Samsung Diversifies Foldable Portfolio with Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and Enhanced Google AI Integration

Samsung has officially expanded its foldable smartphone lineup, introducing a three-tier strategy that includes the Galaxy Z Fold 8, a first-of-its-kind Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, and the compact Galaxy Z Flip 8. This latest generation signals a shift in the South Korean tech giant’s approach, moving beyond a one-size-fits-all foldable design to target specific user segments ranging from mobile gamers to high-end productivity professionals.

The centerpiece of the launch, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, marks the first time Samsung has applied its “Ultra” branding to the foldable category. Weighing 215 grams, the device features a sprawling 8-inch primary display designed for intensive multitasking and content creation. To justify its premium positioning, Samsung has equipped the Ultra with a 200-megapixel primary camera sensor—a specification previously reserved for the Galaxy S24 Ultra—and a 5,000 mAh battery supporting 45W fast charging.

The standard Galaxy Z Fold 8 has been refined to weigh just 201 grams, focusing on ergonomics and a display aspect ratio optimized for media consumption and reading. It carries a 4,800 mAh battery, a slight increase in capacity aimed at addressing the longevity concerns that have historically trailed the foldable form factor. Since the debut of the original Galaxy Fold in 2019, Samsung has consistently worked to reduce the “bulk” of these devices, which originally weighed nearly 300 grams.

For the clamshell segment, the Galaxy Z Flip 8 arrives as the thinnest iteration in the series to date, measuring 6.1mm when unfolded. The device retains its signature “FlexWindow” external display, but with a deeper integration of Galaxy AI. This allows users to interact with automated tasks and retrieve information via the cover screen without opening the phone, a move designed to reduce screen time and improve efficiency.

A significant component of this year’s launch is a strategic partnership with Google. Samsung is bundling six months of Google AI Pro—a subscription service valued at approximately €21.99 per month—with the purchase of any new Galaxy Z series device. This collaboration highlights the growing importance of software ecosystems in the hardware sales cycle, as manufacturers look to artificial intelligence to drive upgrades in a maturing smartphone market.

The Google AI Pro tier provides access to Gemini Advanced, which utilizes a massive context window capable of processing up to 1,500 pages of text in a single prompt. This subscription also unlocks advanced creative tools like Veo 3.1 for high-fidelity video generation and Google Flow for multi-shot cinematic production. Beyond creative tools, the plan integrates Gemini directly into Google Workspace applications, including Docs and Drive, to assist with drafting and data cross-referencing.

In addition to the AI capabilities, the promotional package includes 5TB of cloud storage, providing ample space for the high-resolution media generated by the Fold 8 Ultra’s 200MP camera. This offer is set to remain valid for new device activations until August 1, 2027. By offering such a robust software bundle, Samsung is positioning its foldables not just as hardware innovations, but as portable AI workstations, competing directly with the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold and other emerging rivals in the premium foldable space.