Samsung Unveils Galaxy Z Flip 8, Z Fold 8, and Z Fold 8 Ultra

Samsung announced the Galaxy Z Flip 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8, and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra at its Unpacked event on July 22, 2026. The Verge reports prices starting at $1,199.99 for the Flip 8, $1,899.99 for the Fold 8, and $2,099.99 for the Fold 8 Ultra, with availability on August 7 and preorder gift cards up to $350. Android Authority adds that the Fold 8 Ultra has 45W charging and that Samsung also unveiled the Galaxy Watch 9 and Watch Ultra 2. The two outlets agree on the core announcement but each reports details the other does not.

Samsung unveiled three new foldable phones at its Unpacked event on July 22, 2026: the Galaxy Z Flip 8, the Galaxy Z Fold 8, and the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. The Verge and Android Authority both covered the announcement, but their reports diverge on key details — pricing, availability, and even what else was unveiled.

What Happened

At the Unpacked event, Samsung introduced the Galaxy Z Flip 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8, and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. Both outlets agree on this core fact. The Verge reports that all three devices will be available on August 7, 2026, and that preorders come with up to $350 in gift cards. The Verge is the only outlet to list starting prices: $1,199.99 for the Z Flip 8, $1,899.99 for the Z Fold 8, and $2,099.99 for the Z Fold 8 Ultra.

Android Authority, meanwhile, is the only outlet to report that Samsung also announced the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 at the same event. It also says the Z Fold 8 Ultra features 45W charging and builds on last year’s Z Fold 7 with a bigger battery, ultra-grade cameras, and an easier-to-open design. Neither outlet mentions trade-in offers, carrier deals, or regional availability.

Background

This is Samsung’s annual foldable refresh, but the addition of an Ultra model marks a notable expansion of the lineup. The Z Fold 8 Ultra, according to Android Authority, is positioned as Samsung’s true foldable flagship for 2026, building on the Z Fold 7 with a bigger battery, ultra-grade cameras, and an easier-to-open design. The standard Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8 continue the existing series, though neither outlet provides a detailed comparison to previous models.

Who This Affects

Anyone in the market for a premium foldable phone is affected. The Verge’s pricing puts the Z Flip 8 at $1,199.99, the Z Fold 8 at $1,899.99, and the Z Fold 8 Ultra at $2,099.99 — a significant investment. Android Authority’s report adds that the Z Fold 8 Ultra is aimed at users who want a bigger battery, better cameras, and a design that’s easier to open than last year’s model. The Galaxy Watch 9 and Watch Ultra 2, reported only by Android Authority, expand the ecosystem for existing Samsung wearable users.

What Has Changed

Compared to last year’s lineup, the key change is the introduction of the Z Fold 8 Ultra, which Android Authority says builds on the Z Fold 7 with a bigger battery, ultra-grade cameras, and an easier-to-open design. The Verge’s pricing suggests a clear tiering: the Flip 8 at $1,199.99, the Fold 8 at $1,899.99, and the Ultra at $2,099.99. Whether the standard Fold 8 has changed from the Fold 7 is not reported by either outlet.

Timeline

1. July 22, 2026 — Samsung announced Galaxy Z Flip 8, Z Fold 8, Z Fold 8 Ultra, Galaxy Watch 9, and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 at Unpacked event (The Verge, Android Authority)
2. August 7, 2026 — Availability date for Galaxy Z Flip 8, Z Fold 8, and Z Fold 8 Ultra (The Verge)

Key Features

• Galaxy Z Flip 8: starting at $1,199.99 (The Verge)
• Galaxy Z Fold 8: starting at $1,899.99 (The Verge)
• Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra: starting at $2,099.99, 45W charging, bigger battery, ultra-grade cameras, easier-to-open design (The Verge, Android Authority)

Expert Analysis

The coverage reveals a split in focus. The Verge concentrates on the buying details — price, availability, and preorder incentives — while Android Authority emphasizes the hardware and the broader product lineup. Neither outlet addresses how the new foldables compare to competitors like Google’s Pixel Fold or Motorola’s Razr, nor do they discuss trade-in offers or carrier deals. That leaves a gap for prospective buyers: the $350 gift card from The Verge is the only preorder incentive mentioned, and its terms are not explained.

The pricing, if accurate, positions the Z Fold 8 Ultra as a direct competitor to the most expensive foldables on the market, but without comparison data it’s impossible to say whether it justifies the premium over the standard Fold 8.

What This Means

For consumers, the key takeaway is that Samsung is offering three distinct foldable options, with the Ultra clearly aimed at enthusiasts who want the best camera and battery. The Verge’s preorder gift card of up to $350 could offset some of the cost, but the terms are unknown. The Galaxy Watch 9 and Watch Ultra 2, if they exist, expand Samsung’s wearable lineup, but their specs and prices are not reported. Anyone considering a purchase should wait for more detailed reviews or official specifications before committing.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• The Z Fold 8 Ultra offers a bigger battery, ultra-grade cameras, and an easier-to-open design compared to the Z Fold 7 (Android Authority).
• Preorders come with up to $350 in gift cards (The Verge).

Cons

• Prices are high: the Z Fold 8 Ultra starts at $2,099.99 (The Verge).
• Neither outlet reports trade-in offers or carrier deals, which could affect the true cost.
• The Galaxy Watch 9 and Watch Ultra 2 are only reported by Android Authority, so their existence is not independently confirmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the Galaxy Z Flip 8, Z Fold 8, and Z Fold 8 Ultra be available?

According to The Verge, all three devices will be available on August 7, 2026. Android Authority does not mention a release date.

What are the starting prices for the new Samsung foldables?

The Verge reports starting prices of $1,199.99 for the Galaxy Z Flip 8, $1,899.99 for the Galaxy Z Fold 8, and $2,099.99 for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. Android Authority does not list prices.

Did Samsung also announce new smartwatches?

Android Authority reports that Samsung announced the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 at the same event. The Verge does not mention these devices.

Conclusion

The announcement is clear: Samsung has three new foldables, and the Ultra is the one to watch. But the coverage leaves important questions open — whether the Watch 9 and Watch Ultra 2 exist, what the preorder terms are, and how these phones stack up against the competition. For now, the smartest move is to wait for more details, or at least read the full preorder information on The Verge’s article before committing.

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