Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide: The New Challenger in the UK

Samsung is set to launch its new Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide in summer 2026, a month or two before Apple’s expected iPhone Ultra foldable. The new Samsung device will feature a 4:3 screen aspect ratio, similar to the iPhone Ultra.

The aspect ratio of a phone screen may not seem like a big deal, but it significantly changes the mobile experience. A 4:3 screen improves the experience of reading documents, browsing websites, and watching videos.

This format is widely used in tablets because it works well for productivity, and soon you’ll be able to get that on a device that folds down to fit in your pocket. Having that tablet-size screen in a foldable phone could make split-screen multitasking feel more natural.

Apps placed side by side won’t look squeezed, and there’ll be no awkward letterboxing when streaming videos. When closed, you’ll have a wider, shorter cover display, closer to what most of us are already used to holding in one hand.

Apple’s upcoming iPhone Fold is set to feature a 7.8-inch inner display with a 4:3 aspect ratio, an almost square shape that’s different from the tall, narrow foldables we’re used to. It’s designed to feel less like a stretched phone and more like an iPad mini when opened.

Samsung is on the inside of these developments: industry leaks suggest that it’s building the screens for Apple’s foldable. Samsung Display will supply over 11 million OLED panels for the foldable iPhone.

So, it’s perhaps no surprise that the South Korean company’s upcoming Z Fold 8 Wide is expected to feature the same 4:3 display aspect ratio. The difference is that it’ll have a 7.6-inch inner display and a wider outer screen.

With the specs so close to Apple’s rumoured device, it feels like a deliberately competitive move. And Samsung already has form in this area, with its Galaxy Z TriFold launching in December 2025 and opening up to a large 10-inch screen with a 16:11 aspect ratio.

The TriFold supports Samsung DeX, which lets you go into desktop mode when you connect a Bluetooth keyboard. Interestingly, although Apple’s foldable is expected to have some iPad-lite productivity features, it won’t run iPadOS.

There’s another design factor that’ll come into play: the creaseless display. To date, foldables have been bedevilled by a crease that’s hard to ignore when viewing the inner display. One of the reasons Apple has allegedly delayed its entry into the foldable market is its characteristic determination to solve the problem ahead of launch.

At CES 2026, Samsung unveiled a creaseless OLED display panel that’s similar to what the iPhone Fold is expected to bring to the table. Although it didn’t feature the 4:3 ratio, it still featured a smooth surface without any visible creases, which is especially notable when compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 7.

Working directly with Apple’s high display standards may have given Samsung an edge by pushing its research and development forward fast. The foldable race is heating up, and with two such big names changing the direction of foldables in 2026, what’ll happen next seems almost inevitable.

When Samsung and Apple start a trend, the rest of the industry is likely to follow. It may not be long until the more app-friendly square form becomes the new standard and foldables move from niche to mainstream phone format.

In the throttling test, you will see that Samsung’s score is only 63%. And Motorola’s is 84%. It has also shown a lot of throttling here. Its temperature also reaches 44-45 easily. So, you will get better sustained performance in Motorola. It also heats up less.

Especially we talk about outdoors. I did a long camera test in both the phones in which Samsung definitely got very hot. And Motorola did not get that much hot.

One thing I would like to say here is that Samsung has made good improvements. Like, even after the phone gets so hot, lags and jitters are not noticed at all. In fact, Motorola was less hot, even then you sometimes see lags and jitters in the camera application or time delay while shooting photo or video. So Samsung definitely gets hotter but you do not see performance drop in it in the real world.

 

If we talk about gaming performance

The graphic settings here are much better in Samsung. Like 90fps support in BGMI or HDR Extreme but sadly the frame rates you get here are not very good real world gaming performance. Like in 90fps, you will notice a lot of frame drops in it. HDR Extreme is also not able to handle well.

