Samsung didn’t have to change much this year because its hardware is just that good. The company stuck with a familiar design in 2026, while Google, Motorola and Chinese OEMs now offer flexible devices. The $2,100 Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra remains the benchmark, matching earlier tablet‑style foldables with only incremental upgrades.

The Z Fold 8 Ultra is slimmer than the Z Fold 7, but the difference is barely perceptible; it still shares the same buttons and fingerprint sensor in the power button. Weighing 215 g, it feels as thick as a regular flat phone when folded, and the hinge opens smoothly, giving a solid, springy feel.

The 8‑inch internal screen reaches 3000 nits and uses a new anti‑reflective layer, while the cover OLED stays at 6.5 inches. Samsung’s Titanium Flex eliminates most of the crease, though a faint distortion can appear in bright light. The camera module protrudes, making the phone wobble on flat surfaces.

Software runs Android 17 with One UI 9, offering robust multitasking that lets three apps run live in split‑screen, a step beyond rivals. Samsung’s AI suite includes on‑device Galaxy AI, the puzzling Now Brief widget, proactive Now Nudge suggestions, and deep Gemini integration with Notebook, keeping data local while expanding functionality.