Samsung’s Unpacked Event Unveils Galaxy Z Fold 8 Devices

Samsung introduced three foldable devices at the recent Unpacked event, surprising attendees by releasing one more than is typical for the annual event. As expected, the Galaxy Z Flip 8 and the newly named Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra were revealed. However, the real surprise was the Galaxy Z Fold 8, noted for its compact shape reminiscent of a passport, which spurred considerable discussion.

Before the official unveiling, tech reviewer MKBHD accessed all three devices. His feedback on the standard Fold 8 was unexpectedly positive. He shared in a first-look video, “The more I use it and hold it, the more I’m liking it.” This sentiment is noteworthy given his extensive experience with previous foldables.

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra: Incremental Improvements

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra maintains the vertical candy-bar style of the Z Fold 7. It offers slight enhancements rather than a complete redesign. Features include an 8-inch inner display, a 200MP primary camera, a 10MP 3x telephoto camera, a 5,000mAh silicon-carbon battery, and 45W wired charging. At $2,099, it is $100 more than its predecessor. Ben Wood from CCS Insight noted this price will be a topic of conversation.

Distinctive Features of the Galaxy Z Fold 8

The regular Z Fold 8 departs from past designs. Its closed dimensions of approximately 4.8 by 3.2 inches recall a passport’s shape. The 7.6-inch interior screen opens to a 4:3 aspect ratio, providing full-display photo playback for images captured in that format. The outer screen measures 5.5 inches with thin bezels. MKBHD commented on its superior camera viewfinder frame coverage compared to the Ultra. Weighing 201 grams, it matches the Galaxy S26 Plus, an achievement for a device with two screens and a 4,500mAh battery.

Both variants in the Fold 8 lineup feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor. They also incorporate Samsung’s Flex Titanium hinge design, decreasing the visibility of the center crease and an anti-reflective inner display with 3,000 nits peak brightness. MKBHD rated the crease improvement highly, likening it to an 8 or 8.5 out of 10, compared to last year’s model’s lower score.

The Fold 8 lacks Samsung’s telephoto lens, including only a 50MP primary and a 50MP ultrawide camera, and omits Flex mode. Starting at $1,899, it launches on August 7, with pre-orders available now.

Samsung’s Strategy Against Future Apple Foldables

Apple plans to introduce a foldable iPhone in 2026, rumored to mimic the compact design Samsung has established with the Fold 8. Early foldables from Oppo and Google temporarily explored this form before the trend shifted to taller formats. Samsung now occupies both segments: the Ultra supports multitasking while the Fold 8 could appeal to potential Apple users.

MKBHD remarked, “It’s reminding me of the good parts of the Surface Duo – the really nice hardware parts.” He added that the form factor offers a potential e-reader experience due to its light weight.

Samsung’s clear positioning, reliant on full execution, appears promising. The Z Flip 8, priced at $1,199, includes the same Snapdragon chip and a slightly smaller chassis but remains an expected update. According to GSMArena, Samsung is producing more Fold 8 units than the Ultra or Flip 8. This indicates confidence in the new form capturing a broader market. Given MKBHD’s favorable impressions, this strategy could prove sound.