So basically the good game play you will get here will be on Smooth Extreme only. And in S60 Pro you get support only up to Smooth Extreme. So in that too it performs very well here. Now especially I liked Motorola’s heat management very much. Like in performing any heavy task, its temperature hardly goes above 40 ° Celsius. And somewhere overall it gives you a very balanced performance.

 

First of all let’s talk about the ultrawide camera

Now finally let’s talk about the cameras. I know you guys were waiting for this thing a lot. So Samsung has 12 megapixels and Motorola has 50 megapixels.

In Samsung you get a wider field of view. It captures more area. And with this you get better HDR performance. But as soon as we talk about sharpness details here. Motorola is much better than Samsung. Like literally on zooming here you can see the difference in quality. So actually in terms of sharpness and details, the ultrawide camera of S60 Pro is better. It’s just that Samsung captures more area.

Here apart from 1X you get the option of 2X which crops in from the primary camera in both the phones. Now I have noticed that there is not much difference in both the phones at 1X. You will just see a little difference in the colors and skin tones here. But especially at 2X, Samsung’s photos are brighter. And especially at 2X, Samsung’s HDR performance is also better here. Both the phones are using the main camera. They are doing digital zoom. Even then, Samsung does a little better processing here.

 

Sharpness and details at 1x and 2x

Apart from this, there is not much difference in terms of sharpness and details at 1x and 2x. Both these phones have a 50 megapixel camera. But as soon as we talk about 3x, the story changes a bit here. And because it has better HDR performance. Because of this, you like Samsung’s photos more in most situations. Otherwise, there is not much difference here in direct lighting. Next let’s talk about the primary camera.

In fact, at 3X, you get better sharpness in Motorola. Now obviously Motorola’s photos may look a bit dull compared to Samsung. But actually quality wise, this is better. Now you do get more zoom in Motorola.

Samsung has 8 megapixels, Motorola has 10 megapixels. Now maybe you might find Samsung’s photos better when viewed from a distance. They are brighter. But actually the reality here is different. Somewhere it is not able to render the face very well. And you will see here in the Samsung photo, my face has a kind of oil painting effect.

Now the smoothness of the phone, user interface, animations. Apart from this, you also get a lot of features in Samsung here. Like small things, you get Samsung dialer in it, in which you get the feature of auto call recording even in today’s time.

 

You get a lot of good applications inbuilt. Like My Files, its own gallery, whose interface is very good. And here you can download many more applications of Samsung, notes, Galaxy Store, themes etc.

 

 

Animation of opening and closing the application

 

Whereas in Motorola, you get Google dialer here. In fact, here you cannot install o dialer in it. Because in case you want call recording, then here it does not support this application on Play Store. It is mentioned here that it is not compatible with it. So I open the camera app here side by side in both the phones. Here you will see that the animation of opening and closing the application is very good in both the phones. So as a matter of fact, there is no major difference here. But still you will get better quick response and smoother experience in Samsung here.

 

Along with this, you get a very basic C Files application in it. And the same stock photo application of Google. So you definitely have to bear all these things here in terms of software experience. Yes, by the way, some basic things have definitely been given here in Motorola. Clone apps by going to Like Apps, App Lock.

 

 

The curved display of motorola’s vs samsung’s display

 

The edge light also looks very good here. When any notification etc. is received here. So you can clone social media apps etc. like WhatsApp, Messenger etc. For the rest of the customization, basic things are also available here. So it is not that it is a completely stock experience. And for the lock screen, some basic customizations etc. are also available here.

 

The rest of the S24 FE will get 6 years of major Android updates from now onwards. This company had mentioned 7 years of major updates. So you will get a better experience in Samsung in normal use of the phone. And when you perform heavy tasks like video editing and gaming, Samsung performs better in that. Now you will notice one thing here, Motorola has 4K 60fps HDR video.

 

Now AI support is also available in both the phones. And Motorola has very good AI features here. Like Update Me, Take Notes, Remember This, Magic Canvas in which you can basically create images etc. But the list of Samsung’s AI features is much larger. And its execution has also been done in a very strong way.

