Samsung splits foldables into two distinct models: Galaxy Z Fold8 vs Fold8 Ultra — here's what's different

A journalist who has been using the Huawei Mate X6 as his daily driver for over a year spent two weeks with the Galaxy Z Fold8, swapping his SIM card and using it as his only phone. By the end of the test, he found himself not wanting to go back to the Mate X6, despite the Fold8's high price.

Samsung has released two foldable "book-style" phones this year, and the naming is confusing. The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is the direct successor to the Fold7: the same tall body, a 200 MP main camera (up from 50 MP), a 50 MP ultrawide instead of 12 MP, a battery that grew from 4400 to 5000 mAh, and charging that went from 25W to 45W. The screen crease is almost gone, but S Pen support has been removed. The chassis, displays, and hinge remain unchanged from the Fold7.

The Galaxy Z Fold8, without the "Ultra" suffix, is a different device. It is shorter and noticeably wider, with an internal display aspect ratio close to 4:3. When folded, it is roughly the size of a passport. Samsung has split the lineup not by price but by use case: the Ultra is aimed at productivity and multitasking with two windows side by side, while the Fold8 is designed for reading and media consumption. The naming choice is so confusing that customers could easily mix them up in a store.