The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is really impressive, but I would spend extra for the Z Fold 8 Ultra.
Samsung made a notable move at Galaxy Unpacked 2026 by separating its Galaxy Z foldable series into two distinct devices for the first time. Whether this decision was influenced by Apple's rumored iPhone Ultra is up for debate, but currently, visitors to a Samsung experience center can choose between two Fold options: the new Galaxy Z Fold 8 and the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra.
The Fold 8 is designed to be wider and lighter, ideal for one-handed use on the cover screen and for consuming content on the inner screen. Conversely, the Fold 8 Ultra maintains a tall and slim design. After spending some time with both devices, I've reached a conclusion.
Nadeem Sarwar / DigitalTrends
While I appreciate what the Fold 8 aims to achieve, I wouldn't purchase it myself. I’d choose to spend an additional $200 on the Ultra without hesitation. Here’s why.
When a Fold feels like a phone
As I reviewed the embargoed specifications for both models, one detail surprised me. Despite the Fold 8 being the lightest Samsung Fold at 201 grams, it is not the thinnest foldable; that distinction goes to the Ultra.
The Fold 8 measures 4.5mm when open, while the Fold 8 Ultra is 4.1mm. When folded, the Ultra is 8.9mm thick compared to the Fold 8’s 9.7mm. You might think I'm nitpicking over small differences, but once you hold both devices, you'll see my point.
Nadeem Sarwar / DigitalTrends
Nadeem Sarwar / DigitalTrends
In my view, the Ultra feels flatter, sleeker, and more polished. I truly believe that Samsung has reduced the bulk typically associated with book-style foldables. At 8.9mm, it fits naturally in the hand, feels less cumbersome, and much less like a brick.
I recognize that some conventional flagship phones are thinner than 8mm, with the S26 Ultra measuring just 7.9mm. This makes it feel incredibly slim yet balanced in hand. The fact that the Fold 8 Ultra is nearly as thick as the iPhone 17 Pro, or just 0.4mm thicker than the Pixel 10 Pro XL, indicates it's operating in the same physical space as standard flagship devices.
Nadeem Sarwar / Digital Trends
Nadeem Sarwar / Digital Trends
I am aware that some Chinese foldables are thinner, but they are not available for sale in the US through official channels, making them an impractical option for most American consumers, so I’ll disregard them.
The 8-inch inner screen is where One UI 9 excels
I’ve tested One UI 9’s split-screen feature on both phones, and I have strong opinions on it. Yes, the Fold 8’s 4:3 inner display is great for media consumption, but it falls short as a serious work tool.
The landscape split-screen on the 7.6-inch Fold 8 feels somewhat cramped vertically, resembling two browser windows vying for space on a small desk. In contrast, the Ultra's 8-inch display, nearly a 1:1 aspect ratio, offers a significantly larger vertical canvas to work with.
Nadeem Sarwar / Digital Trends
As someone who manages numerous emails daily and reads swiftly through news articles on Chrome, having more screen space directly translates to fewer scrolls, less page turning, and minimized time spent rearranging content.
Shimul Sood / Digital Trends
Interestingly, the standard Fold 8 allows for three apps in a vertical split-screen configuration, but the individual app windows feel too constrained for my liking. The one-plus-two layout works best for me, and the Fold 8 Ultra’s display suits that perfectly.
If I’m investing in a foldable, I want to maximize the use of the extra screen area, which is why the Ultra is the superior choice. What's the point of a tablet-sized inner display if I'm constantly struggling to fit everything on it?
Shimul Sood / Digital Trends
The dedicated telephoto lens wins me over
While I know everyone has their preferences, I particularly enjoy taking portraits with my smartphone. The subject magnification provided by a dedicated telephoto camera is unparalleled. No amount of cropping on a 2x sensor can compete, not on my iPhone 17 or the Fold 8.
Truthfully, I'm more drawn to the presence of the 10MP (f/2.4) 3x telephoto lens on the Fold 8 Ultra than I am to its 200MP (f/1.7) main camera. It may not be the best available—its 1/3.94-inch sensor struggles in low light, and its night mode can complicate handheld photography.
Nadeem Sarwar / DigitalTrends
However, in good lighting, the output is considerably
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The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is really impressive, but I would spend extra for the Z Fold 8 Ultra.
If I’m looking for the top foldable Samsung model in 2026, I would bypass the Fold 8's broader display and head directly to the Ultra.