Samsung Galaxy Z foldable phones launch with Android 17 and new AI tools

This week, Samsung offers more options to those who want to buy a new phone with three new foldable Galaxy Z models designed for many different types of use.

Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra focuses on productivity, cameras and a larger workspace. The regular Galaxy Z Fold8 takes a broader approach to reading, gaming and watching content. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Z Flip8 puts more apps and AI tools on its outer screen.

Here’s a comparison of the three new models and what you need to know before deciding whether one is in your pocket.

CyberGuy Live: “Tired of spam?” Get the replay and checklist

Our free CyberGuy Live class “Tired of spam?” , has ended, but you can still watch the full replay and download our anti-spam checklist. Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson shows you step-by-step simple ways to reduce robocalls, spam, junk email, and spam. You’ll also learn how to block political texts, clear your inbox, and identify messages that could put your personal information at risk.

Get the free replay and checklist now at CyberGuyLive.com.

AMAZON LEO SATELLITE INTERNET USES STARLINK

Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra offers the largest workspace

The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is the model for someone who wants a phone that can also act as a small tablet. It opens to an 8-inch home screen, allowing you to view two apps simultaneously. You can keep your email open next to your calendar or watch a video while searching for relevant information. The 6.5-inch external display also works more like the display on a traditional smartphone, so you don’t have to turn the phone on for every task.

Samsung says the Fold8 Ultra is about 0.16 inches thick when opened and weighs about 7.6 ounces. It is quite light for a phone with such a large foldable screen. You’ll still notice more volume than on a traditional phone. Fold8 Ultra also has the most capable camera system in the series. Its 200MP main camera should capture more detail, especially when you crop or enlarge a photo. The 50MP ultra-wide camera helps with landscape and group photos. You also get a separate telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom.

This zoom lens can be useful when taking photos of a child on stage, an animal in the garden, or somewhere you can’t get close. The other two phones do not have a dedicated telephoto camera.

The phone is powered by a 5,000 mAh battery. Samsung supports 45-watt wired charging, but you need to purchase a compatible charger separately. The phone also includes extra cooling to help it remain responsive while using various apps or recording high-definition video.

The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra starts at $2,099.99 with 256GB of storage. Samsung also sells 512 GB and 1 TB versions.

Galaxy Z Fold8 makes reading and video easier

The regular Galaxy Z Fold8 takes a different approach. It uses a shorter, wider shape rather than following the taller design of previous Fold phones. The 5.5-inch cover screen handles quick tasks when the phone is closed. Open it up and you get a 7.6-inch main screen that’s shaped more closely to a small tablet.

This larger screen can make reading articles, e-books, and websites more comfortable. It should also provide more room for movies and games without leaving too much unused space around the picture. Weighing in at around 7.1 ounces, Samsung calls this its lightest Galaxy Z Fold yet. The phone is approximately 0.18 inches thick when opened and 0.38 inches thick when closed. This low weight can make it easy to hold during a long reading session or video call.

Fold8 has two 50 MP rear cameras. One takes daily photos while the other captures a wider view. You can still take detailed photos and record video at up to 8K resolution. However, there is no dedicated telephoto camera. Digital zoom reaches 10x, but it won’t provide the same clarity as the Ultra model’s optical zoom. Fold8 uses the same Snapdragon processor found in Ultra and carries a 4,800 mAh battery. It also supports 45-watt wired charging with a compatible charger sold separately.

Galaxy Z Fold8 starts at $1,899.99 with 256GB of storage. You can also choose 512 GB or 1 TB.

Galaxy Z Flip8 leaves out useful gadgets

Galaxy Z Flip8 is the most compact model. It looks like a traditional smartphone when open and folds in half, taking up less space in your pocket or bag. The main screen is 6.9 inches in size. When you close the phone, a 4.1-inch FlexWindow remains on the outside.

You can use this small screen to check the weather, view your calendar, or respond to supported messages. You can also access some apps and AI tools without turning on the phone. This can be helpful when you only need one piece of information. Instead of turning on your phone and getting distracted by other alerts, you can check what you need from the external screen.

The Flip8 weighs about 6.3 ounces and is about 0.24 inches thick when opened. It is the lightest of Samsung’s three new foldable devices. Flip8 has a 50 MP main camera and a 12 MP ultra-wide camera. Its foldable design also allows the phone to stand alone on the table.

