Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs. Z Fold 7: How the first 'Ultra' foldable compares to last year's model

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs. Z Fold 7: How the first 'Ultra' foldable compares to last year's model">

'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?

ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.

When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.

ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form .

Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.

The hot foldable summer is here, and Samsung has finally joined the fray with its latest Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra , Z Fold 8 , and Z Flip 8 . While there are notable reasons to consider the latter two if you're queuing up for an upgrade, it's the Z Fold 8 Ultra model that should have any power user's utmost attention.

Also: Samsung Galaxy vs. Google Pixel: I've used both brands extensively, and this one's better

Putting the fancy branding aside, the Z Fold 8 Ultra is the direct successor to last year's Z Fold 7 , with a similar design, screen aspect ratio, and general features. But Samsung's also addressed some key concerns this year, from the battery life and charging of its most premium phone to software features that truly leverage the shape-shifting form factor.

Ahead of Unpacked, I spent an intimate morning with the Z Fold 8 Ultra, comparing it to the Z Fold 7, which has been in my pocket since last July. Here's what the key differences are, and why anyone should consider an upgrade if they're already using one of the best foldables out today. I certainly am.