Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra review: two-day battery life

Samsung has launched the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, its first folding phone to carry the “Ultra” name, with a larger battery and improved cameras in a thin, light body. The device was reviewed on August 13, 2026, and is positioned as the top model above the new passport-shaped Z Fold 8.

The Ultra is aimed at buyers willing to pay a premium for a device that can replace multiple gadgets. It costs £1,899 (€2,199/$2,099.99/A$2,999), which is more than the Z Fold 8 at £1,699, the S26 Ultra at £1,279, the Honor Magic V6 at £1,999.99, and the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold at £1,299. Despite the high price, the phone offers a two-day battery life, a brighter 8-inch inner screen, and the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor.

The phone weighs 215g and is 8.9mm thick when closed, similar to a large slab phone. Its 6.5-inch cover screen handles everyday tasks, while the 8-inch QXGA+ 120Hz AMOLED main display has a new anti-reflective coating for better outdoor visibility. The device runs One UI 9 based on Android 17 and will receive updates until July 31, 2033.

The camera system includes a 200MP main sensor, a new 50MP ultra-wide, and a 10MP 3x telephoto, plus two 10MP selfie cameras. The battery is rated for at least 1,200 full-charge cycles with 80% capacity remaining, and inside screen repairs cost about £600. Samsung offers a self-repair program and Care+ insurance that reduces repair costs to £50.

The Fold 8 Ultra builds on last year’s Z Fold 7, which was already praised for its design. The new model is made from 14.4% recycled materials by weight, and Samsung provides trade-in and recycling schemes. The phone is water-resistant to IP48 standards, meaning it can withstand 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, but it lacks dust resistance.

According to the review, the Ultra is the best folding phone available, though it is not a radical upgrade over the Z Fold 7. Its main advantages are the two-day battery life, excellent multitasking software, and a brighter, crisper inner screen. The main drawbacks are the high price, a weak zoom camera compared to top normal phones, and a crease that is still noticeable when the screen is off.