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Samsung, which recently eclipsed Apple to reclaim its title as top smartphone maker in the world, overtook central London on Wednesday for its biannual Galaxy Unpacked event, rolling out three new smartphones and a suite of wearable devices.
Front and center was the Galaxy Z8 Series, featuring an updated edition of its retro-chic Galaxy Flip, alongside the productivity-centric Galaxy Fold.
The showstopper, however, was a novel passport-shaped device — the Galaxy Z Fold8 — aimed at perfecting the balance between functionality and portability. Like other Galaxy phones in this series, it unfolds into a mini-tablet of sorts tailored for media consumption, gaming and e-reading.
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The trio of new phones starts at $1,199.99 with preorders available now.
So, what’s the verdict after some initial hands-on time with the new devices?
Galaxy Z Fold8
The most unique of the new offerings, the Galaxy Z Fold8 boasts a new form factor consisting of a somewhat short but wide cover display (measured diagonally) and opens like a book to reveal a 7.6-inch viewing area. When held horizontally, the 4:3 aspect ratio is ideal for watching videos or playing games, while the 3:4 vertical orientation is perhaps more ideal for scrolling through ebooks and digital magazines.
The Galaxy Z Fold8 is the most exciting new device in the lineup, hands-down.
It’s the lightest Galaxy Fold to date at 201 grams. Samsung says this device was designed primarily for consuming content, aided by its anti-reflective glass coating and up to 3000 nits of brightness for viewing outside — even in sunshine. It’s comfortable to hold and use when closed or open.
Other features of this Android device include multiple cameras, a bevy of AI tools, and up to 26 hours of video playback, says Samsung.
Prices start at $1,899.99. Color options include Lavendar, Graphite, Cream and Pistachio (an online exclusive).
Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra
For those who demand the very best specifications in a mobile device, the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra was built for “maximum productivity,” says Samsung.
While it’s the slimmest fold to date at 4.1mm, it doesn’t look or feel much different than last year’s Galaxy Z Fold7 — which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The new Fold8 Ultra does, however, have a brighter display at up to 3000 nits, an antireflective coating, and less of a noticeable crease between the two displays when opened.
Like a small tablet, the unfolded screen is akin to having two adjacent 6.5-inch phones. It’s powered by the same processor as the other two phones — Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy Elite — but virtually everything else has been upgraded.
The camera system, for example, features three lenses on the back: a 200-megapixel main camera (with High Dynamic Range for added contrast, brightness and color), a 50-megapixel ultrawide lens and a 10-megapixel telephoto lens. There are also two selfie cameras — one on the outer “cover” display, and when opened, another on the expanded and antireflective screen. For content creators, the device houses professional-grade editing tools.
The same AI features are baked into all new Galaxy devices, such as “Now Nudge,” which makes multitasking effortless. For example, if someone messages you to ask if you’re free on Friday at noon for lunch, you no longer need to minimize the chat window and open your calendar to check. Instead, once you receive the message, a small pop-up bubble appears, which you can tap to open the calendar on the other side of the display in a split-screen view and populate your calendar accordingly. Smart.
Samsung says users can expect up to 27 hours of battery life, thanks to its 5000mAh battery.
Prices start at $2,099.99, with color options Violet Shadow, Graphite, Cream and Green Shadow (online only).
Galaxy Z Flip8
Focusing on design and self-expression — and I’d argue designed more for younger users — the new Galaxy Z Flip8 (from $1,199.99) is a modern take on the flip phone, which Samsung has successfully brought to mainstream users since 2020.
At 6.1mm thin and 180 grams, this is the thinnest and lightest Z Flip so far, and it's protected by a more advanced armor aluminum frame with a high-strength hinge, says Samsung.
It really is an adorable device and perfect for those who want something compact enough to keep in a pocket, clutch purse, or — as is popular in Asia and parts of Europe — worn around the neck on a lanyard.
When closed, the outer screen (“FlexWindow”) measures 4.1mm but lets you see and access a ton of content such as the app tray, customized “Now Brief” notifications, health data and more. The 50-megapixel FlexCam camera can snap pictures or record videos with the option to prop the device on a table or desk for Zoom calls.
When opened, it’s a 6.9-inch phone that resembles the shape of a candy bar. You can also hold the phone half-open like an old-school camcorder to shoot home movies with image stabilization.
The Galaxy Z Flip8 supports AI, fast wireless charging and is water resistant. The four available colors are Pink, Graphite, Cream and Mint (online only).
All three phones include a six-month trial of Google AI Pro.
New Samsung wearables
On the watch front, Samsung unveiled two new models: the adventure-ready Galaxy Watch Ultra2, which adds a larger battery, brighter display, diving support and even hydration reminders; and the more mainstream Galaxy Watch9, featuring a range of wellness tools and fun customizable bands to choose from.
Galaxy Watch Ultra2 starts at $699.99, while Galaxy Watch9 starts at $379.99 for the Bluetooth model and from $429.99 for the LTE version. Both are available for preorder now with an in-store date of August 7.
As an exciting tease to what’s coming later this year, some journalists were also treated to an information session tied to Samsung Intelligent Eyewear, a family of design-conscious, AI-powered smart glasses.
Without question, they were the lightest smart glasses I’ve ever tested. I had to ask three times to make sure they were the final product and not a mock sample.
Using your voice or a tap on the side of the glasses (compatible with a watch or earbuds), you can summon conversational AI to ask questions, analyze what you’re seeing, and capture first-person photos and videos.
Created to complement your smartphone without replacing it, Samsung says this eyewear was built with privacy in mind and includes a tamperproof LED light to alert those around you if you’re capturing images.
Other features include open-ear stereo speakers, multiple AI platforms (Galaxy AI, Google Gemini Live and Bixby), and a battery that is said to last up to nine hours on a single charge. The included battery-infused carrying case is capable of seven full recharges. Launch window and price have yet to be confirmed.
Marc Saltzman is the host of the Tech It Out podcast and is the author of the book Apple Watch For Dummies (Wiley).
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold8 is the phone to beat after Galaxy Unpacked
