Samsung Galaxy Z8 series: Inside the range setting a new standard for foldable phones

Phones have come a long way since the bulky handsets of yesteryear, but have you ever owned a phone as compact as a passport?

Weighing just 201g and measuring 4.5mm in depth, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 gives new meaning to the term “pocket-sized”. The flagship foldable, unveiled on Thursday as part of Samsung’s brand-new Galaxy Z8 series, has passport-sized proportions that make it easier than ever to fold your phone into everyday life.

Sitting alongside the Z Fold8 are the Z Fold8 Ultra—Samsung’s most advanced foldable design to date—and the Z Flip8, a uniquely flexible and ultra-lightweight flip form reminiscent of the nostalgic clamshell shapes of Y2K.

These are foldables designed for a new generation of mobile users who view their phone as an extension of themselves. Gone are the days where phones were for texting, calling and scrolling: now, phones are for work, play and everything in-between. This is a series with content at its core, optimised for discovery, exploration, immersion and creation.

Galaxy AI is also integral to the range, says TM Roh, CEO, President and Head of the Device eXperience (DX) Division at Samsung Electronics. Each model is equipped with a suite of AI features, including Gemini Intelligence, Now Brief and Now Nudge, to help your phone become more personalised, intuitive and useful.

“As AI becomes more agentic, mobile devices will become the most personal entry point to experiences that understand and adapt to each user,” he said in a statement. “By setting a new standard for foldables, we are once again advancing the premium mobile experience and opening the next era of intelligence to more people.”

With that being said, let’s take a closer look at the three new phones in the Galaxy Z8 lineup.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8

This is a foldable that’s optimised for content, whatever that may look like. The display ratios are designed to fit how people naturally consume content throughout the day, creating a more immersive experience. When folded, the 10:16 cover screen is ideal for viewing short-form content, social media updates and quick interactions. When unfolded, the larger 4:3 main display offers a more engaging experience for gaming or long-form video. When rotated, the display becomes better suited to reading.

As well as making it easier to consume content, the Fold8 also prioritises capturing content. The 50MP cameras offer high-resolution detail across wide and ultra-wide perspectives, maintaining quality across different scenes and conditions. Dual Recording lets users capture both sides of the moment, while My FanCam offers inbuilt video editing, turning dynamic scenes into social-ready snippets with less manual adjustments.

Fast facts:
- Samsung’s lightest Z Fold: 4.5mm in thickness (unfolded), 201g
- 10MP selfie camera, 10MP main camera, 50MP wide-angle camera, 50MP ultra-wide camera
- 4800mAh battery: up to 63% charge in around 30 mins with wired charging
- Colours: Graphite, Cream, Lavender (availability may vary).

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra

The upgraded Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra—formerly known as the Galaxy Z Fold7—is a phone designed for those who demand the highest performance, packaged in Samsung’s most advanced foldable design. The 8-inch main display is designed for productivity and multitasking, while an advanced camera system, creative tools and long-lasting battery make it easy to capture, edit and share on-the-go.

Everything about the Fold8 Ultra has been engineered for optimal performance. From rapid charging to a cooling structure that helps dissipate heat more effectively, this is a phone designed to remain fast, responsible and reliable during the most demanding of workloads.

Fast facts:
- Galaxy’s slimmest Z Fold design: 4.1mm in thickness (unfolded), 215g
- 10MP selfie camera, 10MP main camera, 200MP wide-angle camera, 50MP ultra-wide camera, improved Nightography, 8K video recording
- 5000mAh battery: up to 67% charge in around 30 mins with wired charging
- Colours: Graphite, Cream, Violet Shadow (availability may vary).

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8

The Galaxy Z Flip8—the lightest form yet—is a phone designed for users who live a dynamic, on-the-go lifestyle, with self-expression at its core. The reimagined FlexWindow (the outer display when folded) brings apps, glanceable insights and actions to the cover screen, allowing the user to access information and AI-powered features in one tap.

The Flip8 also makes it easier to create content with FlexCam, offering flexible angles, real-time previews, hands-free shooting and cover-screen selfies. Mirror view, meanwhile, gives users a realistic mirror-like view for quick outfit checks before heading out.

Fast facts:
- Samsung’s slimmest and lightest Flip design: 6.1mm in thickness (unfolded), 180g
- 10MP selfie camera, 50MP wide-angle camera, 12MP ultra-wide camera
- 4300mAh battery: up to 55% charge in around 30 mins with wired charging
- Colours: Graphite, Cream, Pink (availability may vary).

Alongside the Galaxy Z8 series, Samsung has also introduced the new Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and Galaxy Watch9. The Watch Ultra 2 is engineered for fitness enthusiasts, delivering enhanced health metrics for high-performance workouts and improved water resistance. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Watch9 takes a wellness-first approach, focusing on sleep quality, stress management, and intuitive daily insights to help improve quality of life.

Built on seven generations of foldable innovation and consumer insight, the new Galaxy Z8 series ultimately gives users more choice than ever, offering three distinct experiences designed to fold seamlessly into different everyday lifestyles.

SAMSUNG.COM/NZ