Samsung Z Fold 8 Ultra Review: Features and Pricing Analysis

Samsung has firmly established its Fold series as a leading choice for audio-visual enthusiasts seeking a multifunctional device that merges smartphone and small tablet functionalities. The latest entry, the Samsung Z Fold 8 Ultra, continues this trend with improvements over its predecessor, the Z Fold 7. However, a recent unveiling from Samsung has stirred the market, leading some to conclude that the Z Fold 8 may be the more suitable option for those focused on entertainment.

One of the standout features of the Z Fold 8 Ultra is its vivid display. The device boasts enhanced brightness levels and upscaling capabilities that aim to provide a high-quality viewing experience. Nevertheless, users may find the unfolded screen size less ideal for film consumption, as it deviates from the traditional aspect ratios commonly used for media.

Pricing for the Z Fold 8 Ultra positions it as a premium model within Samsung's foldable line-up. The base model with 256GB of storage retails at an eye-watering £1899 (approximately $2099 or AU$2999), while the 512GB variant costs £2069. The top-tier 1TB model is available at £2049, largely due to increased RAM. Comparatively, this pricing exceeds that of the previous Z Fold 7 by over £100 and even the more entertainment-focused Z Fold 8 by £200. For context, customers could purchase several entry-level Android devices or more than two iPhone 17 units for the same expenditure.

The Z Fold 8 Ultra is designed to feel robust and premium, partly due to advancements in Samsung’s Flex Titanium Technology. This innovation employs a lightweight alloy mesh and flexible titanium plate, providing users with confidence when operating the folding mechanism. Previous iterations had raised concerns regarding durability; however, the Z Fold 8 Ultra demonstrates significant improvements, making it more resilient in everyday use.

Despite its advancements, the device maintains a somewhat unconventional form factor, which aligns with the needs of power users who prefer multitasking with multiple applications. Its 6.5-inch external display adopts a 21:9 aspect ratio, making it narrower than typical smartphones. This is complemented by power and volume controls positioned intuitively for user convenience.

On the inner side, the phone features an 8-inch display that has a noticeably square shape. While this may enhance functionality for certain tasks, it poses challenges for media viewing, primarily due to speaker placement and the internal camera's positioning.

The Fold 8 Ultra is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chipset, along with 12GB of RAM in the 256GB and 512GB models, expanding to 16GB in the 1TB model. This enables smooth performance across various applications, from gaming to video editing. Additionally, both displays support variable refresh rates (VRR) at 120 Hz, further enhancing the user experience.

Samsung’s approach to image processing within the device uses its mobile Digital Natural Image Engine (mDNIe). Rather than employing the ProScaler technology found on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, the mDNIe is designed to provide richer and more realistic colours, claiming to be four times more accurate than that of the Z Fold 7.

Both screens support HDR10+ standards, with the internal display achieving a remarkable peak brightness of 3000 nits, which surpasses the previous model by 400 nits. Equipped with the Vision Booster feature, users can expect visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. Furthermore, Dolby Atmos audio support enhances the listening experience via both built-in speakers and external headphones.

While the Z Fold 8 Ultra offers many features catering to entertainment lovers, potential buyers should weigh these benefits against its price and consider whether the cheaper Z Fold 8 might better meet their needs. As Samsung continues to innovate, the competition within the foldable smartphone market is expected to remain intense.