Samsung today unveiled new foldable smartphones: the all-new Galaxy Z Fold8, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra and the clamshell Galaxy Z Flip8. New smartwatches were also unveiled: the Galaxy Watch9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 is a completely new addition to Samsung's lineup. Although it borrows its name from the previous Fold models, it differs significantly in its proportions. Previously known as the "Galaxy Z Fold Wide," it has a 5.5-inch—and therefore quite compact—external screen with a resolution of 1972x1248 pixels and a 120 Hz refresh rate. The internal screen, in turn, measures 7.6 inches diagonally, has a resolution of 2448x1848 pixels and the same refresh rate. At the heart of the smartphone is the Snapdragon Elite 8 Gen 5 for Galaxy processor, supported by 12 or 16 GB of RAM and 256, 512 GB, or 1 TB of internal storage. Power is provided by a 4800 mAh battery with 45-watt charging. Each screen features a punch-hole cutout for a 10-megapixel selfie camera with an f/2.2 aperture, while on the back, this model has only two 50-megapixel cameras: the main one with an f/1.8 aperture and optical stabilization, and a wide-angle one with an f/1.9 aperture. When folded, the case measures 123.9 x 81.9 x 9.7 mm and 123.9 x 161.4 x 4.5 mm when unfolded, and it has an IP48 water resistance rating. The phone weighs 201 g and is available in four colours, although one—green—is only available in the official Samsung store. This model - depending on the selected RAM - costs
- 12+256 GB - $1,900
- 12+512 GB - $2,100
- 16 GB + 1 TB - $2,500
photo: Samsung
photo: Adam Łukowski/GSMchoice.com
@mgsm.pl Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 #samsung @samsungpolska #galaxy ♬ original sound – mGSM - mGSM
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra
The Fold in the form we've known it so far, i.e. "classic", this year is called the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra and, in addition to different screen proportions, it also has a few more interesting specifications than the model described above. It has a larger battery – with a capacity of 5000 mAh – but still with 45-watt charging, and a more interesting camera setup. It has a 200-megapixel main camera with optical stabilization and an f/1.7 aperture, as well as a 10-megapixel telephoto camera with an f/2.4 aperture and 3x zoom. The remaining cameras, however, are similar to those in the smaller model: a 50-megapixel wide-angle camera (f/2.2) and two 10-megapixel selfie cameras (f/2.2), one for each screen. The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra has the same processor and memory as the Galaxy Z Fold8, as well as IP48 waterproofing. Naturally, due to different proportions, it also has different dimensions: 143.2x158.4x4.1 mm (unfolded) and 72.8x158.4x8.9 mm (folded), and weighs 214 g. The external screen, as in previous years, measures 6.5 inches, has a resolution of 2520x1080 pixels and a 120 Hz refresh rate, while the internal is 8-inch, with a resolution of 2504 x 2256 pixels, as well as a 120 Hz refresh rate - with a brightness of up to 3000 nits. Importantly, this year the characteristic kink of the internal screen has once again been reduced. Like the "base" Fold, the Ultra model is also available in four colors, with one available only from Samsung. Prices again depend on the memory variant and are:
- 12+256 GB - $2,100
- 12+512 GB - $2,300
- 16 GB + 1 TB - $2,700
photo: Samsung
photo: Adam Łukowski/GSMchoice.com
@mgsm.pl Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra #samsung #galaxy #ultra ♬ original sound – mGSM - mGSM
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 is Samsung's only clamshell phone this year, and also arguably the least interesting of the new releases. This model strongly resembles its predecessor, even sharing the same screens – a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X on the inside and a 4.1-inch Super AMOLED on the outside. Traditionally, this screen has two camera holes, but this year it has improved functionality, as it can natively run most apps, similar to Motorola clamshells. The cameras remain unchanged from its predecessor – the internal display houses a 10-megapixel selfie camera (f/2.2), while the external flip houses a 50-megapixel main camera with optical stabilization (f/1.8) and a 12-megapixel wide-angle lens (f/2.2). The battery capacity remains unchanged at 4300 mAh, but charging has been accelerated to 45W, the same as in the Fold. A new feature is the Exynos 2600 processor, used in the European variant of this year's Flip. The processor supports 12 GB of RAM and 256 or 512 GB of internal storage, and prices are PLN 5,699 and PLN 6,549, respectively. Four colors are available. When unfolded, the Flip measures 75.4x166.9x6.1 mm, and when closed - 75.4x85.7x13.1 mm, weighing 180 g.
