Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra review
Design and build
At first glance, the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra looks identical to last year's Z Fold7. There are no major differences to be observed, so it's easy to assume that little changed. However, Samsung has actually revamped the hardware inside, enabling it to make a tougher device with less visible crease and a larger battery in the exact same frame.
One of the first things Samsung boasted about is the thickness. Unfolded, the Z Fold8 Ultra measures just 4.1mm, which puts it on par with the Honor Magic V6 and makes it ever so slightly thinner than the Galaxy Z Fold7 that was 4.2mm. You'd have to look really closely to notice that kind of difference, though.
Samsung is also proud of the new hinge and display design. The new Flex Titanium setup makes the display more durable and uniform while the crease is visibly smaller. Running your fingers through the surface confirms Samsung's claims - the panel does feel more uniform and flat.
Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra
The hinge went through some refinements as well. Inspired by the Galaxy Z TriFold, the Armor FlexHinge requires less pressure to be opened and is assisted by magnets, making the operation more effortless and smoother.
The rest of the chassis is encased in Armor Aluminum alloy that Samsung uses for its Galaxy S lineup and previous Fold generations, while the glass panel covering the outer screen has been upgraded to Gorilla Glass Victus Ceramic 3. The back is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The usual IP48 protection against water and dust is in place.
Despite all that the weight is unchanged at 215 grams. And let's not forget we've got a bigger 5,000 mAh battery included in that.
There's nothing out of the ordinary when going around the sides - the fingerprint reader sits inside the power button on the right, while the SIM card tray is located near the speaker grille on top of the left half. You get a single SIM card slot this time around, so you can insert only one physical nano SIM. That means your second SIM must be an eSIM. You can also opt for two eSIMs, of course.
Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra
The available color options are only three this time - Graphite, Cream and Violet Shadow - we have the latter in our hands. There's also a Green Shadow version, but it's exclusive to Samsung's official web store and physical Samsung Experience stores.
After last year's Fold introduced a major redesign we never expected the Z Fold8 Ultra to look drastically different. Yet we are pleasantly surprised by the number of refinements Samsung brought. The hinge is nicer and smoother, and the display has a less noticeable crease. Sturdier and longer lasting without being heavier is also a big win.
