Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8 & Galaxy Z Flip8 Review

Samsung's 2026 foldable lineup is the biggest shake-up the Galaxy Z series has seen in years. Instead of one Fold and one Flip, Samsung now offers three distinct shapes: the flagship Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, the all-new wide-format Galaxy Z Fold8, and the ever-pocketable Galaxy Z Flip8. Early reviews are in, and the takeaway is clear — this is Samsung's most confident foldable generation yet.

For the first time, Samsung's Foldable family splits three ways. All three devices share the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy processor, an IP48 rating for dust and water resistance, and ship with One UI 9 on Android, backed by seven generations of promised OS and security updates. Samsung AI and Google Gemini compatibility come standard across the range.

• Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra — the true flagship, in Violet Shadow, Graphite, or Cream

• Galaxy Z Fold8 — a brand-new, shorter-and-wider "passport" form factor, in Lavender, Graphite, or Cream

• Galaxy Z Flip8 — Samsung's clamshell, now in Pink, Graphite, or Cream

The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra keeps the traditional Fold silhouette but sharpens nearly everything around it. This is Samsung's most well-rounded premium foldable to date. Over at 9to5Google, the hinge is described as noticeably snappier than the previous generation, thanks to a reinforced flex titanium structure that manages to add strength without adding bulk.

Both the 6.5-inch cover screen and 8.0-inch main display hit up to 3,000 nits of peak brightness at 120Hz, and the phone remains genuinely light for daily carry. Benchmark testing by Tom's Guide found the Fold8 Ultra delivering a meaningful generational performance jump over its predecessor.

After seven generations of a single flagship foldable, Samsung split the line into two devices this year, and Engadget found the base Galaxy Z Fold8 has stolen the spotlight from its pricier sibling, blending ideas from Samsung's own back catalog with a wider, squatter design that feels like the best of a phone and a small tablet in one.

Forbes said he device's smaller-yet-wider design was impressive enough to make it a main phone. It feels as just the right size — easy to pocket, yet still roomy enough for split-screen gaming and streaming. Bloomberg framed the Galaxy Z Fold8 as Samsung's answer to a foldable market about to get a lot more competitive. CNN Underscored praised its performance and battery life, calling it Samsung's best foldable design yet.

The Galaxy Z Flip8 is the most iterative device of the three on the outside, but benchmark testing found it's the most powerful flip phone Samsung has released. Tom's Guide's benchmarks found the Galaxy Z Flip8 comfortably outperforming its closest flip-style rival in both single- and multi-core speeds, thanks to the same Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip found across the whole 2026 lineup — a notable step up after last year's model shipped with a different in-house chip.

Tom's Guide's full review noted that the camera setup, screen dimensions, and charging speeds carry over largely unchanged from the previous generation, making this feel like a more incremental refresh than the Galaxy Z Fold8's reinvention. Even so, the Galaxy Z Flip8 remains one of the sleekest, most refined clamshell foldables on the market, with vlogging-friendly cover screen features that continue to set it apart from rival flip phones.

• Want the most screen real estate and the full camera system?

  The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is the productivity powerhouse.

• Want a lighter, more pocketable foldable without giving up a big inner display?

  The Galaxy Z Fold8 is the new sweet spot.

• Want flagship power in the most compact form factor?

  The Galaxy Z Flip8 is still the one to beat for style and portability.

Whichever shape suits your lifestyle, all three run on the same class-leading chip and share Samsung's latest AI features — so it really comes down to how you want to hold your next phone.

New Samsung flagships come with a genuine investment, which is exactly why Cinch exists. Subscribing with Cinch means:

• Get the latest without the full upfront cost: spread your subscription over a plan length that suits you (3, 6, 12 or 18 months)

• Bundle in a Galaxy Watch & Galaxy Buds4 Pro: pair your Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8, or Galaxy Z Flip8 with the best Galaxy companions, on one simple monthly subscription

• Stay future-ready: when the next Galaxy launches, return your device and upgrade easily

• Peace of mind: enjoy up to 90% accidental damage protection, with no additional plan needed

1. What's the difference between the Galaxy Z Fold8 and the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra? The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is Samsung's traditional flagship Fold shape with a taller display and a triple-camera system. The Fold8 is a new, shorter-and-wider "passport" form factor with a simpler dual-camera setup, designed to be lighter and easier to pocket.

2. What colours are available? The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra comes in Violet Shadow, Graphite, and Cream. The Galaxy Z Fold8 comes in Lavender, Graphite, and Cream. The Galaxy Z Flip8 comes in Pink, Graphite, and Cream.

3. Is the Galaxy Z Flip8 a big upgrade over the Galaxy Z Flip7? Performance sees a clear jump thanks to the new chip, though reviews note the camera, screen size, and charging speeds are largely carried over from the previous generation.

4. Can I subscribe to a Galaxy Z Fold8, Galaxy Fold8 Ultra, or Galaxy Flip8 instead of buying outright? Yes. Cinch, Samsung's official subscription partner in Singapore, with easy, flexible monthly plans for all three devices.