 

It has already received a major update which is Android 15. At the same time, Motorola claims that in this you will get 3 years of major Android updates and 4 years of security updates. So here Samsung is better in terms of updates as well. Some people have a little concern in Motorola phones, that is about the camera application.

 

 

GPU performance and benchmarks

 

On the other hand, if we talk about shutter lag, then that too is very less in Samsung. It is able to capture photos very fast. Rather, in S60 Pro, you are definitely getting to see shutter lag here. So the optimization of all these things is much better in Samsung. Now mainly let’s talk about the performance of both these phones. Samsung has Exynos 2400e with 8GB RAM. S60 Pro has Dimensity 8350 Extreme in which you get options of both 8 and 12 GB RAM.

 

Currently, both phones have LPDDR 5X RAM type. And Moto has UFS4 storage from the base variant which comes for ₹ 00. Samsung has UFS 3 storage in 128 GB variant and UFS4 storage in 256 GB variant. So first of all let’s talk about benchmarks, here you get better benchmark scores in Samsung. These are the scores of Geek 6. Samsung is slightly better in N2 benchmark as well.

 

 

In fact it even beats Samsung in many cases. Especially in low light, it has a much better performance. And you get 256 GB storage in just ₹00. Its battery life is better. And the heat is also much less than Samsung. So mainly if Samsung’s software experience does not matter much to you. In that case Moto is more value for money.

 

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The overall difference is not much. And surprisingly, the GPU performance of both phones is very close here. I had expected Samsung to perform better. But S60 Pro’s GPU is also performing very well in benchmarks. In fact, in wildlife extreme, it is performing better than Samsung. Now let’s talk about real world performance. So, you are not going to face any issue in performing basic tasks in both the phones. And because Samsung’s optimization is better. Its UI is much smoother.

 

Sometimes it lags in between. Because Samsung plays it very smoothly. In fact, here as soon as I do it on 2X, in that case also Samsung’s optimization is very good. But here Motorola is lagging completely. You are seeing jitters in the video. It is not able to do the playback properly at 60fps. So definitely you will get better Samsung in terms of raw power or optimization. But a major concern comes here and that is throttling heating.

 

 

Battery backup and loos time

 

Mainly we talk about battery life. So Samsung has only 4700 mAh battery and Moto has 6000 mAh battery. Now there is no confusion here. You will get much better battery life in Motorola A60 Pro. So clearly Motorola is ahead in terms of battery life. And along with this, in charging also because it has support for faster charging. And I have done Samsung’s 100 to 0 battery drain test. In that it was completely drained in almost 7 hours. After using other phones side by side.

 

I can easily say that you will easily get one to 1.5 hours of extra battery life in S6 Pro. You get up to 90 W in the box. Rather, Samsung has support for maximum 25 W fast charging only. So clearly Moto Wins in terms of battery and charging.

 

 

Finel thoughts about both phones

 

So I have told you all the main differences in both the phones. Now after comparing both these phones in detail, I think the main point of Samsung here will be its software experience. You get better options in terms of its features and video recording. The quality is also better in comparison to Moto. But on the other hand S60 Pro is giving you very good offerings in a low price. Like there is complete competition in photos.

 

Moto’s photo is sharper, more detailed. In fact, even at 30X, you will find Motorola’s quality better. It basically uses AI more. Yes, the quality at 50X is not very usable. It is just okay.

 

In Motorola, you get four zoom ranges to capture portrait photos. Like 1X, 1.5X, 2X and 3X. Whereas Samsung has three, 1X, 2X and 3X. By the way, both the phones capture portrait photos in a very different way. Here you can see the difference in 3X. Again, like normal photos, here you may find the exposure in Motorola’s photo a little less. And Samsung’s photo is brighter.

