Samsung is launching three foldable phones at its London Galaxy Unpacked event on July 22, 2026. For the first time, the lineup includes a brand-new form factor: the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide, a landscape-oriented foldable with a wider 4:3 aspect ratio that directly targets Apple’s iPhone Fold expected in September.
The three devices are the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra (the direct successor to the Z Fold 7), the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide (a completely new design), and the Galaxy Z Flip 8 (Samsung’s clamshell foldable). Pre-orders should open the same day, with shipments roughly two weeks later putting devices in buyers’ hands by early August.
Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra: Specs and Features
The Z Fold 8 Ultra is Samsung’s tallest book-style foldable, now carrying the Ultra branding to align with its Galaxy S Ultra line. Here is what leaks have confirmed:
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy
- RAM: 12GB base, 16GB at higher storage tiers
- Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB (no microSD)
- Battery: 5,000 mAh with 45W wired charging (up from 25W on Z Fold 7)
- Inner display: 8.0 inches with a reportedly tighter crease
- Cover screen: 6.5 inches
- Thickness: Approximately 4.1mm when unfolded
- Weight: Approximately 215g (same as Z Fold 7)
- Camera: 200MP primary with OIS, 50MP ultrawide (up from 12MP), 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom
The camera upgrade is the biggest in Fold history. The 200MP primary sensor with a 50MP ultrawide brings the Fold line closer to matching Galaxy S Ultra camera hardware for the first time. The display resolution has also been “significantly enhanced” according to tipster Ice Universe.
Colors: Cream, Graphite, Green Shadow, Violet Shadow.
Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide: The New Form Factor
The Wide Fold is the surprise device. It has a landscape-oriented 4:3 outer screen designed to work like a standard smartphone one-handed, but look like a tablet when unfolded. Wide-screen videos display without the large black bars that plague the current Z Fold 7.
Key specs for the Wide Fold:
- Weight: Approximately 201g (lighter than the Ultra)
- Camera: 50MP primary (supports 24MP native mode), 50MP ultrawide
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
- Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
The camera setup on the Wide Fold is less powerful than the Ultra, which suggests Samsung may price it lower and position it as the entry-level book-style foldable going forward. The 4:3 aspect ratio is aimed at productivity buyers who want a wider screen for document editing and split-screen multitasking.
Colors: Cream, Graphite, Lavender, Pistachio (plus online-exclusive green shades).
Galaxy Z Flip 8
Samsung’s clamshell foldable remains a mid-range device. Leaks suggest a maximum of 512GB storage and an Exynos 2600 processor (varies by country). It is not aimed at Fold power users who want 1TB of storage.
Colors: Cream, Graphite, Mint, Pink (256GB and 512GB only).
Pricing and Pre-Order Deals
The leaked starting prices are:
- Z Fold 8 Ultra: $1,999 (256GB), $2,199 (512GB), $2,499 (1TB)
- Z Fold 8 Wide: Pricing not yet confirmed, but expected below the Ultra
- Z Flip 8: Pricing not yet confirmed
Samsung’s typical double-storage pre-order deal is expected to survive, though tipster Lanzuk on Naver reports there may be more hoops to qualify. During the Galaxy S26 launch, Samsung dropped the free memory upgrade for US buyers but kept it in Europe, offering up to $900 trade-in or $150 store credit instead. Amazon stepped in with its own double-storage deal and a $200 gift card for the S26, so third-party retailers may run aggressive promotions for the Fold 8 as well.
The Apple iPhone Fold Competition
Samsung’s timing is deliberate. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide is the direct competitor to Apple’s first foldable phone, the iPhone Fold, expected to launch in September 2026. If the iPhone Fold’s hinge design does not cause delays, Samsung gets a two-month head start with the Wide Fold. The Z Fold 8 Wide’s 4:3 landscape orientation is a bet that productivity-focused buyers want something different from the tall, narrow design Samsung has shipped since 2019.
Tipster Ice Universe also reported that Samsung may have renamed the lineup late in development, with the direct Fold 7 successor becoming the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and the wider variant taking the plain “Galaxy Z Fold 8” name. Samsung has not confirmed this.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 launch?
Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event is scheduled for July 22, 2026 in London. Pre-orders are expected to open the same day, with shipments approximately two weeks later, putting devices in buyers’ hands by early August 2026.
How much does the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra cost?
Leaked pricing starts at $1,999 for 256GB, $2,199 for 512GB, and $2,499 for 1TB. This is flat against the Z Fold 7’s launch pricing at the base tier. Samsung’s double-storage pre-order deal and third-party retailer promotions may offer additional value.
What is the difference between the Z Fold 8 Ultra and Z Fold 8 Wide?
The Ultra is a tall book-style foldable (successor to the Z Fold 7) with a 200MP camera, approximately 215g weight, and 4.1mm unfolded thickness. The Wide is a new landscape-oriented foldable with a 4:3 aspect ratio, lighter at 201g, and a 50MP camera system. The Ultra targets power users; the Wide targets productivity buyers.
Does the Galaxy Z Fold 8 have an S Pen?
No. Neither the Z Fold 8 Ultra nor the Z Fold 8 Wide includes an S Pen slot, according to leaks. Samsung appears to have dropped stylus integration from the Fold line.
How does the Z Fold 8 compare to Apple’s iPhone Fold?
The iPhone Fold is expected in September 2026, giving the Z Fold 8 Wide a two-month head start. Samsung’s Wide Fold has a 4:3 landscape orientation aimed at productivity. Apple’s foldable specs are less known, but Samsung’s first-mover advantage in the wide foldable form factor could matter for early adopters.
