Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event lands in London on July 22. The company has confirmed the date and location. Everything else (the devices, the specs, the prices) comes from months of leaks, certifications, and supply-chain reports.
This year, Samsung is expected to launch three foldable phones simultaneously. That is a first. The lineup reportedly includes the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, a wider Galaxy Z Fold8 variant, and the Galaxy Z Flip8. Each targets a different buyer, and the differences between them matter more than usual.
What Samsung Has Actually Confirmed
Only two things are certain: the event happens on July 22 in London, and Samsung will livestream it globally. The company has not officially named the devices, confirmed specifications, or announced pricing. Pre-orders will likely open the same day, with retail availability following roughly two weeks later based on Samsung’s typical cadence.
What Samsung has teased is an “AI phone.” The landing page for Unpacked mentions this explicitly, which tells us where Samsung’s marketing focus will land. Expect Galaxy AI and Google’s Gemini Intelligence to feature heavily in the presentation.
Why Three Foldables Now?
Samsung has sold two foldable form factors since 2020: the book-style Fold and the clamshell Flip. This year, the book-style line reportedly splits into two distinct models. The Fold8 Ultra continues the tall, narrow cover-screen design that Fold buyers know. The Fold8 Wide (sometimes called simply the Fold8) adopts a shorter, wider 4:3 shape that looks more like a small tablet when open.
The strategy is clear. The Ultra defends Samsung’s high-end territory against Apple’s rumored foldable iPhone. The Wide competes directly with Chinese foldables like the Honor Magic V6 and Oppo Find N6, which have won praise for their wider, more usable inner screens. Samsung has not offered this shape before.
Key Takeaway: The Fold8 Ultra refines a proven formula. The Fold8 Wide is Samsung’s attempt to win over buyers who have been asking for a more tablet-like foldable. The Flip8 plays it safe.
Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra: The Flagship
The Fold8 Ultra is the direct successor to the Z Fold7, and the name change signals Samsung’s intent to align it with the Galaxy S Ultra brand. It keeps the same general proportions but refines nearly everything inside.
Display and Design
The inner screen reportedly stays at 8 inches but with a resolution bump to 2504 x 2256, up from 2184 x 1968 on the Fold7. The cover screen remains a 6.5-inch panel at 2520 x 1080. Both use LTPO AMOLED technology with adaptive 1-120Hz refresh rates. Peak brightness is said to hit 2,600 nits on both panels.
The crease remains the biggest question. Leaks are split. Some sources claim Samsung has reduced visibility by roughly 20 percent using a new dual-layer Ultra Thin Glass structure with a laser-drilled metal support plate. Others say the improvement is marginal. Samsung showed a genuinely crease-free panel at CES 2026, but the company called it an R&D concept with no fixed timeline for commercialization.
The unfolded thickness is reported at 4.1mm, with a folded thickness of 8.9mm. Weight is said to be 215g, essentially unchanged from the Fold7. The device reportedly carries an IP48 dust and water resistance rating.
Performance
The Fold8 Ultra is expected to use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy globally. No Exynos variant has been reported for the Fold line. RAM reportedly comes in at 12GB for the 256GB and 512GB models, with 16GB reserved for the 1TB configuration. Storage options are 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. There is no microSD slot.
The 16GB RAM on the 1TB model matters more than it sounds. Galaxy AI’s on-device models need memory headroom to stay resident between sessions. With 12GB, those models get evicted when you switch apps. With 16GB, they have space to persist.
Camera
This is where the Ultra designation earns its keep. The main camera is a 200MP sensor with optical image stabilization, carried over from the Fold7. The telephoto is also unchanged: 10MP with 3x optical zoom. The big upgrade is the ultrawide, jumping from 12MP to 50MP. That closes a gap Samsung has been criticized for across multiple generations.
Front cameras are reportedly 10MP on both the cover and inner displays. The cover punch-hole is said to shrink from 3.7mm to 2.5mm for a cleaner look.
Battery and Charging
Samsung has held the Fold line at 4,400mAh since the Fold3. The Fold8 Ultra reportedly breaks that streak with a 5,000mAh cell. Wired charging finally jumps from 25W to 45W. Wireless charging is rumored to reach 20W via Qi2.2, with 4.5W reverse wireless charging for accessories.
In practical terms, the 45W wired bump should bring a full charge down from the Fold7’s roughly 80-minute window to somewhere between 55 and 70 minutes, based on how Samsung’s other 45W phones perform.
Software
The Fold8 Ultra is expected to ship with Android 17 and One UI 9.0. Samsung’s Galaxy AI suite (Photo Assist, Generative Edit, Now Brief) will be present, as will Google’s Gemini Intelligence for agentic task automation across apps. Samsung has committed to seven years of OS and security updates for its recent flagships, and the Fold8 Ultra is expected to follow suit.
