Samsung Z Fold 8, Fold 8 Ultra & Flip 8: Hands-On First Look

Samsung has launched its latest foldable phones, featuring faster chips, revamped designs, and higher prices all around — including a new Ultra tier that tops the standard Fold for the first time.

Three New Foldables, One New Smartwatch

Samsung unveiled four new devices: the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Flip 8, and Watch Ultra 2. This launch is bigger than usual, especially with the introduction of the “Ultra” foldable, marking a significant change in Samsung’s lineup.

All three phones are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, Qualcomm’s latest and fastest mobile processor. Early hands-on reports indicate that the performance boost is noticeable, but standardized benchmark tests will be available closer to the release date.

Galaxy Z Fold 8: Entertainment First

The standard Fold 8 takes a different design approach. Samsung has widened the inner screen, shifting its focus from productivity features like split-screen multitasking to video watching and gaming. Picture it less as a mini laptop and more as a pocket TV that folds up.

However, there’s a notable trade-off: the Fold 8 drops Flex Mode, a popular feature that allowed the phone to prop itself up at an angle, like a laptop hinge. This let users utilize the top half as a screen while using the bottom half as a trackpad or camera viewfinder. Android Authority reports that the removal likely ties to the new hinge design, but Samsung hasn’t provided full details yet. For those who relied on Flex Mode for hands-free video calls or cooking timers, this is a significant loss.

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra: The Premium Tier Arrives

The Fold 8 Ultra caters to power users asking for more from foldables. It sits above the standard Fold 8, featuring upgraded materials, improved camera hardware, and a price tag to match.

Engadget’s comparison highlights the key differences. In short, the Ultra is for those who want the best Samsung has to offer in a folding format and are willing to pay for it. The standard Fold 8 is perfect for users seeking a large-screen foldable experience without going all out.

Galaxy Z Flip 8: Fixing the Cover Screen

The Flip 8 is Samsung’s compact clamshell foldable, resembling the old Motorola Razr. This year’s update addresses one of the biggest complaints about previous Flip models: the cover screen. The small display on the outside of the phone when closed was too limited to be genuinely useful.

The Flip 8 enhances what you can do on that outer screen without opening the phone. This change is more impactful than it might seem. If you’re checking a notification or replying to a quick message, not having to unfold your phone saves time and reduces wear on the hinge.

Watch Ultra 2: More Rugged, More Capable

The Watch Ultra 2 builds on last year’s original Ultra with incremental upgrades. Samsung markets it as the toughest and most feature-rich smartwatch in its lineup, targeting users who are serious about fitness tracking or work in environments where regular smartwatches might not hold up.

What This Means for Everyday Users

If you’ve been considering foldables, Samsung’s 2026 lineup is the most diverse it’s ever been, which can be both helpful and confusing. Here’s a straightforward breakdown of who each device suits:

• Fold 8: You want a big-screen phone for media and gaming, and you’re okay with losing some productivity features.
• Fold 8 Ultra: You want the best foldable Samsung offers, price isn’t a major concern, and you use your phone for everything.
• Flip 8: You want a compact phone that folds small, looks stylish, and is more useful when closed than previous Flip models.
• Watch Ultra 2: You want a rugged, full-featured Samsung smartwatch for serious fitness use.

The improvements to the Flip 8’s cover screen are likely the most universally beneficial upgrade in the lineup. The Fold 8’s shift toward entertainment is a significant design choice that will satisfy some users but may disappoint those who frequently used Flex Mode.

Community Reactions

“Dropping Flex Mode is wild to me. That was literally the feature that made the Fold useful on a desk. Hope they bring it back.”

“The wider inner screen on the Fold 8 looks incredible for YouTube. Finally feels like a proper video device.”

What To Watch

• Pre-orders are open now — deals and bundles are already available as of late July 2026.
• Full reviews with benchmark testing and battery life data should come out in the next few weeks as reviewers spend more time with the devices.
• Flex Mode clarification — Samsung hasn’t fully explained why the feature was removed from the Fold 8. An official statement or workaround could arrive soon.
• Pricing reality check — with higher price tags across the board, watch for carrier trade-in promotions that could significantly lower the cost of upgrading.

Sources: Mashable hands-on, Mashable Fold 8 deep-dive, Android Authority