 

 

Colour accuracy of both phones

 

If we talk about color accuracy, then Motorola is better here. Exactly the color of my shirt was the same. In fact, this thing has changed a bit in Samsung. In fact, if you look at my face, Samsung has done a lot of makeup here. Now S24 FE can shoot 4K 60 FPS video with the main camera. So here you can see the side by side comparison of 4K 60 vs Moto’s 4K 30. In fact, Samsung manages to capture good dynamic range, details and sharpness in 4K60 as well.

 

 

The details and texture of the end face have become completely loose. And at the same time you will see a lot of difference in sharpness. One thing I liked in these photos is that Motorola has blurred the background image. Samsung has not blurred it. Again, you don’t find much difference between 1X and 2X. But at 3X you get better quality in Moto. By the way, whose portrait photos you like more can also be your personal choice. Based on colors, exposure, white balance.

 

 

Selfies and sharpness details

 

Samsung has 10 megapixels and Moto has 50 megapixels. So obviously due to higher megapixels, you get better sharpness details in Moto’s selfies. But the skin tone, the color accuracy of the face is better preserved in Samsung. Like in Moto’s selfies, you will see that my face has become a bit more yellowish here. Edge detection in portrait photos is done very well in both the phones. But still, from the eye point of view, the edge detection of S60 Pro is a bit more advanced. It works a bit better as compared to S24 FE. Right now there is a difference of 40 megapixels in the selfie camera.

 

Apart from the color consistency, you will find everything better in Motorola’s selfies like sharpness details, HDR performance. In fact, this area also captures more as compared to Samsung. Whether we talk about normal or portrait selfies, and you can see the difference in these selfies is quite good. Here S60 Pro is performing much better. Now Motorola also has a dedicated micro mode. So with this you can capture very good close up shots. And here the detail sharpness is quite on the natural side. Actually there is no over processing etc.

 

I liked its micro shots a lot. So right now I am shooting 4K 30fps videos in both the phones. So now we are talking about the primary camera. Here I switch to the ultrawide camera. So the transition that you get here is a little quicker and smoother in Samsung. The area that you get in this is also bigger as compared to Motorola. Now we switch back to 2X from 1X. So at 2X, the sharpness and details here are coming out better in Samsung’s video. Now we switch to 3X telephoto camera. So now you will see that the dynamic range of Samsung is slightly better here. In 4K 30fps videos, Samsung has a maximum zoom of up to 12X. And Motorola has it up to 20X.

 

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4K 30fps videos video recording

 

Now both the phones are not perfect because here you get a little more over sharpness in Motorola. So the video zoom I wood is kind of the same in both the phones quality wise. Now in the ultrawide camera, in 4K 30fps videos, you get a lot more over sharpness in Motorola.

 

Samsung’s video is softer. But because of the over sharpness, that’s why I recommend Samsung’s ultrawide camera video. At the same time, you will not find much difference in 1X. And as soon as we switch to 2X. So here again Samsung is performing better. And another big addition is the support for 8K30 FPS video. In H23 FE etc.

 

The video was not usable at all. But Samsung has improved a lot here. You get good stabilization in this. You can clearly see that artifacts and over processing are becoming very visible in Motorola’s video. Yes, on switching to 3X, you get very good quality in both the phones. And here the difference will be just of skin tones, colors etc. Now in full HD 60fps video, here in Motorola’s video you get a little better sharpness. Otherwise, both the phones are quite close. For more review, Read here.

 

You get very good sharpness details in this. Yes, the phone heats up a lot while shooting 8K. So keep this thing in mind. It is not at all meant for shooting for long duration. But this time 8K video is totally usable.

 

Samsung Messages App Closure: What It Means for UK Users

Samsung has announced the discontinuation of its messaging app, Samsung Messages, in the UK. The app will be phased out completely over summer, with the exact date set for July 2026. This move is part of the company’s efforts to streamline its services and improve user experience.

