Samsung launches Z Fold8 Ultra, Fold8, Flip8: Check specs, prices

Samsung has launched its most ambitious foldable lineup yet, three devices with a deliberate counter-strategy to Apple's imminent market entry. During a press conference held in London on Wednesday, the Korean electronics company introduced its latest devices, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8, and Galaxy Z Flip8.

CCS Insight's chief analyst Ben Wood has said in an interview with CNBC that "2026 is going to be a huge year for foldables with the near certainty that Apple will be unleashing a foldable iPhone later in the year."

Ben Wood went further to state, "Therefore, this is a critical launch for Samsung, who were the market makers in this category, because Apple joining any category immediately gives it another level of legitimacy."

Samsung has led the foldable phone category since 2019. At the moment, its goal is to create a portfolio with three tiers before Apple enters the market.

This move to adopt a new form factor for the Z Fold 8, which is wider but shorter than other foldable models, implies that Samsung is trying to prevent Apple from making a wide-screen foldable device.

Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra

Samsung's highest-specification foldable retains the book-like design of its predecessor whilst delivering the company's most advanced camera and battery system. At $2,099, the Ultra is positioned as the aspirational foldable for users demanding absolute performance.

Key Specifications:

• Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor
• Triple-lens camera system (advanced imaging)
• Larger capacity battery vs. standard Fold 8
• Premium materials and design refinement
• Full suite of AI productivity tools via Samsung DeX
• Enhanced durability improvements over Z Fold 7

Galaxy Z Fold8

The Z Fold 8 breaks from Samsung's traditional tall-and-narrow design, adopting a 4:3 screen ratio that makes the display wider and more compact. This is defensive positioning—analysts expect Apple's first foldable to feature a wide-screen form factor. At $1,899, the Z Fold8 undercuts the Ultra by $200 and offers a distinct use case.

Key specifications:

• Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor
• 4:3 screen ratio (wider viewing experience for content)
• Dual-lens camera system
• Improved screen-to-body ratio for content consumption
• Lighter weight than the Z Fold8 Ultra
• Optimised for video, web browsing, and media

Galaxy Z Flip8

The clamshell foldable by Samsung is an example of innovation versus improvement, whereby the Z Flip8 continues with the design concept used in the Flip7 while tackling the issue of increasing costs of components.

Key specifications:

• Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor
• Compact flip design (fits in pockets)
• Enhanced hinge durability
• Improved outer display functionality
• Faster processor vs Z Flip7
• Premium glass and materials

Samsung Z Fold8 prices

Samsung’s Z Fold8 Ultra has been listed for sale at $2,099, which is $100 more expensive than the earlier model, the Z Fold7 Ultra.

The Z Flip8 has also been launched with a price tag of $1,199, again $100 more than its previous version.

As Ben Wood expressed surprise at the cost-consciousness, stating, "That underlines the fact that Samsung is keen to maintain a competitive price point." The pricing of the Ultra series will become “a talking point” for consumers.