Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Z Fold8 & Z Flip8 Announced: Samsung's Biggest Foldable Leap Yet

Samsung has officially unveiled its latest generation of foldable smartphones, and this year's Galaxy Unpacked event was all about giving consumers more choice than ever before.

Introducing the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8, and Galaxy Z Flip8, Samsung is doubling down on foldable technology while placing artificial intelligence at the centre of the smartphone experience. Whether you're a productivity powerhouse, content creator, or simply someone who wants a stylish smartphone that stands out, Samsung believes there's now a foldable designed specifically for you.

Here's everything you need to know.

Samsung's Foldable Family Just Got Bigger

Unlike previous years where Samsung offered just two foldable devices, 2026 introduces three distinct models, each designed for a different type of user.

Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra

The new flagship of the range, designed for professionals, creators and power users who want the biggest display, best cameras and maximum productivity.

Galaxy Z Fold8

A lighter and more affordable Fold designed for everyday entertainment, multitasking and immersive content.

Galaxy Z Flip8

The smallest and most stylish foldable yet, aimed at users who value portability, fashion and quick AI-powered interactions.

Rather than trying to make one phone suit everyone, Samsung has created three devices with very different personalities.

Galaxy AI Takes Centre Stage

While the hardware is impressive, Samsung's keynote made one thing crystal clear:

Artificial Intelligence is now the biggest feature.

Galaxy AI has been redesigned specifically for foldable phones, helping users complete tasks with fewer taps and making everyday interactions much smarter.

Some of the standout AI features include:

• AI-powered summaries and personalised daily briefings

• Context-aware suggestions through Now Nudge

• Gemini Intelligence integrated across multiple apps

• AI workspaces that organise notes, images, recordings and files

• Smarter multitasking across multiple windows

• AI-assisted productivity and creative workflows

• Enhanced privacy controls for AI-generated content

Samsung says these experiences become even more powerful when paired with the latest Galaxy Watch devices, creating a connected ecosystem that proactively assists throughout the day.

For many users, AI will be the biggest reason to upgrade.

Galaxy Z Fold8: The Foldable Built for Entertainment

Samsung has redesigned the Fold8 around one simple idea:

Make consuming content feel more natural.

At just 201 grams, the Fold8 becomes Samsung's lightest Fold smartphone yet.

The redesigned display ratios are intended to make every activity feel more comfortable:

• Messaging and social media on the outer display

• Movies and gaming on the larger unfolded screen

• Reading articles and ebooks in landscape mode

Samsung has also introduced its new Flex Titanium display structure, which helps make the device thinner while improving durability and reducing the visibility of the screen crease over time.

Other highlights include:

• Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy processor

• 4,800mAh battery

• Up to 3,000 nits peak brightness

• Dual 50MP rear cameras

• Improved hinge design

• IP48 water resistance

Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra: Built for Power Users

If the standard Fold8 is designed for entertainment, the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is all about getting work done.

Samsung describes it as bringing the "Ultra" experience to foldables for the very first time.

The Ultra features:

• Massive 8-inch main display

• Slim 4.1mm unfolded design

• Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor

• 5,000mAh battery

• New dual-path 45W fast charging

• Improved cooling system

• 16GB RAM option

For photographers and creators, Samsung has significantly upgraded the camera system.

Highlights include:

• 200MP main camera

• New 50MP ultra-wide camera

• Improved Nightography

• 8K video recording

• APV codec support

• Cine LUT colour controls for more cinematic footage

If you're someone who edits photos, creates YouTube videos or frequently multitasks, the Fold8 Ultra is clearly the flagship Samsung wants you to own.

Galaxy Z Flip8 Gets Smarter Than Ever

Samsung's compact foldable also receives one of its biggest upgrades yet.

The Galaxy Z Flip8 is now:

• Only 180 grams

• Just 6.1mm thick when unfolded

• Equipped with a larger AI-powered FlexWindow

• Built around quick interactions without opening the phone

The cover display now supports more apps, more AI features and faster access to useful information.

Samsung is introducing:

• AI summaries

• Smart reminders

• Voice-powered Gemini access

• Better notification management

• Quick scheduling suggestions

• Faster everyday actions

A Better Camera Experience

Samsung has continued refining one of the Flip's biggest strengths—its unique camera system.

New camera features include:

• 50MP main camera

• Improved ProVisual Engine

• Better portrait photography

• Enhanced skin tones

• Dynamic bokeh

• Flex Mode hands-free shooting

• Super Steady video with Horizontal Lock

• Mirror View for natural selfies

• FlipShot custom cover screen photography

The Flip8 remains one of the easiest smartphones for taking selfies without needing a tripod or selfie stick.

Samsung Focuses on Durability

Foldable phones have come a long way over the past seven generations, and Samsung continues improving durability.

Across the new lineup, Samsung introduces:

• Flex Titanium display construction

• Stronger hinge engineering

• Better display support

• Reduced crease visibility

• Improved impact resistance

• Slimmer overall designs

Combined with IP48 water resistance, the new Galaxy Z series aims to give buyers greater confidence when choosing a foldable device.

Privacy and Security Receive Major Upgrades

With AI becoming increasingly personal, Samsung has also strengthened its security platform.

New features include:

• Samsung Knox security

• Knox Vault protection

• Personal Data Engine

• AI Assistant Activity dashboard

• Privacy Alerts

• Enhanced AI transparency controls

• User-controlled cloud processing

Samsung says users will have greater visibility into how AI uses their information while keeping sensitive data protected.

Easier Switching for iPhone Users

Samsung is also making it simpler for users to switch from other platforms.

The updated Smart Switch now supports:

• QR code migration

• Wireless transfers

• Password migration

• eSIM transfer

• Accessibility settings

• Google and Samsung account transfers

Quick Share also gains improved compatibility with Apple devices, making file sharing between Galaxy and iPhone users much easier.

Australian Availability

Australians won't have to wait long.

The new Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Flip8 are available for pre-order from 23 July, with retail availability following shortly after.

Samsung is also including:

• Six months of Google AI Pro

• 5TB of cloud storage

• Samsung Care+ offers

• New Galaxy Club upgrade benefits

Final Thoughts

Samsung's 2026 Galaxy Unpacked event wasn't simply about releasing new smartphones—it was about redefining what foldables can be.

The introduction of the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra finally gives productivity-focused users an Ultra-tier foldable, while the redesigned Galaxy Z Fold8 makes the foldable experience lighter and more approachable. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Z Flip8 continues to evolve into one of the most practical and stylish compact smartphones available.

Perhaps the biggest story, however, is Samsung's growing commitment to AI. Rather than treating artificial intelligence as a gimmick, the company is weaving Galaxy AI into everyday tasks, making its foldable devices feel smarter, more personal and increasingly helpful.

If you've been waiting for the right time to consider a foldable phone, Samsung's latest lineup might just be its strongest argument yet.