Samsung used its July 2026 Galaxy Unpacked event in London to signal a new phase for its foldable strategy. The company introduced three devices that reflect different interpretations of what a foldable can be. The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra arrives as the first Ultra‑tier foldable, the Galaxy Z Fold8 debuts with a redesigned form factor, and the Galaxy Z Flip8 pushes everyday convenience further by expanding what users can do without unfolding the device. Together, they form the eighth‑generation Galaxy Z series, a lineup built around agentic AI and refined hardware.
The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is the centerpiece of this year’s announcements. Samsung positions the Ultra name as its highest expression of performance and experience, and the Fold8 Ultra leans into that identity with an expansive 8‑inch main display and a remarkably thin profile. When unfolded, the device measures just 4.1 millimeters thick and weighs 215 grams, making it the thinnest Galaxy Z Fold to date. Samsung refined the hinge, magnets, and display tension to create a smoother folding experience, while a new Flex Titanium technology reduces crease visibility and improves durability. These hardware upgrades support a suite of AI features designed for productivity. Gemini Notebook can take meeting minutes or audio recordings and turn them into summaries, videos, slides, podcasts or quizzes. The device also uses Now Nudge to anticipate multitasking moments, opening Multi Window automatically when it detects that a second app would be helpful. Powering all of this is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy paired with a 5,000mAh battery.
Where the Ultra model focuses on performance and multitasking, the Galaxy Z Fold8 reimagines the foldable form factor itself. Samsung redesigned the device with new display proportions that adapt to different types of content. The 5.5‑inch cover screen uses a 10:16 aspect ratio that feels familiar for browsing short‑form content, while the 7.6‑inch main display expands to a 4:3 ratio ideal for movies and games. Rotating the device shifts it to a 3:4 ratio that suits reading and web browsing. The Fold8 weighs 201 grams, making it the lightest Galaxy Z Fold yet, and its 4,800mAh battery supports more than 26 hours of video playback. Beyond consumption, the Fold8 introduces My FanCam, an AI‑powered tool that lets users select a person in a video and automatically reframe the footage around them. It also showcases more advanced agentic AI. For example, if a user shares a photo of the Eiffel Tower with Gemini and asks for a nearby hotel, the AI can find options that match the criteria while the user continues using other apps, surfacing recommendations only when approval is needed.
The Galaxy Z Flip8 rounds out the lineup with a focus on portability and everyday convenience. It measures 6.1 millimeters thick when unfolded and weighs 180 grams, supported by a stronger frame and a more durable hinge made from a new high‑strength material. The biggest upgrade is the expanded FlexWindow, which now acts as a more capable interface for key features. Users can check weather, schedules and notifications through Galaxy AI’s Now Brief, which organizes daily information into personalized cards. FlexWindow also supports browsing photos, chatting through messaging apps, and completing quick tasks without opening the device. The camera system benefits from Flip‑specific enhancements. Camcorder Grip enables stable one‑handed recording, Super Steady’s horizontal lock keeps footage level, and Dual Recording captures both creator and subject simultaneously. A live preview on the cover screen lets both sides see the shot while filming.
Across all three devices, Samsung’s message is clear. Foldables are no longer experimental hardware. They are mature, differentiated products shaped by AI and designed for specific lifestyles. The Fold8 Ultra is built for power users who want a large canvas and intelligent multitasking. The Fold8 is tuned for content versatility and creative tools. The Flip8 is optimized for quick interactions and mobile storytelling. Each device reflects a different interpretation of what a foldable can be, and together they expand the possibilities of the Galaxy ecosystem.
