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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 vs Apple iPhone Ultra: 7 big differences to expect

Essential brief

Samsung has officially launched the Galaxy Z Fold 8, featuring significant design updates including a wider 5.5-inch cover display and a 7.6-inch inner screen with a 4:3 aspect ratio. Apple is expe

Key topics

samsung galaxy fold apple iphone ultra differences expect Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 5.5-inch

Key facts

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 features a wider cover display and a 7.6-inch inner screen with a 4:3 aspect ratio.

Apple’s iPhone Ultra is expected to have a slightly larger 7.8-inch foldable display and similar cover screen size.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 uses Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, while the iPhone Ultra will likely run on Apple’s A20 Pro chip.

Camera setups differ with Samsung using dual 50MP sensors and Apple rumored to use dual 48MP sensors.

Highlights

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 launched with major design updates including a wider 5.5-inch cover display.

Apple’s iPhone Ultra is expected later in 2026 with a passport-like foldable design.

Galaxy Z Fold 8 runs on Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5; iPhone Ultra expected to use A20 Pro chip.

Samsung offers up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage; Apple rumored to offer 12GB RAM and up to 2TB storage.

Galaxy Z Fold 8 supports 45W wired charging; iPhone Ultra rumored to support up to 50W wired charging.

Why it matters

The launch of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 and the anticipated arrival of Apple's iPhone Ultra highlight the growing competition in the foldable smartphone market. These devices showcase advancements in foldable display technology, processing power, and user experience, signaling a shift in smartphone design trends. Understanding their differences helps consumers and industry observers gauge the direction of future mobile innovations.

Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Z Fold 8, marking one of the most substantial design changes in its foldable lineup. The device now offers a wider 5.5-inch cover display and a 7.6-inch inner foldable screen with a 4:3 aspect ratio, giving it a passport-like form factor. Meanwhile, Apple is anticipated to launch its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Ultra, later this year with a comparable design.

In terms of display, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 features a 7.6-inch inner screen and a 5.5-inch cover display. The iPhone Ultra is expected to have a slightly larger 7.8-inch main foldable display and a similar 5.5-inch cover screen. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, while the iPhone Ultra is rumored to use Apple's next-generation A20 Pro chip, with performance comparisons pending their official releases.

Camera configurations differ as well. Samsung's foldable includes a dual rear camera setup with two 50MP sensors (main and ultra-wide) and 10MP front cameras on both inner and outer displays. Apple is expected to equip the iPhone Ultra with two 48MP rear sensors and 18MP front cameras on both displays.

Battery capacity for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is 4,800mAh with support for 45W wired and 20W wireless charging. The iPhone Ultra is rumored to have a dual-cell battery totaling approximately 4,883mAh, supporting 40W-50W wired and 25W-30W wireless charging.

Regarding memory and storage, Samsung offers up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage on the Galaxy Z Fold 8. Apple’s foldable is expected to feature 12GB RAM with storage options up to 1TB or 2TB. Software-wise, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 runs Android 17 with One UI 9 and an advanced AI suite, while the iPhone Ultra is anticipated to launch with iOS 27.

Color options for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 include Graphite, Cream, Velvet Shadow, and an exclusive Green Shadow variant on Samsung.com. The iPhone Ultra is expected to be available in Silver/White and Deep Indigo shades.

Key topics in this update include samsung galaxy, fold, and apple iphone ultra.