Samsung Launches Galaxy Z Fold8 and Premium Fold8 Ultra

Samsung Electronics launched the Galaxy Z Fold8 and the premium Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra foldable smartphones, debuting the series with an unveiling event in Lagos, Nigeria. The Z Fold8 is designed as a lightweight, practical device weighing 201 grams. The Z Fold8 Ultra targets power users with an 8-inch landscape-oriented internal AMOLED display, a 200MP main camera, and a 4.1mm unfolded profile. Both models utilize the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and run Android 17 with One UI 9.

Hardware upgrades include Flex Titanium display technology and a new titanium hinge system to reduce screen creases. The Ultra model incorporates silicon-carbon batteries to increase capacity to 5000mAh and features peak brightness of 3000 nits. Despite these upgrades, the Ultra model has faced criticism for a wobbly design caused by its camera housing, slow shutter response, and a lack of high-level dust resistance. Pricing for the Ultra model is set at $2,099.99 in some markets and NZ$4,699.00 in New Zealand.

The devices integrate a Galaxy AI suite, introducing features such as Now Brief and Now Nudge. Simultaneously, TestMu AI added both devices to its Real Device Cloud, allowing developers to test layout suites and resolve defects on real hardware before the phones reach retail consumers. This early access is intended to help engineering teams manage the different unfolded orientations of the two models.