Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs. Galaxy Z Fold 7: A new name with better specs

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra Fancy new titleThe flagship Z Fold phone now gets 'Ultra' in its name. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is essentially the successor to the Galaxy Z Fold 7, with the usual expected upgrades. You get Qualcomm's latest and greatest chip, better cameras, a bigger battery, and faster charging. We're still waiting on the proper dust proofing though, and better selfie cameras. ProsLarger 5,000mAh batterySupports faster 45W chargingHigher-resolution folding screenPowered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoCSeven years of OS upgradesConsColors aren't very interestingStill only IP48 ratedSelfie cameras are still 10MPMore expensive Samsung's most popular Fold yetThe Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 got a major design overhaul, making it slimmer and lighter than ever before. Despite ditching support for the S Pen and being more expensive, demand for it was higher than even Samsung anticipated. ProsThe crease is practically non-existentDoesn't feel like a heavy remote when folded anymoreLarger and wider cover screenTruly a 2-in-1 deviceShares the same camera as the S25 UltraExcellent performanceThat blue is oh so blue, and looks incredibleConsNo S Pen supportEven more expensive than beforeThere's no dust protectionBattery life is meh At July's Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event, the company finally unveiled it's latest line of foldables and smartwatches. The foldables are pretty much bang on in line with all the leaked images we've seen over the past few months. What I wasn't expecting was the shake up in the naming convention, which understanably, is bound to cause a bit of confusion.The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is the flagship model and will be replacing the Galaxy Z Fold 7, while the standard Galaxy Z Fold 8 is actually a cheaper and wider version of the flagship, previously dubbed as the 'Wide Edition.'It's now been full year since the Galaxy Z Fold 7's existence and it's already officially selling for $400 lower than the launch price, and this is outside sale season. This could dip further in the months to come as Samsung tries to empty its inventory.If you've skipped the Galaxy Z Fold 7 or have been waiting for the new Fold 8 series to launch, should you spring for the latest Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra or save a few hundred Benjamins with the older (but still great) model?Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs. Galaxy Z Fold 7: Pricing and availability (Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)Our fears did come true as Samsung has raised prices by $100. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra now starts at $2,099.99 and this is for the 256GB variant. There are also 512GB and 1TB storage options, with only the latter getting 16GB of RAM. The tiers below come with 12GB of RAM. Violet Shadow is the new hero color for the Z Fold 8 Ultra, while the other two are Graphite and Cream. Samung will be bundling a six-month complementary subscription to the AI Pro plan, with every Z Fold 8 Ultra. (Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 will be a year old now and is already retailing for less, starting at $1,499.99 for 256GB and going up to $2,000 for the 1TB variant. There could be a further price drop before it goes out of circulation so you should keep an eye on this if you want to save a good chunk of change. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 had one of the best colors of all the Fold phones yet and has proven to be hugely popular showing strong demand in the U.S. market.The recent rise in component costs have caught up though as Samsung quietly bumped up the MSRPs of the higher storage variants by $80. Compared to the new Z Fold 8 Ultra though, you're still saving quite a bit.Get the latest news from Android Central, your trusted companion in the world of AndroidSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs. Galaxy Z Fold 7: Design and display (Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra looks pretty much identical to the Galaxy Z Fold 7, and that's fine. The Fold 7 got a major design overhaul just last year making the slimmest Fold yet. The Z Fold 8 Ultra is a tiny bit thinner at 4.1mm when unfolded, but measures the same 8.9mm when folded.The weight of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra has also stayed the same at 215 grams, despite Samsung using a larger battery. Physically, you really shouldn't notice too much of a difference between the two phones even if you hold them side by side.The Galaxy Z Fold 7 scored well in terms of build quality and durabililty but it only had an IP48 rating for dust and water resistance. Sadly, this hasn't improved on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. The water proofing is still okay, but the phone still lacks proper dust proofing. In comparison, the Honor Magic V5 and Vivo X Fold 5 feature IP58 and IP59 dust and water resistance, while the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold has an IP68 rating. (Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)The displays on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra gets some nice upgrades. The folding screen is still 8 inches, but Samsung has bumped up the resolution to 2,504x2,256. Compared to the already high resolution of 1,968x2,184 on the Galaxy Z Fold 7, the Fold 8 Ultra should offer even crisper visuals and sharper text.The outer display on the Fold 8 Ultra has stayed pretty much the same, but it does get more durable protection in the form of Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 3. There were murmurs a few months back that support for the S Pen will be brought back in the Z Fold 8 Ultra, but that hasn't happened.Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs. Galaxy Z Fold 7: Hardware and software (Image credit: OnLeaks / Android Headlines)Samsung typically ships the Galaxy Z Fold devices with flagship chipsets, and it's done the same once again with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. The foldable features the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset for Galaxy devices, same as the ones used in the Galaxy S26 series.Another big upgrade that Samsung has delivered in the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is a larger battery. We finally have a 5,000mAh capacity battery which should deliver a good battery life boost over the 4,400mAh in the Galaxy Z Fold 7.Charging speed has also increased to 45W from the measly 25W on the previous model. I would have liked to see 60W wired charging like the Galaxy S26 Ultra but I'll take anything above 25W at this point. Qi2 charging is still not native as the Z Fold 8 Ultra lacks in-built magnets. You'll have to use a compatible case for Qi2.Swipe to scroll horizontallySpecificationsCategorySamsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 7Operating SystemOne UI 9 (Android 17), seven years of OS upgradesOne UI 8 (Android 16), seven years of OS upgradesDisplayInner: 8-inch LTPO AMOLED, 1-120Hz, crease-less, 2,504x2,256 pixelsOuter: 6.5-inch LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 3 Inner: 8-inch LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, crease-less, 1,968x2,184Outer: 6.5-inch LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for GalaxySnapdragon 8 Elite for GalaxyRAM12GB/16GB12GB/16GBStorage256GB, 512GB, 1TB256GB, 512GB, 1TBRear Cameras200MP wide; 50MP ultra-wide; 10MP telephoto (3x zoom)200MP wide; 12MP ultra-wide; 10MP telephoto (3x zoom)Front Camera10MP (internal), 10MP (external)10MP (internal), 10MP (external)Battery5,000mAh4,400mAhCharging45W wired, 20W wireless25W wired, 15W wireless, Qi2 supportIP RatingIP48IP48Weight215g215gDimensions(Unfolded) 158.4 x 143.2 x 4.1 mm ; (Folded) 158.4 x 72.8 x 8.9 mm(Unfolded) 158.4 x 143.2 x 4.2 mm ; (Folded) 158.4 x 72.8 x 8.9 mmColorsViolet Shadow, Graphite, CreamBlue Shadow, Silver Shadow, Jet Black, MintThe Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra ships with One UI 9, that's based on Android 17. Samsung has been testing One UI 9 in beta for a while on S26 devices, giving users a glimpse of what to expect. Some of the new features include an upgraded Quick Panel with toggles for the brightness, sound, and media player now being independently adjustable. There's a new Text Spotlight feature that shows selected text in a larger floating window. There's plenty more AI and user interface features to unpack, so stay tuned for our detailed guide.Many of these One UI 9 features should also make their way to the Galaxy Z Fold 7 with future updates. It's possible that some might be hardware dependent so expect a few to be missing when you update your Z Fold 7 to One UI 9.Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs. Galaxy Z Fold 7: Cameras (Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 got a 200MP main camera upgrade just last year, and the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra uses the same one. But it finally gets a higher-resolution 50MP ultrawide camera, which should bring about a tangible quality improvement. A leak had suggested that the Z Fold 8 Ultra would get a 12MP telephoto, but this hasn't turned out to be true. It's still 10MP with an optical zoom of 3X.The selfie cameras on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra have also gone unchanged. You still get the two 10MP sensors on the outer and inner screens. We loved the cameras on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 when we tested it so having better sensors in the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra would have made it more competitive against foldables like the OPPO Find N6.Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs. Galaxy Z Fold 7: Which one should you buy? (Image credit: Shruti Shekar / Android Central)The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra has gotten more expensive but you're also getting some worthwhile upgrades like a newer SoC, larger battery with quicker charging, a sharper folding screen, and a better ultrawide camera. The only reason to buy this at launch is if you're getting a good trade-in deal or pre-order discounts. Otherwise, I'd wait a few months till Samsung inevitably slashes the price itself.If you need to pull the trigger right away, you can't go wrong with the Galaxy Z Fold 7. It now retails for lower than what it launched for, it's incredibly slim and light, and you won't have any issues with performance. Keep in mind that we didn't find the battery life to be great and there's no S Pen support if that's something you think you'll need. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra The price of being the latestThe Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is not a major upgrade over the Fold 7, but there are a few areas like the battery and camera where it's genuinely better. Still a champThe Galaxy Z Fold 7 is Samsung's best foldable for most users and is slightly better value now after a price drop. You're in for a slim device that's built well and has excellent global after sales support. Roydon has been writing about personal technology for 10+ years, and has covered everything from news, reviews, features, to on-ground coverage of big trade shows like CES. He's passionate about mobile technology and computing, dabbles with photography, and is still struggling to work his way through his Steam and PS4 game library.