Updated

Updated · ZDNet · Jul 22

ZDNET Backs $2,099 Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra Over Z Fold 6 as Better in Nearly Every Way

Updated

Updated · ZDNet · Jul 22

ZDNET Backs $2,099 Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra Over Z Fold 6 as Better in Nearly Every Way

Q: Is the cheaper Razr's short software support a hidden cost that makes the Galaxy Fold the smarter long-term investment?

Yes. On software support alone, the Razr Ultra’s lower sticker price carries a real long-term tradeoff. The key gap is update policy. Samsung is offering seven years of software and security updates for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, while Motorola’s Razr Ultra is described as getting three OS upgrades and five years of security updates. That means the Razr will age out of major Android features much sooner and will likely hit app-compatibility and security concerns earlier. That matters because foldables are expensive devices to keep for several years. A shorter support window can force an earlier upgrade, which raises the total cost of ownership. It can also hurt resale value, since buyers tend to pay more for phones with longer remaining support. In that sense, the Razr’s cheaper upfront price can mask a shorter useful life. That said, the answer is not absolute. The Razr Ultra still looks like the better value for buyers who upgrade every two to three years, want a lighter flip design, and care more about portability than long-term ownership. At $1,500, it is still roughly $600 cheaper than Samsung’s $2,099 Fold 8 Ultra, and it includes strong hardware, fast charging, and bundled accessories. For buyers planning to keep a foldable for five years or more, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is the smarter investment. For buyers who replace phones more often, the Razr Ultra remains the better short-term value.

3 articles · Updated · ZDNet · Jul 22

$2,099 Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is ZDNET's clear pick over the Galaxy Z Fold 6, with the older phone mainly retaining an edge only for S Pen support and lower ownership cost.
Samsung's newer foldable packs an 8-inch 120Hz display with 3,000 nits, a 200MP main camera, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, 5,000mAh battery and 45W charging, while weighing 215g versus 239g for the Fold 6.
The Fold 6 still makes sense for users who already own it or want stylus features, especially since renewed units start at $639.89 and the Fold 8 Ultra's price is hard to justify without trade-ins or financing.
ZDNET says the upgrade case rests on broader improvements in screens, cameras, power and design, arguing the Fold 8 Ultra delivers a more conventional smartphone feel when closed.