Samsung Launches Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Fold8 and Flip8 With Higher Prices

Samsung has introduced its latest generation of foldable smartphones, expanding the Galaxy Z family with three new models: the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Flip8.

Unveiled during Galaxy Unpacked in London, the eighth-generation lineup brings slimmer designs, brighter displays, upgraded cameras and more advanced Galaxy AI features. However, these improvements arrive with premium prices that place the new phones among the most expensive mainstream smartphones available.

The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is the new flagship, starting at approximately $2,100. The redesigned Galaxy Z Fold8 starts at around $1,900, while the more compact Galaxy Z Flip8 begins at about $1,200.

Prices and availability may vary depending on the market, storage configuration, taxes and retailer.

Samsung's New Galaxy Z Foldable Lineup

Samsung has divided its 2026 foldable lineup into three distinct devices for different types of users:

• Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra: Designed for maximum productivity, photography and multitasking.
• Galaxy Z Fold8: A lighter foldable focused on entertainment, reading and everyday use.
• Galaxy Z Flip8: A compact flip phone built around portability, quick interactions and social content.

The expansion gives buyers more choice, but even the least expensive model remains firmly within the premium smartphone category.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra: The New Foldable Flagship

The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is Samsung's most advanced book-style foldable smartphone.

It has a 6.5-inch cover display for normal smartphone tasks and opens into an 8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display. Both screens support an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz.

Despite its large internal display, the phone measures only 4.1mm thick when unfolded and weighs 215 grams. Samsung describes it as its slimmest Galaxy Z Fold design so far.

The Fold8 Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, a customized processor designed to handle gaming, multitasking, photography and on-device AI features.

Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra highlights include:

• 8-inch QXGA+ main display
• 6.5-inch cover display
• Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy
• 12GB or 16GB of RAM
• Up to 1TB of internal storage
• 5,000mAh battery
• 45W wired charging
• 20W wireless charging
• Android 17 with One UI 9
• IP48 water-resistance rating
• Starting price of approximately $2,100

A Major Camera Upgrade

The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra includes Samsung's most capable camera system on a foldable phone.

Its rear camera setup consists of:

• 200MP main camera
• 50MP ultra-wide camera
• 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom

The 200MP sensor is intended to capture highly detailed photographs, while the upgraded ultra-wide camera can be used for landscapes, group photos, interiors and close-up images.

Samsung has also added improved Nightography processing for brighter photos and videos in low-light conditions. The phone supports 8K video recording and includes additional tools for creators who want more control over video colour and editing.

There are also separate 10MP cameras on the main and cover displays for video calls and selfies.

Galaxy Z Fold8: A Lighter and Redesigned Foldable

The standard Galaxy Z Fold8 takes a different approach from the Ultra model.

Instead of functioning mainly as a productivity-focused smartphone and tablet combination, the Fold8 uses a wider and more compact shape designed for videos, games, websites and digital books.

The device has a 5.5-inch cover display and unfolds into a 7.6-inch main display with a 4:3 aspect ratio. Rotating the phone creates a reading-friendly layout for articles and e-books.

At only 201 grams, it is Samsung's lightest Galaxy Z Fold phone to date. It is also 4.5mm thick when unfolded.

Key Galaxy Z Fold8 specifications include:

• 7.6-inch QXGA+ main display
• 5.5-inch cover display
• Adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz
• Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy
• 12GB or 16GB of RAM
• Up to 1TB of internal storage
• 4,800mAh battery
• 45W wired charging
• 20W wireless charging
• IP48 water resistance
• Android 17 with One UI 9
• Starting price of approximately $1,900

Dual 50MP Cameras on the Fold8

The standard Fold8 has a simpler camera system than the Ultra model.

It includes:

• 50MP wide-angle camera
• 50MP ultra-wide camera
• 10MP cover-screen camera
• 10MP main-screen camera

The Fold8 does not include the Ultra model's dedicated telephoto camera. However, its dual 50MP rear cameras should provide more flexibility for everyday photography, landscapes and group photos.

Samsung has also introduced features such as Dual Recording, which can capture multiple perspectives, and My FanCam, which can track a selected subject and automatically reframe videos for social media.

Galaxy Z Flip8: Samsung's Compact Foldable

The Galaxy Z Flip8 is the smallest and least expensive phone in the new lineup.

It folds into a compact square that can fit more easily into a pocket or small bag. When opened, it provides a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz.

