The foldable smartphone landscape has evolved dramatically, and Samsung’s latest entry, the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, aims to redefine what we expect from a device that transforms from a pocket-friendly phone into a tablet-like powerhouse. With each iteration, Samsung has refined the formula, and this year’s Ultra model brings a host of upgrades that go beyond mere incremental changes. From a brighter, more durable display to a camera system that rivals traditional flagships, the Z Fold8 Ultra is a statement of intent. But does it justify its premium price tag, and how does it perform in real-world scenarios? We’ve spent considerable time with the device to bring you a comprehensive review that covers every aspect, from the initial unboxing to the long-term durability of the hinge mechanism.
The very first thing you notice when you pick up the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is its build quality. It feels solid, with a refined hinge that opens and closes with a satisfying, confident click. The materials used are top-tier, combining Gorilla Glass Victus 3 on the front and back with an Armor Aluminum frame that adds to its premium feel. It’s slightly lighter than its predecessor, which makes a significant difference when using it one-handed in its folded state. The IP48 rating for water and dust resistance is a welcome addition, offering peace of mind for those who worry about the elements. This is a device that feels built to last, and the attention to detail in its construction is evident from the moment you hold it.
Design and Display: A Foldable Masterpiece
The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra features two stunning displays that serve different purposes. The cover display is a 6.5-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 2316 x 904 pixels. It’s tall and narrow, but Samsung has managed to make it more usable with a slightly wider aspect ratio than previous models. This makes typing and navigating on the cover screen feel much more natural. The main folding display, however, is the star of the show. It’s a 7.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 2176 x 1812 pixels. The brightness has been boosted to an impressive 2600 nits peak, making it easily readable even under direct sunlight.
Main Display: The Foldable Experience
When you unfold the device, the experience is immersive. The crease, which was once a major point of criticism, has been significantly reduced. It’s still visible when light hits it at certain angles, but it’s far less prominent than on earlier models. The display is incredibly sharp, with vibrant colors and deep blacks that make watching videos or playing games a joy. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures buttery-smooth scrolling, and the adaptive refresh rate can drop to 1Hz for always-on display to save battery. The under-display camera is also less noticeable, with Samsung using a higher-resolution sensor and improved pixel layout that makes it nearly invisible during normal use.
Cover Display: More Than Just a Preview
The cover display is no longer just a secondary screen for quick notifications. It’s a fully functional smartphone in its own right. The slightly wider aspect ratio means you can comfortably type with two thumbs, and the screen is bright and responsive. It’s perfect for quick tasks like checking messages, making calls, or using navigation apps without having to unfold the device. The transition between the two displays is seamless, with apps continuing where you left off when you open or close the phone. This fluidity is a testament to Samsung’s software optimization.
Performance and Software: Powerhouse Under the Hood
Under the hood, the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy chipset, paired with 12GB of RAM. This combination ensures that the device can handle anything you throw at it, from demanding 3D games to intensive multitasking with multiple apps running simultaneously. The performance is snappy and responsive, with no noticeable lag or stuttering. The device also features an improved vapor chamber cooling system, which keeps temperatures in check even during extended gaming sessions.
Multitasking and S Pen Support
One of the key advantages of the Fold8 Ultra is its multitasking capabilities. The large inner display allows you to run up to three apps simultaneously, and the new taskbar makes switching between apps a breeze. You can drag and drop content between apps, and the split-screen view is highly customizable. The device also supports the S Pen, which is a game-changer for productivity. The S Pen experience is smooth and accurate, with low latency and pressure sensitivity that makes note-taking and drawing feel natural. While the S Pen is not included in the box, it’s a worthwhile investment for those who want to maximize the device’s potential.
One UI 6.1.1: Tailored for Foldables
Samsung’s One UI 6.1.1, based on Android 14, is specifically optimized for foldable devices. The interface is intuitive, with features like Flex Mode that automatically adapts the display when you partially fold the device. This is useful for video calls, where the device can stand on its own, or for watching videos with the controls on the bottom half of the screen. The software is packed with AI-powered features, such as live translation, photo editing, and generative wallpaper, which enhance the overall user experience. Samsung has also committed to seven years of software updates, ensuring that your investment is future-proof.
Camera System: A Leap Forward
The camera system on the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra has received a significant upgrade, bringing it closer to the level of Samsung’s flagship S24 Ultra. The main camera is a 200MP sensor with an f/1.8 aperture and optical image stabilization (OIS). This sensor captures incredibly detailed photos with excellent dynamic range and color accuracy. The 50MP ultra-wide camera offers a 120-degree field of view, and the 10MP telephoto lens provides 3x optical zoom. There’s also a 50MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, which is a new addition that allows for even more versatility.