photo: Samsung
photo: Adam Łukowski/GSMchoice.com
@mgsm.pl Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 #samsung #galaxy #zflip ♬ original sound – mGSM - mGSM
Samsung Galaxy Watch9
The new, entry-level Samsung Galaxy Watch9 is available in two sizes: 40 and 44 mm, as well as three colour options. The watch features a round AMOLED display with a brightness of up to 3000 nits, housed in a slightly square case. Depending on the size, the screen has a diameter of 1.47 or 1.34 inches and a resolution of 480x480 or 438x438 pixels, respectively. The watch is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear Elite processor with 2+32 GB of memory, and is powered by a 390 or 435 mAh battery, depending on the size. This smartwatch is available in Bluetooth and LTE versions. In the US the standard Galaxy Watch 9 starts at $379 for the 40mm Bluetooth variant, while the LTE version starts at $430 and in Europe the Watch 9 starts at €409.
photo: Samsung
photo: Adam Łukowski/GSMchoice.com
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 has a more substantial, rounded-square design and is larger than the Galaxy Watch9. It has a 1.52-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 498x498 pixels and brightness up to 5,000 nits. It comes in one size and two colors – Titanium Gray and Titanium Silver – and the titanium casing is waterproof to 10 ATM, IP69K, and EN13319, meeting military-grade durability standards. The smartwatch is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear Elite processor, with a version featuring 5G mobile connectivity and 2+64 GB of storage. The watch is powered by an 800 mAh battery. The device (without the strap) measures 47.1 x 47.4 x 10.7 mm and weighs 61.5 g. In the US, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is priced at $699 for the LTE model. In Europe, the Ultra 2 is priced at €749.
photo: Samsung
photo: Adam Łukowski/GSMchoice.com
@mgsm.pl Samsung Galaxy Watch9 and Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 #watch #samsung #galaxy ♬ original sound – mGSM - mGSM
AI specifically for foldable phones
The new Galaxy Z series also features new AI solutions. Galaxy AI works now in more apps and services, offering features optimized for foldable devices.
- Now Brief delivers personalized information tailored to the user's daily habits, interests, and needs with expanded action scenarios, customizable summary cards, and personalized recommendations. The feature now also provides security and privacy information, helping users stay informed about potential threats and recommended protective actions.
- Now Nudge helps turn information into actionable steps. When plans begin to emerge during a conversation, AI can suggest appropriate next steps, such as checking your calendar, finding a place, or saving your location. On foldable devices, users can continue the conversation while performing these actions on a larger screen.
- Gemini Intelligence helps move from query to result faster. Users can simply describe their needs or add context in the form of an image or screen content. App automation can now work across over 40 supported apps and services, enabling tasks ranging from finding tickets to finding nearby restaurants and making reservations. With Gemini Notebook, users can gather notes, images, recordings, files, and documents into one persistent workspace to collect, organize, and develop their ideas. Drag-and-drop support in Split Screen View makes working even more intuitive, allowing them to easily add multiple files and images and transform their content into audio briefings, infographics, reports, meeting summaries, visual summaries, documents, and more. AI features become even more consistent and contextual when the new Galaxy Z series smartphones are connected to the Galaxy Watch Ultra2, Galaxy Watch9 series, and even upcoming Intelligent Eyewear. One UI 9.0 also introduces the new AI Assistant Activity panel, which gives users a centralized view of automated AI activities. Instead of checking multiple apps and services, users can view all AI activities in one place and navigate directly to the appropriate agent for additional information and settings. The new Galaxy Z series brings the benefits of advanced AI to everyday life by offering a six-month free trial of Google AI Pro, including 5 TB of cloud storage.
