Quick answer
Samsung introduced three new foldable phones at Galaxy Unpacked in London: the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Flip8. Samsung describes the Fold8 Ultra as the first Ultra model in its foldable portfolio, while the Fold8 uses a new form factor and the Flip8 brings more intuitive AI to its outer FlexWindow experience.
A broader foldable lineup
The introduction of an Ultra-branded Fold suggests Samsung is segmenting foldables more like its conventional flagship range. That may allow the company to target power users with a premium model while keeping the standard Fold focused on a broader balance of portability and productivity.
The Flip8 continues the compact clamshell approach. Samsung’s emphasis on AI through the outer display indicates that the company wants more tasks to be completed without opening the phone. The usefulness of that idea will depend on which applications and assistant actions are available from the FlexWindow.
Samsung’s official newsroom coverage highlights the lineup and its agentic-AI positioning. Buyers should still wait for region-specific specifications, pricing, storage options and independent durability testing before comparing models.
Why foldable design still matters
Foldables attempt to combine a pocketable device with a larger working surface. The Fold family is aimed at multitasking, reading, productivity and media, while the Flip family prioritises compactness and quick interactions.
The category’s long-term success depends on reducing compromises. Weight, crease visibility, hinge durability, repair costs, battery life and camera performance remain common comparison points. A thinner or more advanced design is only meaningful if it remains comfortable and reliable in everyday use.
The role of AI
Samsung framed the new devices around more personal and adaptive experiences. Agentic AI generally refers to systems that can plan or complete multi-step tasks rather than simply respond with text.
On a foldable device, AI could potentially use the larger screen for side-by-side research, document work or visual planning. On the Flip, it could provide quick summaries and actions on the cover screen. These benefits will depend on permissions, app support and how clearly the phone confirms sensitive actions.
Users should also distinguish on-device processing from cloud processing. The privacy, speed and offline availability of a feature may change depending on where the computation occurs.
What is not yet established
A launch announcement does not provide independent evidence about battery endurance, camera quality, thermal performance or long-term hinge reliability. Those questions require controlled reviews and extended use.
Availability and features may also vary by country, language and service provider. Some AI functions may require a Samsung account, internet access or future subscription terms.
TOOLSAURA analysis
The Fold8 Ultra is the most strategically interesting addition because it creates a new premium tier within Samsung’s foldable range. It may also test how much consumers are willing to pay for a device that prioritises a larger flexible display and advanced AI workflows.
Samsung’s challenge is to make the folding form factor feel essential rather than novel. Features that save steps on the outer screen or make genuine use of the internal display will matter more than demonstrations that could work equally well on a standard phone.
What to watch next
Watch for official regional pricing, repairability information, update commitments and independent tests of the display, hinge and battery. It will also be useful to compare which AI features run locally and which depend on cloud services.
This article is based on Samsung’s official newsroom announcements. The illustrations are original TOOLSAURA graphics and are not photographs of the announced devices.
Fact-checked against official primary sources published or available on 22 July 2026. Product features and availability may change after publication.