Price
Pricing leaks are split. The most commonly cited U.S. figures are $2,099 for 256GB, $2,299 for 512GB, and $2,599 for 1TB. A counter-leak from Korean outlets suggests higher prices driven by memory cost inflation, with the 1TB model potentially exceeding $2,700 in some markets. The $2,099 entry price would be a $100 increase over the Fold7’s original launch price.
Samsung is reportedly holding the entry price partly because Apple’s foldable is expected to launch at $2,000 or above. Raising the price now would hand Apple a competitive opening before it ships a single unit.
Galaxy Z Fold8 Wide: The New Shape
The Fold8 Wide is the more interesting story. It represents a genuine form-factor departure for Samsung, and it is the device that could shake up the foldable market most.
Display and Design
The inner display is reported at 7.6 inches with a 4:3 aspect ratio. That is a significant shift from the tall, narrow shape of previous Folds. The cover screen is said to be 5.4 inches with a 4.7:3 aspect ratio, making it far more usable one-handed when the phone is closed.
The trade-off is weight and camera capability. The Wide is reportedly 201g, 14g lighter than the Ultra, and measures 4.3mm unfolded. But it drops the telephoto lens entirely.
Camera
The Wide reportedly uses a dual-camera setup: 50MP main and 50MP ultrawide. No telephoto, no 200MP main sensor. For buyers who rarely zoom, this may not matter. For anyone who shoots portraits or distant subjects, it is a meaningful compromise.
Front cameras are expected to match the Ultra: 10MP on both cover and inner displays.
Performance and Battery
The same Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy is expected, with 12GB of RAM and 256GB or 512GB of storage. Battery capacity is reported at approximately 4,800mAh, smaller than the Ultra’s 5,000mAh but still larger than the Fold7’s 4,400mAh. Wired charging is said to be 45W.
Price
The Fold8 Wide is rumored to start at $1,899 for 256GB, making it $200 cheaper than the Ultra at entry level. That positions it as a compelling alternative for buyers who want the foldable experience without paying Ultra-tier prices.
Galaxy Z Flip8: Incremental Refinement
The clamshell line is expected to see the smallest changes this year. That is not necessarily bad; the Flip7 was already a strong device, and Samsung appears to be iterating carefully rather than overhauling.
Display and Design
The inner screen is expected to remain 6.9 inches, with the 4.1-inch cover screen carried over from the Flip7. Both are 120Hz LTPO AMOLED panels. Some sources suggest a slight brightness increase, but the core display hardware appears unchanged.
Color options are reported as Cream, Graphite, Mint, and Pink.
Performance
Here is where it gets complicated. Some leaks claim the Flip8 will use Samsung’s own Exynos 2600 chip globally, continuing the strategy Samsung introduced with the Flip7. Other sources, particularly for the U.S. market, point to the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. Samsung may split by region, as it does with Galaxy S series base models.
RAM is reported at 12GB, with 256GB and 512GB storage options. No 1TB variant is expected.
Camera
The camera setup is expected to carry over from the Flip7: 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP front-facing. No telephoto, which is standard for the Flip line.
Battery and Charging
Battery capacity is rumored to stay at 4,300mAh or see a minor increase. Charging is reported at 25W wired, which would be disappointing if the Fold line is moving to 45W. Wireless charging support is expected but the wattage remains unclear.
Price
The Flip8 is expected to hold at $1,099 for 256GB and $1,219 for 512GB, matching the Flip7’s pricing. That makes it the most accessible entry point into Samsung’s foldable ecosystem.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Fold8 Ultra | Fold8 Wide | Flip8 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Tall book-style | Wide book-style (4:3) | Clamshell |
| Inner Display | 8″ LTPO AMOLED, 2504×2256 | 7.6″ LTPO AMOLED, 4:3 | 6.9″ LTPO AMOLED |
| Cover Display | 6.5″ LTPO AMOLED | 5.4″ LTPO AMOLED, 4.7:3 | 4.1″ LTPO AMOLED |
| Peak Brightness | 2,600 nits | 2,600 nits | 2,600 nits |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | Exynos 2600 / Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 |
| RAM | 12GB (16GB on 1TB) | 12GB | 12GB |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | 256GB / 512GB | 256GB / 512GB |
| Rear Cameras | 200MP main, 50MP UW, 10MP 3x tele | 50MP main, 50MP UW | 50MP main, 12MP UW |
| Front Cameras | 10MP (cover), 10MP (inner) | 10MP (cover), 10MP (inner) | 10MP |
| Battery | 5,000mAh | ~4,800mAh | 4,300mAh |
| Wired Charging | 45W | 45W | 25W |
| Wireless Charging | Up to 20W (Qi2.2) | 15W+ | Supported |
| Weight | 215g | 201g | ~187g |
| Unfolded Thickness | 4.1mm | 4.3mm | 6.9mm |
| IP Rating | IP48 | IP48 | IP48 |
| S Pen Support | No (reported) | No (reported) | No |
| Starting Price (US) | $2,099 | $1,899 | $1,099 |
Note: All specifications are based on leaks and rumors unless explicitly confirmed by Samsung. Details may change at announcement.
