From thinner designs and smarter AI to three foldables built for different lifestyles, Samsung’s latest Galaxy Z lineup proves that foldables have truly come of age.
I recently had the opportunity to attend Samsung’s exclusive preview of its newest Galaxy Z Series, where I got a firsthand look at the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8, and Galaxy Z Flip8 ahead of their official release.
Having seen Samsung’s foldable lineup evolve over the years, I was excited to discover what this new generation had to offer. After spending time with the devices, one thing became immediately clear—this isn’t simply another annual refresh.
Built on seven generations of foldable innovation and consumer insight, Samsung’s latest Galaxy Z Series feels like its most complete foldable lineup yet. Rather than creating one foldable that tries to suit everyone, Samsung has introduced three distinct devices, each thoughtfully designed around different lifestyles and the different ways people use their smartphones every day.
Throughout the preview, one message was clear: Samsung sees AI as more than just another smartphone feature. Instead, it’s becoming a core part of the Galaxy experience, helping users accomplish everyday tasks more intuitively while adapting to different lifestyles. Combined with Samsung’s most advanced foldable designs yet, the new Galaxy Z Series feels like a meaningful step toward a smarter and more personalized mobile experience.
What stood out during the preview for me was that Samsung wasn’t simply showcasing new hardware. Every demonstration highlighted how the Galaxy Z Series is designed around real-life experiences—from productivity and creativity to entertainment and everyday convenience. Rather than asking users to adapt to technology, Samsung is making technology adapt to the way people live.
That philosophy became even more apparent as I explored each of the three devices, each offering its own unique take on what a foldable smartphone can be.
Three Foldables, Three Different Experiences
One thing I appreciated right away was that Samsung didn’t position these three devices as simply different sizes of the same phone.
Instead, each one has its own identity.
The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is designed for users who need maximum productivity and creative power.
The Galaxy Z Fold8 is built around discovery—whether that’s reading, streaming, gaming, browsing, or immersing yourself in the content you love.
Meanwhile, the Galaxy Z Flip8 continues to embrace self-expression while becoming even smarter through AI-powered experiences.
Across all three devices, Galaxy AI has also been optimized according to each form factor.
Rather than delivering the same AI experience across every device, Samsung has thoughtfully optimized Galaxy AI for each form factor. The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold8 take advantage of their expansive displays to make multitasking and AI-assisted workflows feel more natural, while the Galaxy Z Flip8 brings personalized information, shortcuts, and intelligent assistance directly to the redesigned AI-native FlexWindow.
The result is an experience that feels less like using AI for the sake of technology and more like having a smart companion that naturally fits into your daily routine.
Together, they represent Samsung’s vision that the best smartphone isn’t simply the most powerful—it’s the one that best fits the way you live.
Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra: The Foldable That Immediately Got My Attention
If I had to choose one device that instantly caught my attention during the preview, it would have to be the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra.
The first thing I noticed wasn’t even the larger display—it was how incredibly thin and surprisingly light it felt in my hands.
Despite featuring an expansive 8-inch main display, it never felt bulky. At just 4.1mm when unfolded and weighing only 215 grams, it’s Samsung’s slimmest Galaxy Z Fold yet.
For anyone who regularly works on the go, it’s easy to imagine how this device could simplify everyday workflows. Whether you’re reviewing presentations, responding to emails, editing photos, joining video meetings, or managing several apps at once, the larger display creates a workspace that feels comfortable and intuitive.
Powering the Fold8 Ultra is the Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform for Galaxy, paired with a 5,000mAh battery, a new 45W dual-path fast charging system, and an expanded graphite cooling structure that helps maintain consistent performance throughout demanding tasks.
A Camera System Built for Creators
Another highlight for me was the camera experience.
Samsung equips the Fold8 Ultra with a 200MP main camera, now enhanced with HDR support in 200MP mode for richer, more lifelike photos.
There’s also a new 50MP ultra-wide camera, giving users greater flexibility when capturing landscapes, architecture, interiors, close-up details, or group shots.
Samsung’s improved Nightography promisAes brighter and clearer photos and videos in low-light environments, while 8K video recording, the new APV codec, and Cine LUT give creators more flexibility when producing high-quality content directly from a smartphone.
After seeing it up close, I came away feeling that the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is designed for people who want to do more from a single device. Whether you’re managing work, creating content, or juggling multiple tasks throughout the day, its expansive display, powerful camera system, and intelligent AI features come together to create a workspace that feels both capable and remarkably portable.
Galaxy Z Fold8: Built for Discovery and Everyday Immersion
While the Fold8 Ultra naturally attracts attention, I found myself equally impressed by the Galaxy Z Fold8 for a completely different reason.
Rather than focusing primarily on productivity, Fold8 is designed around how we naturally enjoy content every day.
Whether you’re reading articles over coffee, planning your next trip, watching your favorite series, gaming, exploring new ideas, or simply relaxing with an e-book, the Fold8 adapts beautifully to each moment.
Samsung redesigned its display ratios with these experiences in mind.
The 10:16 cover display feels familiar and comfortable for quick interactions like messaging, checking social media, browsing the web, or watching short-form videos.
Open the device, and the larger 4:3 main display transforms into an immersive canvas that’s ideal for reading, streaming, gaming, and exploring content with fewer distractions.
Rotate the display, and it becomes even more comfortable for long-form reading.
It isn’t simply about having a larger screen—it’s about making every experience feel more immersive.
Despite its larger display, the Fold8 weighs only 201 grams, making it Samsung’s lightest Galaxy Z Fold yet.
