The Samsung Z Fold 8 Ultra delivers a commanding vision of what foldable smartphones can be—refined build quality, dazzling screens, and solide media experience—though it’s not without compromises for film and music lovers. In today’s review, the phone proves it remains a top-tier option, yet its ultra-flagship status doesn’t fully eclipse Samsung’s cheaper Z Fold 8 when it comes to entertainment value.
## Price: Elite Tier Without Compromise
The Ultra begins at £1,899 (approximately $2,099 / AU $2,999) for the 256GB version. Bumping storage to 512GB pushes the price to £2,069, while the 1TB model – also equipped with more RAM – lands at £2,049.
These are hefty figures. For reference:
– The Z Fold 7 launched at a lower price point.
– The regular Z Fold 8 costs about £200 less.
– The Galaxy S26 Ultra is approximately £620 cheaper.
## Design and Durability: Strong, Secure, Stylish
Samsung has strengthened the Fold experience with what it calls Flex Titanium Technology. An alloy mesh and flexible titanium plate sit beneath both screens, lending the device more rigidity and a smoother folding motion. This gives the Ultra a more polished, less fragile feel than earlier models.
The inner display’s crease is nearly invisible, enhancing immersion. However, its IP45 rating limits resistance to dust and water exposure—don’t expect this device to withstand splashes or full submersion.
The outer screen measures 6.5 inches with a 21:9 aspect ratio; the inner panel expands to 8 inches, more square-shaped. However, the hole-punch selfie camera and two side speakers present minor usability issues in landscape mode or when watching wide content.
## Features and Media Performance
At its core, the Z Fold 8 Ultra is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip paired with 12GB RAM (or 16GB in the 1TB model). Variable refresh rate (VRR) up to 120Hz is supported on both displays.
Samsung swapped out ProScaler for an upgraded mDNIe hardware system, which promises improved colour fidelity—claimed to be “four times more accurate” than on the Fold 7. Both screens deliver HDR10+ support, and the inner display peaks at around 3,000 nits, approximately 400 nits brighter than its predecessor. A Vision Booster feature tweaks screen settings under various lighting conditions, helping visibility outdoors.
Battery life is solid: its 5,000mAh cell is rated for 27 hours of video playback under lighter usage. In real-world tests—such as a one-hour Netflix stream during a commute—battery dropped by about four to seven per cent, depending on brightness setting.
On the software side, the Ultra runs Android 17 with Samsung’s One UI skin (One UI 9). Notable additions include expanded multitasking control on the inner display, helpful features like Now Brief and Now Nudge that provide contextual reminders and replies, and enhanced AI tools for productivity. While multitasking excels, some users may miss the availability of a stylus, as seen on the S26 Ultra.
Camera hardware includes a 200MP main sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide lens (an upgrade from the Fold 7’s 12MP), and a 10MP telephoto on the rear. Night and video modes perform well, though Samsung’s image processing leans toward sharper, more saturated output—a style that eschews realism in favour of pop. Selfie cameras appear behind hole-punch designs on both displays.
## Watching Movies, Playing Games: How It Performs
Picture quality shines across streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and Netflix. Dark scenes exhibit strong detail, while colour volume remains consistent even under challenging lighting. HDR10+ content glows with rich contrast and vibrant hues that avoid oversaturation. Upscaling works well too—Batman Begins delivered sharper textures and maintained movement clarity, though older content sometimes shows limitations like grain or black crush.
However, the Ultra’s unfolded inner screen is only modestly larger than that of the standard Fold 8. When watching widescreen content, black bars above and below the image remain obvious. The hole-punch camera occasionally intrudes into viewing areas during certain scenes. A more entertainment-optimized aspect ratio on the outer screen and inner display of the regular Fold 8 makes that model slightly more attractive for pure video consumption.
Audio performance is mixed. Wired headphones reproduce orchestral or layered tracks well—midrange clarity is a strength. On more dynamic tracks, like funk or prog-rock, the Ultra holds back: dynamics feel muted, bass lacks punch. Using the built-in speakers produces good spatial separation but low-end rumble is thin. Atmos and Spatial Audio support help, but the package remains competent rather than exceptional.
## Verdict: Not the Perfect Pick for AV-First Users
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra excels as a productivity beast for power users—those needing multitasking, large internal screens, and all-day battery. For film and TV enthusiasts who prioritise immersive media experience, the standard Z Fold 8 may deliver better value, thanks to its more media-friendly aspect ratios and lower cost.
Meanwhile, the Ultra’s strengths—premium materials, blistering brightness, strong multitasking capabilities—are undeniable. Its flaws (audio compromise, aspect ratio trade-offs, high pricing) mean it’s a smart pick for AV fans who want versatility and capability over perfection. Most consumers seeking a pure movie phone or portable music player might find more excitement elsewhere.
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Scores:
– Picture: 4/5
– Sound: 4/5
– Features: 5/5
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