The Big Questions
Is the crease actually better?
The honest answer is: probably, but not dramatically. Samsung has been iterating on hinge and panel design for seven generations. The Fold8 series will likely show incremental improvement. Anyone expecting a completely invisible crease should temper expectations. The OPPO Find N6 remains the benchmark for crease control, and Samsung is reportedly targeting that level, but not necessarily hitting it.
Why drop S Pen support?
Multiple sources report that neither Fold8 model will support the S Pen. Samsung removed the digitizer starting with the Z Fold SE to achieve thinner designs. If accurate, this is a notable downgrade for note-takers and artists who bought into the Fold line partly for stylus support. The trade-off is a thinner, lighter device. Whether that trade-off is worth it depends on how you use your phone.
How real is the Apple threat?
Apple’s first foldable is expected roughly six to eight weeks after Samsung’s launch, priced at $2,000 or above. It will be a first-generation device with limited supply and an untested form factor. Samsung’s seven generations of Fold experience give it a maturity advantage that matters for early adopters.
That said, Apple’s entry will legitimize the category for mainstream buyers who have been waiting for the iPhone maker’s blessing. Samsung’s job is to make sure those buyers see the Fold8 as the safer, more proven choice.
Who Should Wait?
Not everyone needs to hold out for the new models. Here is the breakdown.
- Upgrading from Fold4 or older: The Fold8 Ultra is a meaningful jump in battery, charging speed, and camera capability. The Wide offers a genuinely different form factor. Either is worth considering.
- Fold5 or Fold6 owners: The battery and charging upgrades are significant, but the core experience will feel familiar. Wait if your current device is holding up.
- Fold7 owners: The Ultra’s upgrades are nice but not essential. The 5,000mAh battery and 45W charging are practical improvements, but the core experience will feel similar. The Wide is the more compelling option if you want something different.
- First-time foldable buyers: The Wide’s lower price and more practical cover screen make it the best entry point. The Flip8 remains the most affordable and pocketable option.
- Flip6 or older owners: The Flip8 is a sensible upgrade if you want the larger cover screen introduced with the Flip7.
- Flip7 owners: Skip this generation. The Flip8 appears to be an incremental update with no must-have new features.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event?
July 22, 2026, in London. Samsung has confirmed the date. The event will be livestreamed globally starting at 2 PM local time.
When will the phones be available?
Pre-orders are expected to open on July 22, the same day as the Unpacked announcement. Based on Samsung’s typical two-week cadence, retail availability should begin in early August 2026.
What is the difference between the Fold8 Ultra and Fold8 Wide?
The Ultra keeps the traditional tall book-style shape with a triple camera (200MP main, 50MP ultrawide, 10MP 3x telephoto) and a 5,000mAh battery. The Wide adopts a shorter, wider 4:3 form factor with a dual camera (50MP main, 50MP ultrawide, no telephoto), a smaller battery at approximately 4,800mAh, and a lower starting price of $1,899 versus $2,099.
Will the Fold8 Ultra support the S Pen?
According to multiple leaks, no. Samsung reportedly removed the digitizer to achieve thinner designs, and neither Fold8 model is expected to support the S Pen.
How much will the Fold8 Ultra cost?
U.S. pricing is rumored at $2,099 for 256GB, $2,299 for 512GB, and $2,599 for 1TB. This would be a $100 increase over the Fold7’s original launch price.
What chip will the Z Flip8 use?
Leaks are split. Some sources claim Samsung’s Exynos 2600 globally; others suggest a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for the U.S. market. Samsung may split by region.
Conclusion
Samsung’s 2026 foldable lineup is about choice, not revolution. The Fold8 Ultra refines a proven formula with better battery life, faster charging, and an improved ultrawide camera. The Fold8 Wide introduces a new form factor that some buyers have wanted for years. The Flip8 plays it safe with incremental updates.
The real story is competition. With Apple entering the foldable market and Chinese manufacturers pushing aggressive specs and pricing, Samsung is diversifying its lineup to defend market share. For buyers, that means more options, and more decisions to make. The July 22 event will tell us which leaks were accurate and which were not. Until then, this is the most complete picture available.
Last updated: July 22, 2026. Pricing and availability subject to confirmation at Samsung’s Unpacked event.