According to Samsung, users will receive in-app notifications to guide them through the transition process. The company has recommended switching to Google Messages as the default app for text messages and chats. This change brings several benefits, including support for higher-resolution images and improved group chats.

The shutdown of Samsung Messages is not entirely unexpected, as the company had previously announced its plans to sunset the app. Newer Galaxy models, such as the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy S25 series, already come with Google Messages pre-installed. However, Android devices with Android 11 or older will not be affected, and Samsung Messages will continue to work on them.

UK users can expect a seamless transition, with Samsung providing ample guidance and support throughout the process. The switch to Google Messages is designed to enhance the overall messaging experience, with features like new AI capabilities via Google’s Gemini. As the closure of Samsung Messages approaches, users can look forward to a more streamlined and efficient messaging service.

The impact of this change will be felt across the UK, with many users needing to adapt to the new messaging app. However, with Samsung’s guidance and support, the transition is expected to be smooth. The company’s decision to discontinue Samsung Messages is a strategic move to focus on more integrated and user-friendly services.

In the UK, the closure of Samsung Messages is a significant development in the world of mobile technology. As users switch to Google Messages, they can expect a more enhanced and feature-rich messaging experience. With the July 2026 deadline approaching, UK users are advised to prepare for the change and take advantage of the benefits that Google Messages has to offer.

The UK’s mobile market is highly competitive, and Samsung’s decision to discontinue its messaging app reflects the company’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. By streamlining its services and focusing on more integrated solutions, Samsung aims to provide UK users with a better overall experience. As the mobile landscape continues to evolve, users can expect more exciting developments and innovations from Samsung and other leading manufacturers.

In conclusion, the closure of Samsung Messages in the UK is a significant development that marks a new chapter in the world of mobile messaging. With the switch to Google Messages, UK users can look forward to a more enhanced and efficient messaging experience. As the July 2026 deadline approaches, users are advised to prepare for the change and take advantage of the benefits that Google Messages has to offer.

Foldable Flagship Sees Significant Price Drop in UK

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 has entered the UK Black Friday event with some of its deepest price reductions yet, making a once niche foldable smartphone far more accessible for consumers. Retailers across the UK have launched substantial markdowns on the model, and for buyers seeking a premium handset with standout form factor this deal comes at a timely moment.

Historically foldables have retained much of their initial cost, but this year the Galaxy Z Flip 6 is showing a notable drop in price. Multiple UK-based deal trackers report sharp reductions on unlocked variants, particularly the 256GB and 512GB models. The shift reflects increased inventory pressure combined with the push to clear stock ahead of newer launches.

Specs-wise the Galaxy Z Flip 6 remains a compelling choice. It offers a 6.7-inch main folding screen complemented by a cover display, a high-quality 50 MP main camera and a design tuned for durability in foldable format. Despite being a year old, its performance and build still match many current flagship offerings.

UK buyers should check a few critical details when hunting this deal. Confirm the capacity (256GB vs 512GB) and connectivity (5G support), ensure the device is unlocked and compatible with UK carriers, and verify whether any bundle includes accessories or trade-in incentives which can further enhance value. Colour options may also influence stock availability and pricing.

Timing is important for this purchase. With the broader smartphone market preparing for next-generation launches, retailers are motivated to discount existing flagship models like this one to free up shelf space. Deals are often time-limited, and coveted variants may sell out as shoppers take advantage of the reductions.

For UK shoppers looking for a foldable phone without paying full flagship price, this deal ticks many boxes: unique form factor, high-end hardware, now significantly improved value. It offers a strong alternative to standard-slab smartphones, especially if you prioritise design and novelty along with performance.

As the Black Friday period continues, it’s likely that competing brands and models will also come down in price—but for now the Galaxy Z Flip 6 stands out as a top premium-smartphone deal in the UK. The combination of meaningful savings and flagship features makes it an excellent candidate for upgrade.

