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Last updated: July 22, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

Samsung's Foldable Future Unfolds

Samsung has officially launched its new Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and Galaxy Z Flip, introducing significant upgrades including a new 'Ultra' suffix, larger batteries, and sharper folding screens. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is available in four distinct colors, while the Galaxy Z Flip 8 offers a selection of three standard hues plus an online exclusive. To protect these new devices, a wide array of cases and screen protectors are already available, offering varying degrees of drop protection and an extra layer of crack-proofing best cases and best screen. T-Mobile is even offering the Galaxy Z Fold 8 for free with eligible trade-ins and new lines, highlighting aggressive preorder deals.

AI and Battery Tech Power New Galaxy Devices

Samsung is heavily integrating AI across its new Galaxy lineup, with both foldables, watches, and smart glasses being supercharged by next-generation Snapdragon chips from Qualcomm. This AI focus means the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is betting on AI-powered productivity, notably skipping S Pen support, which is becoming increasingly difficult to overlook. In a significant move for battery technology, Samsung's Galaxy Z8 series smartphones are adopting silicon-carbon battery technology, promising one of the biggest battery upgrades in years. Google is also contributing to this AI push with major Gemini updates for foldables and glasses announced at Galaxy Unpacked.

Smartwatch and Feature Phone Updates

Samsung's smartwatch offerings see an update with the Galaxy Watch, which represents a relatively modest improvement over the previous year's model. Early impressions of the larger Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 suggest it is big, bright, and occasionally helpful. On the feature phone front, HMD has unveiled the Nokia 123 Shield, touted as its most affordable water and dust-resistant feature phone, optimized for reliable call quality.

Samsung's Privacy and Smart Glasses Debut

Samsung is enhancing user privacy with its One UI 9 beta for the Galaxy S26 Ultra, introducing a 'Privacy Display' feature that makes it difficult for others to view the screen from an angle. The company also provided a hands-on look at its upcoming Android smart glasses, with Samsung reportedly committed to addressing public perception of the technology. Meanwhile, a discussion on legacy technology notes that USB-B never achieved the widespread popularity of USB-A or USB-C.