📅 22.07.2026 16:27

Samsung has unveiled the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, the most expensive and technologically advanced foldable smartphone in its lineup. The new model features an updated hardware platform, a larger battery, an improved ultra-wide camera, and several other refinements. However, the scale of the changes suggests that the device builds on the ideas of the previous generation rather than opening a new chapter in the series.

A New Flagship with the Ultra Name

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra debuted at the Samsung Unpacked event alongside the Galaxy Z Flip 8. The smartphone replaces last year’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 and has become the company’s most expensive foldable device.

The addition of the Ultra name is connected to the simultaneous launch of another model, the Galaxy Z Fold 8, which features a more compact, passport-style body. The flagship therefore received a separate designation that emphasizes its position at the top of the lineup.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra starts at $2,099, which is $100 more than the launch price of the Galaxy Z Fold 7. According to Samsung, the price increase is related to shortages of RAM and storage components.

Main Differences from the Galaxy Z Fold 7

Despite the higher price, the new generation introduces relatively few major changes. Samsung has focused on gradually refining the design, improving usability, and updating selected technical specifications.

Specification	Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra	Galaxy Z Fold 7
Main display	8-inch Dynamic AMOLED, 2504×2256, 422 ppi, adaptive refresh rate up to 120 Hz	8-inch Dynamic AMOLED, 2184×1968, 368 ppi, 120 Hz
Cover display	6.5-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED, 1080×2520, 422 ppi, adaptive refresh rate up to 120 Hz	6.5-inch Dynamic AMOLED, 2520×1080, 422 ppi
Processor	Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5	Snapdragon 8 Elite
RAM and storage	12 GB or 16 GB of RAM, 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB	12 GB or 16 GB of RAM, 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB
Battery	5,000 mAh	4,400 mAh
Wired charging	45 W	25 W
Wireless charging	20 W (Qi2.2)	15 W
Dimensions when unfolded	158.4 × 143.2 × 4.1 mm	158.4 × 143.2 × 4.2 mm
Dimensions when folded	158.4 × 72.8 × 8.9 mm	158.4 × 72.8 × 8.9 mm
Weight	215 g	215 g
Main camera	200 MP wide-angle camera	200 MP wide-angle camera
Telephoto camera	10 MP	10 MP
Ultra-wide camera	50 MP	12 MP
Front camera	10 MP	10 MP
Starting price	$2,099	$1,999

What Has Actually Changed

The most noticeable upgrades concern the hardware. The smartphone is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, while its predecessor used the Snapdragon 8 Elite.

Battery capacity has also increased from 4,400 to 5,000 mAh. At the same time, wired charging power has risen to 45 W, while wireless charging has been upgraded to 20 W with support for the Qi2.2 standard.

Another important change affects the ultra-wide camera. Instead of the 12-megapixel sensor used in the Galaxy Z Fold 7, the new model features a 50 MP module. The rest of the camera configuration remains largely unchanged.

Meanwhile, the amount of RAM, storage options, body dimensions, and device weight have remained almost the same. The difference in thickness when unfolded is only 0.1 mm.

Is It Worth Upgrading from the Fold 7?

For most Fold 7 owners, an immediate upgrade is unlikely to be justified. The previous-generation smartphone remains powerful and modern, while the display sizes and core capabilities of the two models are largely similar.

Upgrading to the Fold 8 Ultra makes sense for users who particularly value longer battery life, 45 W charging, a less noticeable display crease, and an improved ultra-wide camera.

The purchase will be more attractive through a trade-in program or during launch promotions. Without discounts, the price difference between the generations may be too high compared with the actual improvement in features.

Which Galaxy Z Fold Should First-Time Buyers Choose?

Those buying a foldable smartphone for the first time and planning to use it for several years should choose the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. The new model offers an up-to-date hardware platform, a larger battery, an improved inner display, and upgraded cameras.

The Fold 7 remains a sensible alternative if its price drops significantly after the new model is released. Its display sizes and basic capabilities are close to those of the Fold 8 Ultra, so the previous model may offer better value if there is a substantial price difference.

Is the Display Crease Less Noticeable?

The fold line has not disappeared completely, but it is now considerably less noticeable. Samsung has redesigned the hinge and reinforced the inner display with two layers of titanium.

When the screen is on and viewed from a normal angle, the crease barely interferes with content consumption. However, it can still be seen under direct light and felt when running a finger across the center of the display.

What Will Happen to Galaxy Z Fold 7 Prices?

Following the release of the Fold 8 Ultra, the previous model will most likely begin to fall in price. Retailers will need to clear their remaining stock, so the most attractive deals may appear during major sales events.

There is also a downside to waiting: as prices fall, the selection of colors and storage configurations will become more limited. Waiting for the lowest possible price only makes sense for buyers who do not need a specific Fold 7 configuration.

Is the Upgrade Worth It?

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra cannot be described as a revolutionary new generation. Samsung has focused on refining the existing design and improving the user experience rather than radically rethinking the device’s concept.

Since the new smartphone costs more than its predecessor while offering only moderate specification improvements, some users may prefer to keep their Galaxy Z Fold 7 or wait for future generations of Samsung’s foldable flagships.