This can facilitate hands-free video calls or group photos. You can place the phone on a table, adjust the angle, and get into the picture without having to find someone to hold it. When you take a selfie with the main camera, a preview can be shown on the external screen. Samsung has also added tools that help keep video level while on the go. The 4,300 mAh battery supports 25-watt wired charging. Samsung says the phone can reach 55 percent in laboratory conditions in about 30 minutes. The required charger comes separately.

The Galaxy Z Flip8 starts at $1,199.99 with 256GB of storage. A 512 GB version is also available.

HOW TO SHARE VACATION PHOTOS ON ANY SCREEN

Galaxy Z Flip8’s 4.1-inch FlexWindow lets you control apps, view updates, and use supported AI tools without opening the phone. (SAMSUNG)

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 series adds more active AI

All three phones run Android 9 with Samsung’s One UI 17 software. They also include two Galaxy AI features that serve different purposes.

Now Brief works like a personalized daily digest. It puts weather forecast, upcoming appointments, and reminders in one place, saving you from opening multiple apps. You can choose what type of information appears in the summary.

Nudge now suggests a helpful next step based on what’s happening on your screen. For example, if someone mentions a date while you’re texting, they might offer to open your phone calendar. On Fold models, you can place the calendar next to the conversation, so you can check your schedule without leaving the message.

Gemini Intelligence can address broader requests in supported applications. You can ask him to find a restaurant or help with reservations. I still review important actions related to travel, appointments, or purchases before confirming them.

Samsung also added an AI Assistant Activity dashboard. It gives you a single place to review the supported actions the phone performs on your behalf. Privacy Alerts can alert you when an app tries to use certain permissions in the background; Knox and Knox Vault help protect sensitive information.

The Flip8 can stand alone for hands-free photos and video calls, while the external display helps you frame the shot. (SAMSUNG)

Various improvements are being made to the durability of Galaxy Z Fold8

Samsung uses a new Flex Titanium structure under the folding displays. The company says this helps support screens and reduce the visibility of wrinkles. Two Fold screens can reach 3,000 nits of brightness. Samsung also uses a low-reflective surface to make the displays easier to see outdoors. All three phones have an IP48 water resistance rating.

Switching from iPhone to Galaxy is now easier

Samsung has updated Smart Switch for people switching from iPhone. You can scan a QR code and transfer supported information wirelessly without installing another app on iPhone. Samsung says the transfer may include passwords, passkeys, and call history. Some accessibility settings and eSIM information may also vary depending on your device and carrier.

Quick Share also gains compatibility with AirDrop. This means supported Galaxy and Apple devices can exchange files in both directions. Moving years of photos and account information can make switching phones a chore. These updates can make the transition to Galaxy much easier.

Galaxy Z Fold8 pre-order and release details

Pre-orders are open through Samsung, major US carriers and participating retailers. Public availability begins August 7, 2026. Fold8 Ultra comes in Graphite, Cream and Purple Shadow options. Green Shadow is an online exclusive color.

Fold8 is available in Graphite, Cream and Lavender. Samsung is offering Peanuts as an online-exclusive option. Flip8 is available in Graphite, Cream and Pink color options. Mint is an online-exclusive option.

Samsung is touting savings of up to $1,200 with a qualifying trade-in during the pre-order period. Buyers who choose not to trade-in can receive up to $200 in Samsung credit towards qualifying add-ons. Offers dependent on phone and trade-in status. Each model also includes a six-month trial of Google AI Pro with 5TB of cloud storage. The service costs $19.99 per month after the trial period unless you cancel.

Kurt’s important takeaways

Samsung has made it much easier to understand the differences between its foldables. Fold8 Ultra focuses on a larger working area and more powerful cameras. While the regular Fold8 prioritizes reading and entertainment, the Flip8 offers a phone that shrinks when you close it. I like that Samsung now offers two versions of the Fold for different types of use. The new AI activity dashboard gives you greater visibility when the phone takes action on your behalf. The big question is whether one of these designs will actually make your phone easier to use on a daily basis. That answer will depend on how much you value a larger screen, a more compact shape, or Samsung’s latest AI tools.

Think a larger folding screen would make your phone easier to use? Let us know by writing to cyberguy.com

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION

Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report

• Get my best tech tips, urgent safety alerts and special deals straight to your inbox.
• For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com, trusted by millions of people who watch CyberGuy on TV every day.
• Plus, when you join you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide for free.

Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.