Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 lineup adds three choices

Samsung is giving those of you who are looking to buy a new phone more choices this week with three new Galaxy Z foldable models built for very different kinds of use.

The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra focuses on productivity, cameras and a larger workspace. The regular Galaxy Z Fold8 takes a wider approach for reading, gaming and watching content. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Z Flip8 puts more apps and AI tools on its outer screen.

Here is how the three new models compare and what you should know before deciding whether one belongs in your pocket.

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The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is the model for someone who wants a phone that can also serve as a small tablet. It opens to an 8-inch main screen, giving you room to view two apps at once. You could keep your email open beside your calendar or watch a video while looking up related information. The 6.5-inch outer screen also works more like the display on a traditional smartphone, so you do not need to open the phone for every task.

Samsung says the Fold8 Ultra measures about 0.16 inches thick when opened and weighs about 7.6 ounces. That is fairly light for a phone with such a large folding screen. Still, you will notice more bulk than you would with a traditional phone. The Fold8 Ultra also has the most capable camera system in the lineup. Its 200 MP main camera should capture more detail, especially when you crop or enlarge a photo. A 50 MP ultra-wide camera helps with landscapes and group pictures. You also get a separate telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom.

That zoom lens could be useful when you are photographing a child onstage, an animal across the yard or a landmark that you cannot approach. The other two phones lack a dedicated telephoto camera.

A 5,000 mAh battery powers the phone. Samsung supports 45-watt wired charging, although you need to buy a compatible charger separately. The phone also includes extra cooling to help it stay responsive while you use several apps or record high-resolution video.

The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra starts at $2,099.99 with 256 GB of storage. Samsung also sells 512 GB and 1 TB versions.

The regular Galaxy Z Fold8 takes a different approach. Instead of following the taller design of previous Fold phones, it uses a shorter and wider shape. The 5.5-inch cover screen handles quick tasks while the phone is closed. Open it and you get a 7.6-inch main display with a shape closer to a small tablet.

That wider screen could make articles, e-books and websites more comfortable to read. It should also give movies and games more room without leaving as much unused space around the picture. At about 7.1 ounces, Samsung calls this its lightest Galaxy Z Fold so far. The phone measures about 0.18 inches thick when opened and 0.38 inches when closed. That lower weight could make it easier to hold during a long reading session or video call.

The Fold8 has two 50 MP rear cameras. One handles everyday photos while the other captures a wider view. You can still take detailed pictures and record video in up to 8K resolution. However, there is no dedicated telephoto camera. Digital zoom reaches 10x, but it will not provide the same clarity as the Ultra model's optical zoom. The Fold8 uses the same Snapdragon processor found in the Ultra and carries a 4,800 mAh battery. It also supports 45-watt wired charging with a compatible charger sold separately.

The Galaxy Z Fold8 starts at $1,899.99 with 256 GB of storage. You can also choose 512 GB or 1 TB.

The Galaxy Z Flip8 is the most compact model. It looks like a traditional smartphone when open, then folds in half so it takes up less room in a pocket or purse. The main screen measures 6.9 inches. When you close the phone, a 4.1-inch FlexWindow remains available on the outside.

You can use that smaller screen to check the weather, view your calendar or respond to supported messages. You may also access some apps and AI tools without opening the phone. This could help when you only need one piece of information. Instead of opening your phone and becoming distracted by other alerts, you can check what you need from the outside screen.

The Flip8 weighs about 6.3 ounces and measures about 0.24 inches thick when opened. It is the lightest of Samsung's three new foldables. The Flip8 includes a 50 MP main camera and a 12 MP ultra-wide camera. Its folding design also allows the phone to stand on a table by itself.

That can make hands-free video calls or group photos easier. You can place the phone on a table, adjust the angle and step into the picture without finding someone to hold it. The outer screen can show a preview when you take a selfie with the main camera. Samsung also added tools that help keep video level while you move. The 4,300 mAh battery supports 25-watt wired charging. Samsung says the phone can reach up to 55% in about 30 minutes under its laboratory conditions. The required charger comes separately.

The Galaxy Z Flip8 starts at $1,199.99 with 256 GB of storage. A 512 GB version is also available.

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All three phones run Android 17 with Samsung’s One UI 9 software. They also include two Galaxy AI features that serve different purposes.

Now Brief works like a personalized daily summary. It can gather the weather, upcoming appointments and reminders in one place, saving you from opening several apps. You can choose which types of information appear in the summary.

Now Nudge suggests a helpful next step based on what is happening on your screen. For example, if someone mentions a date while you are exchanging messages, the phone may offer to open your calendar. On the Fold models, it can place the calendar beside the conversation so you can check your schedule without leaving the message.

Gemini Intelligence can handle broader requests across supported apps. You might ask it to find a restaurant or help with a reservation. I would still review any important action involving travel, appointments or purchases before approving it.

Samsung has also added an AI Assistant Activity dashboard. It gives you one place to review supported actions the phone completed on your behalf. Privacy Alerts can warn you when an app tries to use certain permissions in the background, while Knox and Knox Vault help protect sensitive information.

Samsung uses a new Flex Titanium structure beneath the folding displays. The company says this helps support the screens and reduce the visibility of the crease. The two Fold screens can reach up to 3,000 nits of brightness. Samsung also uses a low-reflection finish to make the displays easier to see outdoors. All three phones carry an IP48 water resistance rating.

Samsung has updated Smart Switch for people moving from an iPhone. You can scan a QR code and transfer supported information wirelessly without installing another app on the iPhone. Samsung says the transfer can include passwords, passkeys and call history. Some accessibility settings and eSIM information may also move, depending on your device and carrier.

Quick Share also gains compatibility with AirDrop. That means supported Galaxy and Apple devices can exchange files in both directions. Moving years of photos and account information can make switching phones feel like a chore. These updates could make the move to Galaxy much easier.

Preorders are open through Samsung, major U.S. carriers and participating retailers. General availability begins Aug. 7, 2026. The Fold8 Ultra comes in Graphite, Cream and Violet Shadow. Green Shadow is an online-exclusive color.

The Fold8 comes in Graphite, Cream and Lavender. Samsung offers Pistachio as an online-exclusive choice. The Flip8 comes in Graphite, Cream and Pink. Mint is the online-exclusive option.

Samsung advertises up to $1,200 in savings with an eligible trade-in during the preorder period. Buyers who choose no trade-in may receive up to $200 in Samsung credit for eligible add-ons. Offers depend on the phone and trade-in condition. Each model also includes a six-month Google AI Pro trial with 5 TB of cloud storage. The service costs $19.99 per month after the trial unless you cancel.

Samsung has made the differences between its foldables much easier to understand. The Fold8 Ultra focuses on a large workspace and stronger cameras. The regular Fold8 favors reading and entertainment, while the Flip8 gives you a phone that becomes smaller when you close it. I like that Samsung now offers two versions of the Fold for different types of use. The new AI activity dashboard also gives you more visibility when the phone takes action on your behalf. The biggest question is whether one of these designs would truly make your phone easier to use every day. That answer will depend on how much you value a larger screen, a more compact shape or Samsung's newest AI tools.

Do you think a larger folding screen would make your phone easier to use? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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