In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6’s major UK Black Friday price cuts present an ideal moment for buyers. With great hardware, a unique folding design and substantial savings, UK consumers would be wise to act soon to secure one while the offer lasts.

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Samsung’s US Semiconductor Ambitions

Samsung is set to commence test operations of its EUV equipment at the Taylor plant in March, marking a significant milestone in its bid to establish the US as a hub for advanced semiconductor manufacturing. The company has deployed 7,000 employees on-site to facilitate the transition. With this development, Samsung is poised to make strides in its 2nm GAA goals.

The Korean giant’s decision to set up a dedicated team to oversee the transition underscores its commitment to seamless execution. As the company inches closer to mass-producing next-generation 2nm GAA wafers on US soil, the implications for the global semiconductor landscape are profound. The Taylor plant is expected to play a pivotal role in Samsung’s strategy to bolster its presence in the US market.

According to industry insiders, Samsung’s foray into the US semiconductor market is driven by its desire to reduce dependence on Asian manufacturing hubs. By establishing a strong foothold in the US, the company aims to mitigate risks associated with geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions. The move is also expected to create new opportunities for collaboration with US-based tech firms.

The EUV equipment at the Taylor plant is designed to facilitate the production of advanced semiconductors, which are crucial for a wide range of applications, including 5G networks, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things. As Samsung ramps up its operations in the US, the company is likely to face intense competition from established players in the market. Nevertheless, its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction is expected to drive growth and expansion in the years to come.

The 2nm GAA technology is a significant advancement in semiconductor manufacturing, offering improved performance, power efficiency, and reduced latency. Samsung’s successful deployment of this technology is expected to have far-reaching implications for the tech industry, enabling the development of more sophisticated and powerful devices. As the company continues to push the boundaries of innovation, its US operations are poised to play a vital role in shaping the future of the semiconductor industry.

In conclusion, Samsung’s US semiconductor push is a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. With the Taylor plant set to commence test operations in March, the stage is set for a new era of growth and expansion in the US semiconductor market. As the company navigates the complexities of the global tech landscape, its focus on advanced manufacturing and cutting-edge technology is likely to yield significant dividends in the years to come.

Moreover, the development of advanced semiconductors is critical to the growth of various industries, including automotive, healthcare, and finance. The use of these semiconductors in emerging technologies such as blockchain, cloud computing, and cybersecurity is expected to drive demand and create new opportunities for innovation. As Samsung continues to invest in its US operations, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on these trends and establish itself as a leader in the global semiconductor market.

Furthermore, the establishment of the Taylor plant is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy, creating new job opportunities and stimulating economic growth. The plant is also expected to contribute to the development of a skilled workforce, with Samsung investing in training and development programs to support the growth of its employees. As the company continues to expand its operations in the US, its commitment to social responsibility and community engagement is likely to be an important factor in its success.

Ultimately, Samsung’s US semiconductor push is a strategic move designed to drive growth, innovation, and competitiveness. With the company’s strong track record of execution and its commitment to customer satisfaction, the prospects for its US operations look promising. As the global semiconductor industry continues to evolve, Samsung is well-positioned to play a leading role in shaping its future.

The company’s focus on advanced manufacturing and cutting-edge technology is expected to yield significant benefits, including improved efficiency, reduced costs, and enhanced product quality. The use of EUV equipment at the Taylor plant is a critical component of this strategy, enabling the production of advanced semiconductors that meet the exacting standards of the global tech industry. As Samsung continues to push the boundaries of innovation, its US operations are likely to be at the forefront of this effort.

In addition to its technical capabilities, Samsung’s US semiconductor push is also driven by its desire to strengthen its relationships with US-based customers and partners. The company’s commitment to collaboration and mutual benefit is expected to be an important factor in its success, as it seeks to establish itself as a trusted and reliable partner in the US market. With its strong track record of execution and its focus on customer satisfaction, Samsung is well-positioned to achieve its goals and establish a lasting presence in the US semiconductor market.