Samsung also introduces Flex Titanium, a titanium-based display structure that helps make the Fold8 thinner while improving durability and reducing crease visibility over time. Combined with Vision Booster, a low-reflection display, and up to 3,000 nits of peak brightness, the viewing experience remains bright and comfortable even outdoors.
Photography also benefits from a versatile dual 50MP camera system, while features like Dual Recording and My FanCam make capturing moments—and turning them into social-ready videos—even easier.
To me, the Fold8 perfectly represents Samsung’s message of discovery. It’s not just about doing more—it’s about enjoying everything you already do, whether that’s reading, streaming, gaming, or simply exploring something new, in a way that feels bigger, richer, and more immersive.
Galaxy Z Flip8: Smarter, More Expressive, and More Fun
Samsung’s Flip lineup has always stood out for its compact and stylish design, and the Galaxy Z Flip8 builds on that identity while becoming even smarter.
At just 180 grams and 6.1mm thin, it’s Samsung’s slimmest and lightest Flip yet.
What stood out during the preview for me was the redesigned AI-native FlexWindow. Instead of simply displaying notifications, it now serves as an intelligent everyday interface where users can quickly access apps, personalized information, shortcuts, and Galaxy AI features without unfolding the phone.
Samsung also brings Now Brief to the FlexWindow, providing personalized updates based on routines, schedules, and interests. It keeps helpful information within easy reach, making everyday interactions feel faster and more convenient.
With Gemini Intelligence also accessible from the FlexWindow, users can complete connected tasks using natural voice commands or the side key, reducing the number of steps needed to get things done.
Samsung’s Best Flip Camera Yet
The Flip8 also continues Samsung’s signature Flip camera experience.
Its new 50MP camera with ProVisual Engine delivers detailed selfies with natural skin tones and vibrant colors.
Creative features like Flex Mode, Camcorder Grip with Zoom Rocker, Super Steady with Horizontal Lock, FlipShot, and Mirror View make it even easier to capture hands-free photos, stable videos, and polished content wherever inspiration strikes.
It’s easy to see why the Flip continues to appeal to users who value both style and functionality. It feels fun, expressive, and practical—all while bringing AI even closer to everyday moments.
Galaxy AI Is the Biggest Story This Year
While the hardware is undeniably impressive, one message consistently stood out throughout the preview: Galaxy AI.
Rather than treating AI as another feature, Samsung is making it a more natural part of the everyday smartphone experience.
Among the newest features is Now Brief, which delivers personalized insights based on users’ routines, interests, and schedules through customizable briefing cards. It can even surface security and privacy insights, helping users stay informed while suggesting proactive ways to keep their information protected.
Complementing this is Now Nudge, which intelligently transforms conversations into action. Whether you’re discussing plans, looking for a place, or organizing your schedule, Galaxy AI can suggest helpful next steps like checking your calendar, saving a location, or pulling up relevant information.
Samsung’s partnership with Google also continues through Gemini Intelligence, allowing users to describe what they need naturally while even using screen or image context.
Another feature that caught my attention was Gemini Notebook, which serves as a centralized workspace where notes, documents, images, recordings, and files can all live together. Combined with Split View and drag-and-drop functionality, it makes organizing ideas and multitasking feel even more seamless.
What stood out during the preview for me was how naturally Galaxy AI fits into the overall experience. Instead of feeling like a collection of standalone features, it quietly works in the background to help users stay organized, creative, and productive throughout the day. Just as importantly, Samsung emphasized that these AI experiences are built with transparency, privacy, and user control in mind, giving users confidence that their personal information remains protected while benefiting from smarter everyday assistance.
Switching to Galaxy Is Easier Than Ever
Samsung is also making it easier for more users to experience the Galaxy ecosystem.
The updated Smart Switch now allows iPhone users to transfer passwords, passkeys, call history, accessibility settings, eSIM information, and more simply by scanning a QR code.
Meanwhile, Quick Share now supports compatibility with AirDrop, making file sharing between Galaxy and iOS devices more seamless than ever.
Every new Galaxy Z Series device also comes with a six-month Google AI Pro trial, including 5TB of cloud storage, giving users access to Google’s most capable AI models for productivity and creativity.
Pre-Order the New Galaxy Z Series
Customers can pre-order the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8, and Galaxy Z Flip8 until August 13 and enjoy exclusive launch offers, including double the storage, savings of up to ₱7,000, trade-in discounts of up to ₱14,000, and three months of Samsung Care+ at no additional cost via Samsung.com. Flexible installment plans and financing options are also available through participating banks, Samsung Finance+, and Home Credit.
Final Thoughts
After attending Samsung’s exclusive preview, I left with one clear impression: this is Samsung’s most refined Galaxy Z lineup yet.
Rather than simply making foldables thinner, lighter, or more powerful, Samsung has thoughtfully created three distinct devices that cater to different lifestyles. Whether you prioritize productivity, immersive entertainment, creativity, or stylish everyday convenience, there’s now a Galaxy Z device designed with you in mind.
The highloght for me wasn’t just the hardware—it was seeing how Galaxy AI ties everything together. Features like Now Brief, Now Nudge, Gemini Intelligence, and Gemini Notebook aren’t there simply to showcase what AI can do; they’re designed to make everyday tasks feel easier, faster, and more intuitive while keeping privacy and user control at the forefront.
After experiencing the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8, and Galaxy Z Flip8 firsthand, it’s clear that Samsung isn’t simply refining foldable smartphones—it’s creating devices that adapt to the way people live. And based on what I saw during the preview, this is easily Samsung’s strongest Galaxy Z Series yet.
Chibugan Kini 