Main Camera Performance
In daylight, the main camera produces stunning images with rich colors and sharp details. The 200MP sensor uses pixel binning to create 12.5MP images by default, which are perfect for sharing on social media. You can also shoot in full 200MP mode for professional-level detail, but the files are large. The camera app is fast to launch and focus, and the shutter lag is minimal. Low-light performance is also impressive, with the Night Mode producing bright, clear photos with minimal noise. The dedicated night mode on the telephoto lens is a welcome addition, allowing you to capture detailed zoom shots even in challenging lighting conditions.
Zoom and Ultra-Wide Capabilities
The 5x optical zoom lens is a standout feature. It allows you to get closer to your subject without losing quality, and the results are sharp and well-exposed. The 3x lens is also excellent for portraits, providing a natural perspective with beautiful background blur. The ultra-wide camera is great for landscapes and group shots, and it has been improved to reduce distortion at the edges. Overall, the camera system on the Fold8 Ultra is versatile and capable, making it one of the best camera phones on the market.
Battery Life and Charging: All-Day Endurance
The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is equipped with a 5000mAh battery, which is a slight increase over its predecessor. This, combined with the power-efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, provides excellent battery life. In our testing, the device easily lasted a full day of heavy use, including streaming videos, gaming, and taking photos. With moderate use, you can expect to get through a day and a half on a single charge. The device supports 45W fast charging, which can charge the battery from 0 to 50% in about 30 minutes. It also supports 15W wireless charging and 4.5W reverse wireless charging, which is handy for charging your earbuds or smartwatch.
Charging Speeds and Efficiency
While 45W charging is not the fastest on the market, it’s a significant improvement over the 25W charging on previous models. The device also supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring fast connectivity and low power consumption. The battery management system is intelligent, learning your usage patterns to optimize charging and extend battery health over time. If you’re a heavy user, you’ll appreciate the all-day endurance, but if you’re a power user, you might want to carry a charger with you.
Connectivity and Audio: Premium Features
The Fold8 Ultra supports a comprehensive range of connectivity options, including 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC. The device also features an eSIM option, allowing you to use dual SIMs without a physical SIM card. The audio quality is excellent, with stereo speakers tuned by AKG that deliver rich, balanced sound. The speakers are loud and clear, making them great for watching videos or listening to music without headphones. There’s also a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is a rare find in modern flagships, and it supports high-resolution audio for audiophiles.
Durability and Build Quality
Samsung has made significant strides in improving the durability of its foldable devices. The Fold8 Ultra features an IP48 rating, which means it’s resistant to dust and can withstand immersion in water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. The hinge is rated for 1 million folds, and the device is built with a new Armor Aluminum frame that is stronger and more resistant to scratches. The main display is protected by a layer of ultra-thin glass (UTG) that is more durable than previous versions. While it’s still not as durable as a traditional slab phone, the Fold8 Ultra is a well-built device that should withstand everyday wear and tear.
Comparison with Predecessors and Competitors
Compared to the Galaxy Z Fold7, the Fold8 Ultra offers several key upgrades, including a better camera system, a brighter display, and a larger battery. The performance is also improved, thanks to the new Snapdragon chipset. When compared to competitors like the Google Pixel Fold or the OnePlus Open, the Fold8 Ultra stands out with its superior camera system, S Pen support, and more mature software experience. The Pixel Fold offers a more compact design, but it lacks the S Pen and the multitasking capabilities of the Fold8 Ultra. The OnePlus Open is a strong contender, but its camera system is not as versatile as Samsung’s.
Pros and Cons
To give you a balanced view, here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra:
Pros
- Outstanding main display with high brightness and minimal crease
- Versatile and high-quality camera system with 5x optical zoom
- Excellent multitasking capabilities with S Pen support
- Premium build quality with IP48 rating
- All-day battery life with fast charging
- Seven years of software updates
Cons
- Very expensive, making it inaccessible to many consumers
- Still relatively heavy and bulky when folded
- S Pen is not included in the box
- Charging speed is slower than some competitors
- Cover display aspect ratio may not be ideal for everyone
Final Verdict: The Ultimate Foldable?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is the best foldable phone on the market, offering a combination of cutting-edge technology, premium design, and exceptional performance. It addresses many of the criticisms of previous models, with a brighter display, a more capable camera system, and improved durability. The S Pen support and multitasking features make it a productivity powerhouse, and the software experience is mature and polished. The only major drawback is its price, which puts it out of reach for many consumers. However, if you’re looking for the ultimate foldable experience and are willing to pay a premium, the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is the device to get. It’s not just a phone; it’s a glimpse into the future of mobile computing, and it’s a future that looks incredibly bright.
In conclusion, the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is a testament to Samsung’s commitment to innovation. It’s a device that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible, and it sets a new standard for foldable smartphones. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a creative professional, or a business user, the Fold8 Ultra offers a unique and compelling experience that you won’t find anywhere else. While it may not be for everyone, it’s a remarkable achievement that deserves recognition.
