Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra Review
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra Review: A Week Later
After spending almost a week with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, I am impressed by its build quality, stunning 8-inch internal display, and improved cameras. The device feels like a crowning glory, perfecting the book-style foldable form factor. However, I couldn’t help but feel that Samsung had the wrong vision all along.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra’s hardware is simply stunning, with a titanium hinge replacing the aluminium one found in the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. This change gives the Ultra a feeling of robustness that I didn’t think possible for a foldable. The new layout of magnets and sloped edges makes it far easier to open and close than its predecessor.
The 8-inch internal panel is gorgeous, with a resolution boost to 2256 x 2504 making text, images, and videos look crisp. The 3000-nit peak brightness means it’s basically sun-proof in terms of visibility. The device is also incredibly thin and light, making it comfortable to hold and use.
The software is better than ever, with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra being among the first devices to ship running One UI 9, Samsung’s Android 17-based skin. The 8-inch internal screen is roughly equivalent to two 6.5-inch bar phones side by side, making the 8 Ultra a stellar multitasking device.
The cameras have finally received the respect they deserve, with the 200Mp main lens being joined by a 50Mp ultrawide lens and a 10Mp 3x telephoto lens. Initial testing has been really encouraging, with excellent images in a variety of scenarios.
A Flawed Form Factor
Despite its many strengths, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra has one fundamental flaw: its shape. The near-square internal display is great for productivity but falls short for content consumption, including social media videos, YouTube, and gaming.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, on the other hand, has a more familiar 4:3 aspect ratio, making it feel like an iPad Air M2. For all but the most dedicated mobile productivity enthusiasts, the Z Fold 8 offers a better all-round package.
Pricing Makes it Unattainable
The starting price of £1,899 for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is £100 more expensive than its predecessor, making it unattainable for most people. The Z Fold 8, which undercuts its sibling at £1,649, is a much more attractive proposition.
