Samsung Electronics is expanding its foldable phone lineup from two to three models as it aims to capture the premium phone market in the second half of the year. Since pioneering the foldable market in 2019, Samsung plans to maintain its lead against Apple, which is expected to launch its first foldable phone this year, by leveraging advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and display technology.
On July 22, during the Galaxy Unpacked 2026 event held at Old Billingsgate in London, Samsung introduced three new models in the Galaxy Z series: the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8, and Galaxy Z Flip8. The lineup has been segmented based on consumer usage patterns, including content consumption, productivity, and portability.
The new products feature improvements in thickness, weight, and camera performance. Built on seven generations of foldable innovation, the latest lineup reflects users' modern lifestyles, achieving the highest quality in foldable devices.
The newly introduced wide-format Fold8 sets a new standard for smartphones with its 4:3 aspect ratio. It offers various screen ratios (4:3 landscape, 3:4 portrait, and 10:16 cover screen) to accommodate different content consumption patterns. Weighing just 201 grams and equipped with a 4800mAh battery, it allows users to enjoy a variety of content for extended periods.
The Fold8 Ultra, which builds on the previous Fold 7, carries the 'Ultra' designation, signifying Samsung's top-tier product. True to its name, it boasts significantly enhanced camera capabilities, including the first-ever 50-megapixel ultra-wide camera in the Fold series, a 200-megapixel main camera, improved night photography, and high-resolution 8K video recording using next-generation video compression technology (APV). Weighing 215 grams and measuring just 4.1mm thick, it enhances portability while providing a spacious 8-inch main screen optimized for multitasking.
Focusing on portability and user expression, the Flip8 is the thinnest and lightest Flip model to date, weighing 180 grams and measuring 6.1mm thick.
Noh Tae-moon, President of Samsung Electronics' Device Experience (DX) division, stated, "As AI evolves, mobile devices will better understand users and seamlessly integrate into their daily lives, becoming the closest point of contact. The new Galaxy Z series represents Samsung's most refined foldable products, advancing mobile experiences and offering personalized services to usher in the next era of intelligence."
The company also unveiled its AI smart glasses, 'Intelligent Eyewear,' expected to launch later this year. These glasses utilize the Google Android XR platform and Gemini AI to perform tasks such as real-time translation, navigation, and document recording hands-free.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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