Samsung launched the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, Fold 8 and Flip 8 last month, releasing the new foldable line-up alongside the Galaxy Watch 9 and Watch Ultra 2. Pre-orders reached 1.44m units, signalling robust early demand. Prices start at 2,278,100 won (roughly $1,650) for the Fold 8 and 1,683,000 won (roughly $1,220) for the Flip 8.

Specifications

All three models run on Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and Samsung's One UI 9.0 software. The Fold 8 introduces a new 4:3 aspect ratio when unfolded, a deliberate design choice aimed at video consumption, document editing and multitasking. The top-tier Fold 8 Ultra is available in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB storage configurations, built to handle demanding AI workloads alongside conventional multitasking.

The Flip 8 is the lightest and slimmest Galaxy Z Flip yet — 180 grams and just 6.1mm thick when open — pushing the clamshell form factor's hallmark portability further still. Its cover display, branded Flex Window, has been substantially upgraded around an AI-first interface. Without opening the phone, users can access a quick-settings panel and an app tray; a feature called Now Brief surfaces calendar appointments, news and health data at a glance. The cover display also houses a 50-megapixel wide-angle camera paired with an AI-driven Pro Visual Engine. New additions include Flex Mode for hands-free shooting, a Flip Shot tool for editing images directly on the cover screen, a camcorder-style grip mode, and a Zoom Rocker for fine-grained control over zoom speed.

Galaxy AI features are common to all three devices. A representative example is Now Nudge, which reads the context of an outgoing text message and suggests an appropriate follow-up action. The feature requires a Samsung account and works with select third-party messaging apps, including Google Messages and Google Chat. The Flip 8 launches in four colours: Pink, Graphite, Cream and Mint.

Strengths and limitations

The most compelling aspect of these devices is the marriage of the foldable form factor with an AI-driven interface. The Flip 8's Flex Window, in particular, deserves credit for elevating what a cover display can do: rather than serving as a passive notification screen, it now acts as a proactive AI briefing surface, surfacing relevant information before the user even opens the phone. The Fold 8's new 4:3 aspect ratio is a similarly practical refinement for anyone who uses their phone as a portable workstation.

The limitations are real, however. Samsung itself acknowledges that while core Galaxy AI features are currently free, enhanced capabilities and new services may become paid offerings in future — meaning there is no guarantee that today's complimentary AI tools will remain so. Certain AI services are also subject to age restrictions in some markets. And the perennial barrier of foldable smartphones — their price — has not gone away.

Verdict

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Flip 8 layer a dense stratum of AI software atop already-impressive foldable hardware. The most meaningful departure from their predecessors is the transformation of the cover display from a simple notification mirror into an AI-powered information hub that anticipates what you need before you reach for the phone. That is a genuine step forward — even if the bill for it may yet arrive.

★★★★☆ (4.0/5.0)

*"The fold was always clever. Now it speaks first."*