Samsung has unveiled its new foldable smartphones: the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and Galaxy Z Flip 8. Here is everything you need to know.
As it does every summer, Samsung has held its major Unpacked event dedicated to its Galaxy Z foldable smartphones. In 2026, the company has introduced three handsets rather than two.
Prices, design and new features: here is the full lowdown on the products set to define the tech summer.
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Which phones has Samsung announced?
Samsung has revealed three new Galaxy Z-branded phones:
- Galaxy Z Flip 8
- Galaxy Z Fold 8
- Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra
There is one small catch, however. Samsung usually launches two devices each year: a Fold and a Flip. Its strategy changes in 2026 with the introduction of a new passport-style format. This is a Fold smartphone with a squarer design, intended to deliver a 16:9 internal display. The iPhone Fold will also use this format in September.
The potentially confusing part is the name: this new handset is called the Galaxy Z Fold 8, yet it is not the successor to the Galaxy Z Fold 7. That position is instead held by the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, which retains the shape of Samsung's established foldable phone. Still with us?
The Galaxy Z Flip 8 sits somewhat apart within the range, as it continues to focus on its fashionable, compact clamshell form factor. It is indeed the successor to the Flip 7.
How much do the Galaxy Z 2026 phones cost?
Samsung has announced the following prices for its new Galaxy Z handsets:
- Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra: from €2,199, rising to €2,799
- Galaxy Z Fold 8: from €1,999, rising to €2,399
- Galaxy Z Flip 8: from €1,299
Prices have therefore risen compared with the 2025 models. This is hardly surprising: the RAM crisis is pushing prices upwards, with consumers ultimately footing the bill. Once again, the Flip is the most affordable option. All three will be available on 7 August 2026.
What is the design of the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Fold 8 Ultra and Z Flip 8?
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is the headline act among these launches, as it adopts a passport-style format never before seen in the range. Its outer display is almost square, while the internal screen has a 16:9 aspect ratio. Samsung has also pared the form factor back to the essentials, resulting in a weight of 201 grams.
Samsung did not invent the passport format, which has existed for several years. Examples include the Oppo Find N, the first Pixel Fold and, more recently, the Huawei Pura X Max. However, Samsung and soon Apple could help bring it into the mainstream and make it the most popular format in the foldable smartphone segment. It will be offered in black, white, lavender and pistachio.
There is no major shake-up with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, but Samsung is continuing the direction established by the Z Fold 7. The phone is slightly thinner, measuring 8.9 mm when folded and 4.1 mm when unfolded, and weighs 215 grams. That slimness remains welcome when compared with the tank-like previous Fold models, up to and including the 6. Samsung will offer it in black, white, purple and green.
Lastly, the Z Flip 8 is even smaller than the Z Flip 7, weighing 180 grams and arriving in vibrant colours: black, white, pale pink and water green. There is no dramatic redesign; it is very nearly the same as the 2025 model.
What are the Galaxy Z 2026 specifications?
Samsung does not spring any surprises with the specifications of its new Galaxy Z phones. As usual, they use the latest processors available-Qualcomm chips in the Folds and an Exynos chip in the Flip-while photography is not a particular priority.
| Galaxy Z Fold 8 | Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra | Galaxy Z Flip 8 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.4 x 123.9 x 4.5 mm (unfolded) | 158.4 x 143.2 x 4.1 mm unfolded | 166.7 x 75.2 x 6.5 mm unfolded |
| Weight | 201 grams | 215 grams | 180 grams |
| Display | Internal: 7.6-inch AMOLED 120 Hz 2584 x 1828 pixels 2600 nits External: 5.5 inches 1848 x 1264 pixels 120 Hz |
Internal: 8-inch AMOLED 120 Hz 2184 x 1968 pixels 2600 nits External: 6.5 inches 2520 x 1080 pixels 120 Hz 2400 nits |
Internal: 6.9-inch AMOLED 120 Hz 1080 x 2520 pixels 2600 nits External: 4.1 inches 948 x 1048 pixels 120 Hz 2600 nits 3000 nits (HDR peak) |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | Exynos 2600 |
| RAM | 12/16 GB | 12/16 GB | 12 GB |
| Storage | 256/512 GB/1 TB | 256/512 GB/1 TB | 256/512 GB |
| OS | Android 16/One UI 9 | Android 16/One UI 9 | Android 16/One UI 9 |
| Camera sensors | + 50-megapixel wide-angle sensor + 50-megapixel ultra-wide-angle sensor |
+ 200-megapixel wide-angle sensor + 50-megapixel ultra-wide-angle sensor + 10-megapixel telephoto sensor, 3x optical zoom |
+ 50-megapixel wide-angle sensor + 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle sensor |
| Selfie camera | 10 megapixels x2 | 10 megapixels x2 | 10 megapixels |
| Battery | 4800 mAh, 45 W fast charging | 5000 mAh, 45 W fast charging | 4300 mAh, 25 Watts fast charging |
| IP certification | IP 48 | IP48 | IP 48 |
| Colours | Black, white, purple | Black, white, burgundy | Black, white, pink |
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra retains the Z Fold 7's 200-megapixel sensor and improves battery life with a battery increased to 5,000 mAh. Meanwhile, the Fold 8 features two 50-megapixel sensors, making certain compromises in the camera department.
These smartphones remain technically capable, but they are not flagships in the same way as the Galaxy S26 Ultra. In practice, they are relying more heavily on their use cases and form factors to win people over.
Which Galaxy Z is best for each use?
With this range, Samsung is targeting three distinct groups of users. It is up to each buyer to choose the handset that suits them.
The passport-format Galaxy Z Fold 8 is aimed at entertainment, for people who want to enjoy content such as video games or films. Its 16:9 internal screen avoids the usual drawback of earlier Folds: unattractive wide black bars. Although the display may have a smaller surface area, the picture is larger.
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra carries on the role of the previous Fold models. It is a smartphone designed for productivity, with its large internal display well suited to multitasking. Naturally, DeX returns for office work. If you regularly work while out and about, as we do, this is the one to choose.
The Galaxy Z Flip 8, meanwhile, is for those seeking a compact, fashionable and stylish phone. It retains the distinctive, enjoyable clamshell format, albeit with a few technical trade-offs, particularly for photography.
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