Samsung Unveils Z Fold8, Fold8 Ultra, Flip8 With Wider Design, Silicon-Carbon Batteries

Samsung on July 22 unveiled its next generation of foldable phones—the Galaxy Z Fold8, Z Fold8 Ultra, and Z Flip8—betting that a diversified lineup can hold off Apple's expected entry into the category. All three devices are available for pre-order now, with general sales beginning August 7 alongside the Galaxy Watch9 and Watch Ultra 2.

A wider foldable for US viewers

The standard Galaxy Z Fold8 breaks from Samsung's traditional narrow foldable shape with a wider, squatter aspect ratio optimized for video consumption. It is the first wide foldable offered in the US market. Samsung is also selling the Fold8 Ultra, which retains the narrower form factor for users who prioritize productivity over media viewing. The standard Fold8 measures 4.5mm when unfolded.

Pricing starts at US$1,899 for the base 256GB Galaxy Z Fold8.

Ultra goes thinner, not all the way flagship

The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is Samsung's thinnest foldable to date at 4.1mm when unfolded—0.1mm thinner than the Fold 7—thanks to a new 'Flex Titanium' display backing. It packs a 5,000mAh silicon-carbon battery with 45W fast charging, part of a broader push that makes the Fold8, Fold8 Ultra, and Flip8 the first Galaxy phones to use silicon-carbon battery technology.

On imaging, the Ultra shares the S26 Ultra's 200MP main sensor and 50MP ultrawide camera. However, it stops short of full equivalence: the Ultra has a 10MP 3x telephoto instead of the S26 Ultra's 50MP 5x periscope. "Ultra represents Galaxy's highest standard for performance, capability and innovation," Samsung said in a statement.

Why the split strategy matters

Samsung is overhauling its foldable approach ahead of Apple's rumored debut, moving away from a one-size-fits-all model to capture different segments—media consumption with the wide Fold8 and high-end productivity with the Fold8 Ultra. The launch coincides with the Galaxy S26 series and emphasizes deep integration of Alphabet's Gemini AI across the ecosystem.

General sales for the new foldables and smartwatches begin August 7, 2026.