The outside of the phone includes a 4.1-inch FlexWindow. Users can check notifications, open supported apps, access AI features, control music and perform quick tasks without unfolding the device.

At 180 grams and 6.1mm thick when unfolded, Samsung says this is its lightest and slimmest Galaxy Z Flip model so far.

Galaxy Z Flip8 specifications include:

• 6.9-inch main display
• 4.1-inch FlexWindow cover display
• Exynos 2600 processor
• 12GB of RAM
• 256GB or 512GB of storage
• 4,300mAh battery
• 25W wired charging
• 15W wireless charging
• 50MP main camera
• 12MP ultra-wide camera
• 10MP selfie camera
• IP48 water resistance
• Android 17 with One UI 9
• Starting price of approximately $1,200

Improved FlexCam for Creators

Samsung continues to position the Flip series as a phone for creators and social media users.

The Galaxy Z Flip8 can remain partially folded and act as its own stand, allowing users to take hands-free photos and videos. The cover screen can also display a live camera preview, making it easier to take high-quality selfies with the main 50MP camera.

Other camera features include:

• Hands-free Flex Mode photography
• Cover-screen selfie previews
• Super Steady video stabilization
• Horizontal Lock for keeping videos level
• Camcorder Grip with Zoom Rocker
• Customizable mirror-style selfies
• AI-assisted portrait processing

These features make the Flip8 particularly suitable for short videos, travel photography, vlogging and social media content.

Galaxy AI Comes to the New Foldables

Artificial intelligence is a major part of Samsung's new foldable strategy.

The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Fold8 and Flip8 include AI features optimized for their different screen sizes and shapes.

Important Galaxy AI features include:

• Now Brief: Displays personalized updates, recommendations and daily information.
• Now Nudge: Suggests relevant actions based on conversations and current activities.
• Gemini Intelligence: Completes connected tasks through natural-language requests.
• Gemini Notebook: Organizes notes, recordings, documents and images in one workspace.
• AI Assistant Activity: Allows users to review actions completed by AI assistants.
• Multi Window: Runs several applications together on the larger foldable screens.

Samsung says its AI automation can work across more than 40 supported applications and services. Availability may differ by country, language and application.

The larger screens on the Fold8 and Fold8 Ultra are particularly useful for AI-assisted multitasking. Users can keep a conversation open while viewing maps, calendars, documents or search results alongside it.

New Flex Titanium Display Technology

Samsung has introduced a display structure called Flex Titanium across its latest foldables.

The technology combines a titanium-alloy film with an enhanced supporting plate. It is designed to strengthen the flexible display, absorb pressure and help reduce the visibility of the crease over time.

The Fold8 and Fold8 Ultra also offer display brightness of up to 3,000 nits, along with Vision Booster and a low-reflection finish for improved outdoor visibility.

Long-term durability will still need to be evaluated through independent testing and everyday use.

Galaxy Z Fold8 Series Comparison

Why Are Samsung's New Foldables More Expensive?

The latest models arrive with higher prices as manufacturing and component expenses continue to increase.

Memory chips are in high demand because they are essential for smartphones, data centres and artificial intelligence systems. Rising component costs can therefore affect the final price of premium mobile devices.

Samsung is also positioning the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra as a new top-level model rather than a direct replacement at the same price as the previous Fold.

This gives Samsung three separate foldable price levels, although none could reasonably be described as affordable.

Should You Buy One?

The best model depends on how you plan to use it.

Choose the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra if you want Samsung's largest foldable display, strongest camera system and highest level of performance.

Consider the Galaxy Z Fold8 if you want a lighter book-style foldable for reading, gaming and entertainment without paying for the Ultra camera system.

The Galaxy Z Flip8 is better suited to buyers who prioritize portability, social media features and a compact design.

Existing Fold7 or Flip7 owners may want to wait for independent reviews and real-world battery testing before upgrading. Buyers using an older foldable, however, may find the slimmer designs, larger batteries and improved displays more noticeable.

Final Thoughts

Samsung's new Galaxy Z lineup represents its most complete foldable smartphone range so far.

The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra delivers the company's most advanced foldable hardware, while the standard Fold8 introduces a lighter and more entertainment-friendly design. The Flip8 continues to focus on portability, quick interactions and creative camera features.

The technology is becoming thinner, lighter and more capable, but higher prices remain one of the biggest barriers preventing foldable smartphones from reaching a wider audience.