The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra makes an immediate positive impression over its predecessor, thanks to a subtle yet impactful change. After 48 hours navigating London with Samsung’s flagship foldable — testing its expansive inner display and enhanced rear cameras — there is much to appreciate, though the $2,100 starting price demands significant value.
Below are my initial findings from hands-on testing; a comprehensive review will follow after further evaluation.
Subtle Physical Refinements, Notable Hinge Improvements
Samsung claims the Fold 8 Ultra is its thinnest foldable yet at 4.1 mm, yet it is only 0.1 mm slimmer than the Z Fold 7. Side by side, the difference is imperceptible; the devices appear identical, which may disappoint those expecting a dramatic redesign.
Nevertheless, the slender profile remains comfortable for one-handed use and slides easily into a pocket. Earlier generations produced a noticeable bulge; the latest iteration does not.
A subtle bevel on the inner display edges creates a slight gap when closed, significantly improving grip and ease of opening — a notable improvement over the nearly flush Z Fold 7. Though minor, this tweak makes a tangible difference during frequent unfolding.
The hinge mechanism has been refined for smoother operation, enhancing the premium feel without constituting a radical overhaul.
The revised hinge yields a flatter unfolded surface, reducing crease visibility, complemented by a new anti-reflective coating that minimizes glare and screen ripples. This was especially appreciated during casual video viewing, where the crease no longer distracts.
Camera Performance and AI Features
Extensive photo walks around London confirmed the Z Fold 8 Ultra as a capable imaging tool. The 200-megapixel main sensor remains largely unchanged, while the ultrawide lens receives a modest resolution increase to 15 megapixels from 12.
Both cameras produce vibrant, sharp images consistent with Samsung’s premium standards. The processing leans toward a pronounced HDR aesthetic — lifting shadows for a bright, polished look — which may not suit purists but serves casual social sharing well.
The 3x telephoto lens captures detailed shots, and night mode excels in low-light scenes along the Thames and at a Samsung launch event.
Unsurprisingly, new AI-driven imaging tools debut on the device. ‘My FanCam’ automatically re-crops video to track a selected person — ideal for isolating a performer on stage — though the heavy digital crop can degrade resolution, especially from 4K source footage.
In practice, the feature works adequately in crowded scenes but the aggressive cropping often yields grainy results; shooting in 8K mitigates this, though 4K remains the default for storage reasons.
Tracking is limited to human subjects and occasionally fails to detect a person, limiting its utility. While niche, concert-goers may appreciate the ability to focus on a specific performer.
Generative AI editing allows scene transformation via text prompts — for example, converting a daytime shot into a sunset. The results are convincing but artificial; professional photographers may avoid it, though casual users might enjoy the creative flexibility.
The standout video feature is Super Steady Horizontal Lock, which maintains a level horizon regardless of camera rotation — even a full 360-degree turn — likely achieved through sensor-area cropping. The stabilization is remarkably effective.
This is invaluable for action footage — skateboarding, children playing — allowing operators to track subjects loosely without worrying about horizon tilt. Further testing will follow in the full review.
Improved Battery Life and Faster Charging
Equipped with a 5,000 mAh battery — the largest in a Samsung foldable — the device claims up to 27 hours of video playback. In a day of mixed photography, video, and AI usage across London, the battery retained roughly 70% charge.
Note that cellular connectivity was limited during testing (relying on tethering), so real-world endurance may vary, but the initial result is promising.
Charging speed doubles to 45 W (from 25 W). Using a 100 W charger, the device replenished from 40% to near full during a brief hotel stop.
Early Verdict: Iterative Refinement Over Revolution
Compared to the Z Fold 7, improvements are incremental. Daily performance feels identical, and aside from the easier-to-open bevel, the design is unchanged. Current Z Fold 7 owners need not upgrade.
However, the device remains compelling for first-time foldable buyers or those upgrading from older models. The inner display excels with a barely visible crease, video stabilization is outstanding, and battery life marks a clear step forward.
A final verdict awaits further benchmarking, gaming evaluation, extensive camera comparisons, and deeper exploration of additional AI features. Comprehensive analysis to follow.
