface. The softer material also attracts fingerprints more readily than traditional hardened glass, requiring more frequent cleaning.
Power and Endurance
Under the hood, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy processor is paired with 12GB or 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage, delivering ample performance for multitasking, note‑taking and demanding apps. The most significant upgrade is the battery: a 13.6% larger capacity that supports up to two days of typical use, with the screens active for more than four hours across a mix of Wi‑Fi and 5G for browsing, messaging, photography and light work. Gaming and intensive tasks drain the cell faster, but most users can expect to charge every other day. The device fully recharges in 60 minutes with a 45W or greater USB‑C adaptor (sold separately), reaches 70% in half that time, and also supports 20W wireless charging. Software runs One UI 9 on Android 17, offering a polished, customisable experience with flexible window management, the Now Bar for live updates on the lock screen, and expanded AI tools including Google’s Gemini and the proactive Now Nudge feature from the S26 series. Samsung has committed to Android and security updates until 31 July 2033, a longevity promise that outpaces most competitors.
Optics and Sustainability
The camera system clusters a 200MP main sensor, a new 50MP ultra‑wide and a 10MP 3x telephoto on the rear, with 10MP selfie cameras embedded in both the cover and internal displays. The 200MP sensor remains the standout, capable of fantastic photos across lighting ranges and offering 2x crop zoom without quality loss; it can also shoot at 50MP or the full 200MP at the press of a button. The new ultra‑wide camera is a welcome improvement, capturing brighter, more detailed images in low light and handling macro photography with excellent detail. The 3x telephoto, however, lags behind modern rivals, producing softer results indoors and relying on digital zoom beyond 10x, which degrades quickly. Video recording benefits from horizontal lock stabilisation borrowed from the S26 Ultra, delivering smooth footage across modes. On the sustainability front, the Fold 8 Ultra incorporates 14.4% recycled materials by weight. Samsung offers trade‑in and recycling schemes for end‑of‑life devices, and the phone is generally repairable – internal screen repairs cost around £600, though the Care+ accidental‑damage programme reduces that to £50. The rear camera module protrudes slightly, causing the device to wobble on flat surfaces.
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is the most complete folding phone the company has yet produced, but it struggles to justify the “Ultra” badge with a radical overhaul. The two‑day battery life is the standout welcome improvement, and the brighter, crisper internal screen makes outdoor use far more practical than before. Software remains the platform’s strongest suit – One UI 9’s multitasking capabilities, flexible window layout and long‑term update commitment give it an edge over rivals. The camera array is competent, though the telephoto module falls short of the very best non‑folding flagships. At nearly £1,900, the device sits at the top of the price spectrum, and its lack of dust resistance