Samsung will unveil the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra on July 22 at a Samsung Unpacked event in London. The device is expected to start at $1,999 and will launch alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide and the Galaxy Z Flip 8.
New Naming Confusion
Samsung appears to have flipped its naming convention this year. The wider, tablet-like phone gets the regular “Galaxy Z Fold 8” name, while the traditional tall-fold successor carries the “Ultra” branding. A Bluetooth SIG database listing confirms this naming shift.
This is confusing for anyone who associated “Ultra” with Samsung’s premium tier on the S-series. The Z Fold 8 Ultra is expected to be a modest update over the Z Fold 7, while the Wide model may actually have fewer cameras (two instead of three).
Expected Specs and Pricing
Leaks point to a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, a 5,000mAh battery (up from the Z Fold 7’s capacity), and an improved ultra-wide camera. A vapour chamber for better cooling is also rumored. The build is expected to be thinner than the current generation.
Pricing appears to hold flat against last year:
- 256GB: $1,999
- 512GB: $2,199
- 1TB: $2,499
Why the Foldable Market Matters More in 2026
Samsung has dominated foldable phones since 2019, but 2026 is the year Apple is expected to launch its first foldable device, the iPhone Ultra. Samsung’s response includes not just the traditional Z Fold form factor but a new wider design that more closely resembles a small tablet when unfolded.
The Samsung Unpacked page references a new “AI phone,” signaling that Galaxy AI features will be a centerpiece of the presentation. Samsung already showed its Smart Glasses concept at Google I/O earlier this year, and those could get a deeper look alongside the foldables.
The Z Fold 7 Still Holds Up
The Galaxy Z Fold 7, launched in 2025, earned strong reviews for its slimmer design and improved hinge. Current street prices have dropped significantly from the $1,999 launch price, with some retailers offering the 512GB model around $1,620.
Pre-order incentives for the Unpacked event include up to $500 in vouchers and a $30 credit for completing a questionnaire on Samsung’s website.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Samsung Unpacked happen?
The event takes place on July 22, 2026, with a livestream starting at 2 PM local time (London). Samsung’s website has a countdown page where you can register for the event.
How much does the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra cost?
Leaks suggest a $1,999 starting price for the 256GB model, $2,199 for 512GB, and $2,499 for 1TB. This is flat against last year’s Z Fold 7 pricing.
What is the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide?
The Wide model is a squatter, tablet-like foldable that opens to a wider aspect ratio. It may feature only two rear cameras instead of three and is positioned as a more direct competitor to Apple’s expected foldable iPhone.
Will there be trade-in deals for the Z Fold 8?
Samsung typically offers aggressive trade-in credits during Unpacked pre-orders. Last year’s event included up to $500 off with trade-ins, and this year’s page already mentions similar voucher offers.
Is Samsung the only foldable phone maker?
Google, OnePlus (via Oppo), and Motorola also make foldable phones. But Apple’s expected entry in 2026 would be the biggest competitive shift Samsung has faced in this category.
