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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 & Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra Review: Samsung’s Most Refined Foldables Technology Desk

  • Writer: Dimitris Schoen
    Dimitris Schoen
  • Aug 5
  • 6 min read


Samsung’s latest Galaxy Unpacked event showcased far more than just new smartphones. Alongside the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, Galaxy Watch9 and an early glimpse at Samsung’s upcoming smart glasses, the company introduced its newest generation of foldable smartphones—the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra.


As the song by Bebe Rexha and Faithless, New Religion, we felt hypnotised and wanted to tell you more about it. After spending time with both devices, one thing became immediately clear: Samsung’s foldable lineup has reached a level of maturity that makes it feel less like a futuristic experiment and more like a premium flagship that happens to fold.


A New Standard for Foldable Design


The first thing you notice when picking up the Galaxy Z Fold8 is just how compact it feels. Previous generations always reminded you that you were holding a foldable phone. This time, Samsung has significantly refined the experience.


The Fold8 is remarkably thin, surprisingly lightweight and feels elegant in the hand. Closed, it resembles a conventional smartphone far more than previous models, while opening the device reveals an expansive 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. (Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8, 2026)


Powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon flagship processor, paired with 12GB of RAM and storage options starting at 256GB, performance is exactly what you would expect from Samsung’s premium offering.


The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra takes things even further. Its larger display, increased memory, premium camera system featuring a 200MP main sensor, Ultra S Pen support and additional productivity features position it as Samsung’s ultimate mobile workstation. (Swanton, 2026)


Both models support 5G connectivity, improved battery efficiency, enhanced durability and Samsung’s latest AI-powered productivity tools integrated into One UI. (Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Design & Features, 2026)


Hands-On Impressions


We recently visited local retailers in Montreux and Vevey to spend time with Samsung’s newest foldables.


Although we also tested the latest Galaxy Z Flip, the Fold series left a much stronger impression.


The Fold8 feels exceptionally balanced. The hinge opens with reassuring resistance while remaining smooth and precise. Samsung’s engineering improvements are immediately noticeable.


Perhaps the biggest achievement is the display crease.


It is still present—as with every foldable—but during everyday use it quickly disappears from your attention. Watching videos, reading documents or browsing the web feels immersive, helped by one of the brightest and most vibrant displays currently available. (Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 review (early verdict): The future of foldables, 2026)


The premium glass finish, excellent build quality and reduced thickness make this the first Fold that genuinely feels like a conventional flagship smartphone when closed.


One UI 9 Makes Multitasking Shine


Hardware alone doesn’t define a foldable. Software is equally important, and Samsung continues to lead the Android market in this area. (Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 review: Passport to success, 2026)


After using One UI 9 throughout a week of everyday work, multitasking has become noticeably smoother.


Dragging applications into split-screen mode feels faster than before, while the redesigned taskbar makes switching between apps almost effortless. (Sharma, 2026)

Creating App Pairs—opening Gmail and Google Docs simultaneously, for example—saves valuable time during the workday.


Flex Mode has also matured considerably. During video calls, meeting controls automatically move to the lower half of the display, making adjustments far more intuitive. (McNeal, 2026)


There are still occasional compatibility issues with certain third-party applications that have yet to fully support Flex Mode, but Samsung has been actively releasing software updates to improve compatibility.


The integrated Galaxy AI tools are among the software’s strongest features. Live translation, intelligent note-taking and AI-powered image editing all proved genuinely useful rather than feeling like gimmicks. (Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 hands-on review: This is the one I’d get, 2026)


Fold8 vs Apple’s Next Flagships


Although Apple has yet to officially unveil its next-generation Pro iPhones, Samsung’s foldables already occupy a very different category.


Rather than competing purely on camera quality or processor benchmarks, Samsung offers something Apple currently does not: a smartphone that transforms into a tablet.

For professionals, students and multitaskers, that flexibility remains Samsung’s biggest competitive advantage.


Apple traditionally excels in computational photography, video recording and ecosystem integration, while Samsung focuses on productivity, multitasking and hardware innovation.


The choice ultimately depends on what matters most to the user.


Competition: Oppo and Huawei


Samsung no longer dominates the foldable market alone.


Manufacturers such as Oppo and Huawei have produced impressive alternatives over the past few years.


However, after comparing these devices side by side, Samsung continues to offer the most balanced overall package. (Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 review, 2026)


The Fold8 feels lighter than many competitors while maintaining exceptional build quality.


Its hinge inspires confidence and feels among the strongest available today. (Mundy, 2026)


Camera performance on the Fold8 Ultra also impressed us, producing sharper detail and more consistent low-light performance than several competing foldables we tested. (Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra Camera: How Close to Flagship?, 2026)


Battery life comfortably lasted through a full working day involving streaming, photography, navigation and productivity tasks. (Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Fold8 and Flip8: Foldables, Perfected for Every Way of Living, 2026)


Samsung’s multitasking software also remains ahead of most Android competitors, with smooth three-app split-screen support and excellent optimisation. (Samsung preps a Galaxy Z Fold 8 app-level feature that's the icing on the cake, 2026)


Combined with official water resistance and years of software refinement, the Fold8 currently feels like the most complete foldable experience on the market. (Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra review: A major leap forward, 2026)


A Better Everyday Phone


Last year’s Galaxy Z Fold7 already impressed us by finally making foldables practical enough for everyday use.


The Fold8 refines that formula rather than reinventing it.


Its slimmer profile means many everyday tasks can be completed without opening the phone, while unfolding it instantly provides a tablet-sized workspace whenever extra screen space is needed.


Battery life comfortably lasts a full day with moderate use, and enabling Samsung’s Power Saving Mode extends it even further for heavier users. (Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 review (early verdict): The future of foldables, 2026)


Who Should Buy It?

The Galaxy Z Fold8 is designed for people who want one device capable of replacing several others.


Business professionals will appreciate document editing, video conferencing and multitasking on the larger display.


Creative users benefit from the expansive canvas for sketching, editing photos and producing content.


Even casual users will enjoy the flexibility of watching films, gaming or browsing on a much larger screen without carrying a tablet.


Very few smartphones adapt to as many different lifestyles as Samsung’s latest foldable.


Pricing and Swiss Availability


Perhaps the biggest surprise is pricing.


While foldables remain premium devices, Samsung’s launch offers in Switzerland make the Galaxy Z Fold8 significantly more attractive than expected.

Swiss mobile operators are currently offering generous promotions, with discounts available through major carriers including Swisscom, Salt and Sunrise, making the Fold8 considerably more accessible for customers considering their first foldable smartphone.

Verdict


Samsung has not reinvented the foldable smartphone this year—but it may have perfected it.


The Galaxy Z Fold8 and Fold8 Ultra represent the company’s most polished foldables to date. Better ergonomics, a refined hinge, improved multitasking, stronger software and meaningful AI features combine to create a device that finally feels completely ready for everyday life.


There are still compromises. Foldables remain expensive, some applications require further optimisation, and battery life, while improved, won’t satisfy every power user.

Even so, Samsung currently offers what is arguably the most complete foldable smartphone experience available.


Basket Rating: 9.5/10


Pros

  • Outstanding design and portability

  • Excellent multitasking experience

  • Premium displays

  • Refined hinge with a much less noticeable crease

  • Powerful AI features

  • Competitive launch offers in Switzerland


Cons


 
 
2026
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