The new Samsung Galaxy foldables are about to debut July 22 at Galaxy Unpacked. We're excited to stress-test them properly later, but here are my thoughts after playing around with the new Galaxy foldable smartphones ahead of time.
We've already covered the launch of the three new foldables — the Galaxy Z Flip 8, the Galaxy Z Fold 8, and the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra — but let's talk about what it's like holding these new phones in your hand.
My first impressions have been very positive, albeit in the absence of testing processor benchmarks, battery rundowns, or photography. But I did have a lot of fun playing around with these foldables, and that's more than I can say about a lot of regular smartphones.
Meet the new Samsung Galaxy foldables
Here's how to distinguish between the three members of the Galaxy Z 8 lineup.
The Galaxy Z Flip 8 is the trendy, flip phone-style device that fits in your pocket, with a $1,199.99 starting price.
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is a new, wider 4:3 form factor introduced this year. It has a similar size and design to the highly anticipated iPhone Fold Ultra, Apple's rumored foldable we hope to see unveiled in September.
Finally, the Z Fold 8 Ultra is the true flagship of the bunch, with a camera array that comes closer to matching the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra released in the spring.
The Z Fold 8 is a more mid-range option, with a starting price of $1,899.99, while the Z Fold 8 Ultra has an intimidating $2,199.99 starting price.
Bottom line: These phones feel great in your hand. Samsung says the Galaxy Z Flip 8 is the lightest and thinnest flip foldable ever, and I can believe it. Unfolded, all three phones feel razor-thin but not flimsy.
And no, you don't need to be worried about a visible crease in the display. Starting in 2025, the crease has disappeared into the display, and you won't notice it this year either.
Crucially, and this is especially true with the colorful Z Flip 8, these phones feel cool in a way that other smartphones don't. Samsung has been introducing interesting innovations in the mobile space lately (see also: Privacy Display and the Galaxy Z Trifold), and the Flip family is no exception.
They have a slick design with great color options, and if you use these phones out in the real world, people will stop you and ask about them.
Also, there's just something infinitely satisfying about snapping a foldable closed.
Let's talk about the elephant in the room: These phones are pricey.
Thank RAMageddon for higher prices
The ongoing global memory crisis (which, experts say, will get worse before it gets better) has wreaked havoc on the consumer tech world. Everything is getting more expensive. Not only did Samsung eliminate long-standing pre-order deals, but the Z Flip 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra are $100 more expensive than last year's models.
There's no way around it: That sucks. And it makes it harder to justify taking the plunge and buying your first foldable, or switching from an iPhone, even as Samsung makes it easier for iOS users to migrate.
My advice? Take advantage of trade-in offers and pre-order deals from mobile carriers like T-Mobile and Verizon, which have decent deals on the new foldables.
Still, we know from Counterpoint Research data that shoppers in the U.S. and China are buying fewer smartphones this year, and it's hard to blame them.
The Galaxy Z Flip 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra have some key upgrades
Last year, we praised Samsung's foldables for their ultra-thin design and their lightweight feel, and they're noticeably thinner and lighter this year. But there are some important upgrades under the hood as well.
Contrary to rumors that the Z Flip 8 would have an Exynos processor, all three phones are equipped with the same chipset, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy. The Z Fold 8 Ultra also has a true 5,000 mAh battery, and even the smaller Z Fold 8 has a 4,800 mAh power cell. The Folds also offer faster 45W wired charging and 20W wireless charging.
In addition, the Z Fold 8 has a 200MP main camera, necessary for people like me who need to take videos and photos for work. The Ultra's camera array isn't quite up to par with the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra or iPhone 17 Pro Max, but it's getting close.
Ultimately, I'm excited to put these new phones through their paces — and just wish everything wasn't so expensive in 2026.