Samsung has released its eighth-generation foldable smartphones, introducing a new wide form factor with the Galaxy Z Fold8 that sits between the flagship Fold8 Ultra and the compact Flip8. The new devices are available for preorder, as reported by Simon Hill for WIRED. This year’s lineup includes significant hardware upgrades across all three models, including faster processors, brighter screens, and enhanced build quality.
Common Features Across the Lineup
All three Galaxy Z foldables share several core specifications. They each use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, paired with 12 GB of RAM as a baseline. Storage options include 256 GB or 512 GB, with the Fold8 Ultra and Fold8 also available in a 16 GB RAM / 1 TB storage configuration. Every model features Samsung’s Dynamic AMOLED 2X display technology, delivering a 120-Hz refresh rate, HDR support, and a peak brightness of 3,000 nits for outdoor readability. Blue-light filtering and eye-strain reduction are also included.
Durability is addressed with Advanced Armor Aluminum frames that resist scratches and minor drops. The Fold8 Ultra and Fold8 incorporate a Flex Titanium layer that reduces the visible crease, adds strength and flexibility, and includes an anti-reflective finish. All three phones carry an IP48 rating for water and dust resistance. Connectivity encompasses Wi-Fi 7 and Ultra Wideband (UWB). Wireless PowerShare is available for charging accessories.
Detailed Specifications Comparison
The table below summarizes the key differences across the three models:
| Specs | Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra | Galaxy Z Fold8 | Galaxy Z Flip8 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | Main: 8-inch, 120 Hz, AMOLED; Cover: 6.5-inch, 120 Hz, AMOLED | Main: 7.6-inch, 120 Hz, AMOLED; Cover: 5.5-inch, 120 Hz, AMOLED | Main: 6.9-inch, 120 Hz, AMOLED; Cover: 4.1-inch, 60/120 Hz, AMOLED |
| Processor, RAM, Storage | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5; 12/16 GB RAM; 256/512 GB or 1 TB | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5; 12/16 GB RAM; 256/512 GB or 1 TB | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5; 12 GB RAM; 256/512 GB |
| Cameras | 200 MP main, 50 MP ultrawide, 10 MP telephoto; 10 MP + 10 MP front | 50 MP main, 50 MP ultrawide; 10 MP + 10 MP front | 50 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide; 10 MP front |
| Battery and Charging | 5,000 mAh; 45 W wired, 20 W wireless | 4,800 mAh; 45 W wired, 20 W wireless | 4,300 mAh; 25 W wired, 15 W wireless |
| Materials | Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 3 (cover), Victus 2 (rear), Advanced Armor Aluminum | Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 3 (cover), Victus 2 (rear), Advanced Armor Aluminum | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (cover), Reinforced Polymer (rear), Advanced Armor Aluminum |
| Dimensions & Weight | Unfolded: 158.4 x 143.2 x 4.1 mm; Folded: 158.4 x 72.8 x 8.9 mm; 215 g | Unfolded: 123.9 x 161.4 x 4.5 mm; Folded: 123.9 x 81.9 x 9.7 mm; 201 g | Unfolded: 166.9 x 75.4 x 6.1 mm; Folded: 85.7 x 75.4 x 13.1 mm; 180 g |
Camera and Battery Differences
Camera systems vary significantly. The Fold8 Ultra leads with a 200-MP main sensor, a 50-MP ultrawide, and a 10-MP telephoto. The Fold8 drops the telephoto but keeps a 50-MP main and 50-MP ultrawide. The Flip8 uses a 50-MP main and 12-MP ultrawide. All front-facing cameras are 10-MP, except the Flip8 which has a single 10-MP front lens.
Battery capacity is largest on the Fold8 Ultra at 5,000 mAh, followed by the Fold8 at 4,800 mAh and the Flip8 at 4,300 mAh. Charging speeds also differ: the Fold8 Ultra and Fold8 support 45 W wired and 20 W wireless charging, while the Flip8 maxes out at 25 W wired and 15 W wireless. The larger models share faster charging, which may be a consideration for power users.
Which Model Suits Different Use Cases
The new Fold8 aims to fill the gap between the large Ultra and the clamshell Flip8 by offering a wider unfolded screen than traditional foldables. Its dimensions (123.9 x 161.4 x 4.5 mm unfolded) make it more tablet-like in landscape orientation. The Fold8 Ultra remains the premium option with the largest 8-inch display and the highest-resolution camera. The Flip8 is the most portable, weighing only 180 grams and folding into a compact square.
Business professionals who require a large screen for multitasking on the go may prefer the Fold8 Ultra or Fold8 for their spacious interiors and support for up to 16 GB of RAM. The Flip8, with its smaller cover display, is better suited for quick notifications and one-handed use. All three support Ultra Wideband for precise location-based services, which could be leveraged for asset tracking or proximity-based access in enterprise environments. However, no specific enterprise applications were detailed by Samsung in the announcement.
The choice ultimately depends on the user’s priorities: camera capability, screen real estate, battery life, or portability. With a price premium likely for the Ultra, the Fold8 offers a balanced middle ground. For organizations standardizing on a single device, the common processor and software experience across all three models may simplify management.
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