Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs. Z Fold 7: Improved Battery, Screen and a Higher Price - CNET

What the report says

CNET reports that Samsung used its Galaxy Unpacked event to introduce three new foldable phones, led by the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, described as the direct successor to last year’s Galaxy Z Fold 7. The outlet’s hands-on comparison found that Samsung’s newest book-style foldable focuses less on dramatic specification changes and more on daily-use refinements, while arriving at a higher price that may limit its appeal for many buyers.

According to CNET, the Z Fold 8 Ultra keeps the same general footprint and 215-gram weight as the Fold 7 but is slightly thinner when unfolded and easier to open because of revised side and hinge design. Both models have a 6.5-inch AMOLED cover display and an 8-inch folding AMOLED screen with a 120Hz variable refresh rate, but the Ultra’s inner display is rated brighter at 3,000 nits, adds a matte finish and anti-reflective coating, and has a less noticeable crease. Both carry an IP48 rating for water and limited dust resistance.

The newer model runs Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, compared with the Fold 7’s Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy. CNET highlights the battery as a major upgrade: Samsung is using silicon-carbon anode technology to increase capacity from 4,400 mAh to 5,000 mAh, while wired charging rises from 25 watts to 45 watts. Storage and RAM options remain broadly similar, topping out at 1TB with 16GB of RAM.

Camera changes are more selective. Both phones include a 200-megapixel main camera and 10-megapixel telephoto lens, but the Ultra upgrades the ultrawide sensor from 12 to 50 megapixels and adds creator-focused video tools. CNET notes that the Fold 7 remains capable, especially if discounted, while the Ultra’s value depends on whether buyers prioritize screen, battery and usability improvements.