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What changed in the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra?
Samsung announced the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra in July 2026 and said the new Galaxy Z line would become available in select markets starting August 7. Availability and configurations vary by market, carrier and retailer. Samsung calls this the first Ultra model in the Galaxy Z series and positions it as a productivity-focused foldable. Samsung’s launch announcement and first look describe its large display and AI-powered multitasking; those are Samsung’s positioning, not independent proof that it suits every workflow.
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Larger displays and higher brightness
Samsung lists an 8-inch main display and a 6.5-inch cover display for the Ultra, compared with 7.6 inches and 5.5 inches on the standard Fold8. Both screens are rated by Samsung Australia at up to 3,000 nits peak brightness and 120Hz. In Tom’s Guide’s test, its sample reached 2,687 nits; that is an independent measurement, not the same kind of figure as Samsung’s rated maximum. The larger panels are the most direct reason to consider the Ultra if your current foldable feels cramped. Samsung’s U.S. product page lists the display sizes, while Samsung Australia’s guide provides the refresh-rate and peak-brightness claims.
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The rear system pairs a 200MP wide camera with a 50MP ultrawide and a 10MP telephoto offering 3x optical zoom, according to Samsung. Tom’s Guide praised the cameras overall but criticized telephoto performance, so the headline resolution does not guarantee that zoom shots will satisfy everyone. Samsung Australia also lists 8K video recording. Samsung’s specifications establish the camera configuration; the assessment of real-world camera quality belongs to Tom’s Guide’s review.
#1 Best Overall
- SPLIT THE VIEW. MULTITASK¹ TO THE MAX: Productivity never felt this powerful. Use up to three apps¹ at once on the expansive inner screen of Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra. You’ll enjoy plenty of space to work, play, connect and more.
- MULTITASKING MADE SMARTER WITH AI: Stay one step ahead with AI² that suggests which apps you might need next. Then view those multiple windows side by side on the large screen of your Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra.
- ANY SHOT, ALL THE DETAILS: Dive into the details of any image with our best camera on a foldable smartphone. Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra boasts a 200MP camera — and an upgraded 50MP Ultra Wide lens — for both stunning wide shots and extreme close-ups.
- ELITE CHIPSET. FLUID GRAPHICS: Experience what’s possible with our most advanced Galaxy Z Series processor. From immersive gaming and speedy multitasking to the latest Galaxy AI³ features, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 keeps everything running seamlessly.
- THE BATTERY YOU’VE BEEN WAITING FOR: It’s the battery you’ve been wanting in a foldable cell phone. Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra packs a powerful ultra-sized⁴ battery in an ultra-slim design. Plus, with Super Fast Charging 2.0⁵, charge up faster than ever before.
Newer performance and a larger battery
Samsung Australia specifies a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy processor, up to 16GB of memory and up to 1TB of storage. It lists a 5,000mAh battery, 45W wired charging and up to 27 hours of video playback as a manufacturer claim. Tom’s Guide reports 45W wired and 20W wireless charging for its reviewed configuration; Samsung Australia lists 15W wireless charging. Because those wireless figures differ, check the specification for the exact regional model rather than assuming one number applies everywhere.
In Tom’s Guide’s custom battery test—web surfing over 5G at 150 nits—the Fold8 Ultra lasted 14 hours 33 minutes. In that same test, the Fold7 recorded 10 hours 44 minutes and the standard Fold8 12 hours 19 minutes. These are controlled results from one publication, not a promise of everyday screen time. Samsung’s “up to 27 hours” video-playback claim measures a different use case and should not be compared directly with the web-browsing test.
Rank #2
- CREATED FOR YOUR CONTENT: Any way you turn it, the new Galaxy Z Fold8 gives you a fuller viewing experience. Designed with your content in mind, this foldable phone is the perfect size to make your movies, books and more incredibly immersive.
- WORLD’S LIGHTEST FOLD¹: Galaxy Z Fold8 is the newest foldable phone for content on the go. Unfolded, it fits movies and books for an immersive experience. Folded, it delivers comfortable texting and everyday use — all on the world’s lightest fold.¹
- THE BRIGHTEST DISPLAY ON A GALAXY PHONE: Our brightest smartphone display² provides you with a comfortable view, whether you’re inside or outside. Watch movies, play games and scroll with ease no matter where you are.
- RECORD. REFRAME. READY FOR SOCIAL³: Record content on Galaxy Z Fold8 and then use My FanCam³ to keep your subject center stage. The result is a social-ready video that focuses on the part of the action you really want.
- UNTETHER YOUR ENTERTAINMENT: The long-lasting battery of Galaxy Z Fold8 is built to power hours of entertainment. And when you do need to recharge, Super Fast Charging 2.0⁴ gets you back to what you love quickly.
What are the trade-offs?
It is a refinement, not a redesign
Tom’s Guide found the design changes minimal. That makes the Ultra easier to justify as an upgrade for screen and component gains than for a new look or a different folding experience. The review lists a 215g weight and IP48 rating; these are reported specifications for the reviewed model, not a claim that the phone is impervious to dust or water.
No S Pen support
Tom’s Guide flags the absence of S Pen support as a notable omission. If handwriting, sketching or pen-based annotation is central to why you want a large foldable, the Ultra does not deliver that particular productivity benefit.
Rank #3
- Versatile Camera System: High-quality photography with multiple lenses and modes.
- One UI Software: User-friendly interface for an intuitive and seamless experience.
- Foldable Tablet Experience: Combines phone and tablet functionality seamlessly.
- Multi-Window App Continuity: Run multiple apps simultaneously for efficient multitasking.
- Built to last, the Fold5 includes IPX8 water resistance, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection, an Armor Aluminum hinge, side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and support for S Pen (sold separately) — combining rugged engineering with productivity.
Higher price
At review time, Tom’s Guide reported U.S. launch prices of $2,099 for 256GB/12GB, $2,299 for 512GB and $2,699 for 1TB/16GB. It also reported £1,899 in the U.K. and AU$2,999 in Australia for the 256GB/12GB configuration. These are publication-reported launch prices, not guaranteed current prices; local availability, promotions and retailer pricing can change.
Should you upgrade?
- Consider it if: the extra screen area matters to your reading, multitasking or media use; you want the newer camera setup; or longer battery endurance is a priority. Tom’s Guide’s controlled test supports a substantial battery improvement over the Fold7 under its specific conditions.
- Think twice if: your current foldable already meets your needs, you expect a visibly transformed design, you rely on an S Pen, or the price premium outweighs the benefits of the larger screens.
- Check before buying: confirm that the Ultra is available in your market, compare the live price for your preferred storage configuration and verify regional wireless-charging specifications.
For Fold7 owners, the strongest case is the combination of larger displays and the better result in Tom’s Guide’s battery test; the lack of S Pen support and limited design change temper that case. For someone choosing between the Fold8 and Fold8 Ultra, Samsung’s listed screen sizes and camera specifications are concrete reasons to pay more only if the larger panels and upgraded camera hardware matter to their use.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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