Galaxy Z Fold 8 vs Z Fold 8 Ultra: Uncovering the Essential Contrasts

Samsung has unveiled its latest foldable smartphones, and there’s plenty to discuss.

The lineup includes two book-style devices for the first time, with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 as a new addition and the Z Fold 8 Ultra as the successor to last year’s Z Fold 7.

The differences between the two devices are evident at first glance. But is it merely a choice between a shorter, wider device and a taller, narrower one?

Not quite. While the design may influence your preference, there are several significant differences between the two models.

Curious to know our hands-on impressions of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra? Keep reading.

Design Differences

Let’s start with the most obvious distinction. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra feature distinct designs tailored for different purposes.

The Z Fold 8 Ultra, being positioned as the ‘Ultra’ variant, emphasizes productivity. With identical dimensions and weight to the Z Fold 7, its 8-inch internal display offers ample space for multitasking, equivalent to two 6.5-inch cover screens combined.

This setup makes the Z Fold 8 Ultra ideal for multitasking, a key feature for productivity. Features like ‘Now Nudge’ enhance the experience by enabling quick access to a split-screen view with a single tap.

In contrast, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is more compact and wider. While its 5.5-inch cover screen may feel awkward for certain tasks, the 7.6-inch internal display, with a 4:3 aspect ratio, is well-suited for traditional widescreen content.

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For users interested in media consumption or a tablet-like experience, the Z Fold 8 is a more suitable choice. It is also lighter, weighing in at 201g.

In summary, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra excels in tasks like viewing TikTok and YouTube Shorts simultaneously, while the Z Fold 8 is better suited for long-form content and gaming.

Camera Comparison

Given the premium pricing of these devices, they are expected to serve as primary smartphones, necessitating top-notch camera systems.

Both the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra share some camera specifications, including a 50Mp ultrawide lens with a 120-degree field of view and 10Mp front-facing cameras on both displays. However, the differences become apparent beyond these shared features.

The more expensive Z Fold 8 Ultra boasts a more advanced camera setup, featuring the same 200Mp main lens as its predecessor, the Z Fold 7. On the other hand, the Z Fold 8 inherits the 50Mp sensor from the more budget-friendly Z Flip 8.

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While the 50Mp sensor on the Z Fold 8 is capable, it falls short of the imaging prowess offered by the 200Mp lens on the Z Fold 8 Ultra.

One notable omission in both devices is the absence of a telephoto lens on the Z Fold 8. In contrast, the Z Fold 8 Ultra retains a 10Mp telephoto lens, enabling 3x optical zoom.

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Consequently, zoom photography may be a weak point for the Z Fold 8, relying heavily on digital zoom which compromises image quality. For users prioritizing zoom capabilities and portrait photography, the Z Fold 8 Ultra is the superior choice.

It’s worth noting that while the Z Fold 8 Ultra offers impressive camera features, it may not match the imaging capabilities of flagship devices like the S26 Ultra.

Battery Performance

The Galaxy Z Flip 8, Z Fold 8, and Z Fold 8 Ultra mark Samsung’s first foray into using silicon-carbon (Si-C) batteries in smartphones.

Both the Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra benefit from improved battery capacities compared to the Z Fold 7’s 4400mAh battery. However, their capacities may not match those of some Chinese smartphones.

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The Z Fold 8 is equipped with a 4800mAh battery, while the Z Fold 8 Ultra boasts a slightly larger 5000mAh battery. However, the increased screen sizes, coupled with the power-efficient Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset used in both devices, might offset the battery capacity differences.

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Both phones offer identical charging speeds of 45W wired and 20W wireless charging. However, the absence of built-in Qi2 support means users will need a compatible case for magnetic charging and accessories.

Color Options

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra come in standard color variants of ‘Graphite’ (dark grey) and ‘Cream’ (off-white).

The Z Fold 8 introduces a ‘Lavender’ option, while the Z Fold 8 Ultra offers a more vibrant ‘Violet Shadow’ color choice.

Similarly, the green variants offer a ‘Pistachio’ shade on the Z Fold 8 and a ‘Green Shadow’ hue on the Z Fold 8 Ultra, both exclusive to the Samsung store.

Pricing Details

Unsurprisingly, both the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra are premium devices, reflected in their pricing. However, there are differences in their price points.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 starts at £1,699/$1,899, while the Z Fold 8 Ultra begins at £1,899/$2,099. These prices fall between the launch prices of the Z Fold 7 last year, £1,799/$1,999.

Pre-orders for both models are currently open, with a release date set for August 7. While competitive contract deals are expected, opting for the Z Fold 8 could save you some money.

• Pre-order the Galaxy Z Fold 8 in the UK
• Pre-order the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra in the UK
• Pre-order the Galaxy Z Fold 8 in the US
• Pre-order the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra in the US

Keep in mind that despite the appeal of these foldable devices, there are plenty of excellent budget, mid-range, and flagship smartphones available at a fraction of the cost.