Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra Impresses Early at $2,100 as 5,000-mAh Battery Boosts Endurance
Updated
Updated · CNET · Jul 25
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra Impresses Early at $2,100 as 5,000-mAh Battery Boosts Endurance
3 articles · Updated · CNET · Jul 25
Summary
$2,100 Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra delivered a strong first impression in 48 hours of testing, with the biggest gains coming from battery life, video stabilization and small usability tweaks rather than a major redesign.
A 5,000-mAh battery — Samsung's largest in a foldable — left the phone at about 70% after a day of photos, video and AI use, while 45-watt charging filled it from roughly 40% to near full quickly.
At 4.1mm, the phone is only 0.1mm thinner than the Z Fold 7, but a beveled inner edge makes it easier to open, and a revised hinge plus anti-reflective coating reduce the visibility of the inner-screen crease.
Camera changes are modest: the 200-megapixel main sensor is largely unchanged, the ultrawide rises to 15 megapixels from 12, and image quality was solid though still heavily processed in Samsung's typical HDR style.
New AI tools were mixed — FanCam recropping often looked grainy and only tracked people — while Super Steady Horizontal Lock stood out; the reviewer said Z Fold 7 owners likely do not need to upgrade.