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Samsung Z Fold 8 Ultra: The thinnest foldable comes with an 'Ultra' price

Essential brief

Samsung has launched the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, a thinner and more refined foldable smartphone with notable camera and battery improvements. Despite these upgrades, the device carries a $200 price

Key topics

samsung fold ultra thinnest foldable comes ultra price Galaxy Z Fold 8 Despite Z Fold 8

Key facts

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra features a thinner design and improved camera system including a 200MP main sensor.

The device offers a larger 8-inch unfolded display, enhancing multitasking capabilities for power users.

New software features like Now Nudge and Gemini Notebook improve productivity and user interaction.

The Ultra model carries a $200 price increase over the previous generation, raising questions about its value.

Highlights

Z Fold 8 Ultra upgrades include a 50MP ultrawide camera, larger battery, faster charging, and slimmer build.

Equipped with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, up to 16GB RAM, and 1TB storage.

Flex Titanium Technology and a titanium plate reduce display crease visibility and improve durability.

Software enhancements enable context-aware multitasking and AI-assisted note-taking.

Priced at $2,699 CAD, available in multiple color options including Samsung-exclusive Green Shadow.

Why it matters

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra represents Samsung's continued push to refine foldable smartphone technology with enhanced cameras, improved durability, and software tailored for multitasking. Its higher price and incremental upgrades highlight the challenges in balancing innovation with consumer expectations in the premium foldable market. The device's advancements may influence future foldable designs and user experiences across the industry.

Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra succeeds the Z Fold 7 with a thinner design and several hardware enhancements. Key upgrades include a 50MP ultrawide camera, up from 12MP, a larger battery, faster charging speeds, and a slightly slimmer profile. These improvements contribute to a more refined user experience but come with a $200 price increase, which some may attribute to the new 'Ultra' branding amid ongoing tech price inflation.

The Z Fold 8 Ultra boasts a 200MP primary camera with HDR support, a 10MP telephoto lens, and two selfie cameras, enhancing photography capabilities. The device also incorporates the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chipset, up to 16GB of RAM, and up to 1TB of storage. Flex Titanium Technology adds strength and flexibility, while a titanium plate beneath the display reduces crease visibility, making the fold less noticeable.

Samsung's software optimizations take advantage of the foldable design, with features like Now Nudge that suggest context-aware actions and enable split-screen multitasking. An ambient mode offers subtle reminders for tasks such as booking rides based on calendar events. Additionally, the Ultra introduces Gemini Notebook, an AI-powered tool that assists with note-taking by summarizing audio and PDF sources.

The unfolded display measures 8 inches, offering a larger workspace compared to the Z Fold 8's 6.5-inch displays side by side. This larger screen enhances multitasking and productivity, appealing to power users who rely heavily on their devices for work and media consumption. However, the higher price point may lead many consumers to opt for the standard Z Fold 8 model.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is priced at $2,699 in Canada and is available in Violet Shadow, Graphite, Cream, and Samsung-exclusive Green Shadow colors. While it delivers significant improvements in camera technology, display, and software, the value proposition depends on individual user needs and budget considerations.

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