Galaxy Z Fold8 vs Z Fold8 Ultra: which Samsung Fold should you buy?
Samsung split the Fold into two phones in 2026. Here's what the extra money for the Fold8 Ultra gets you, with today's prices at every Australian store.
In this guide
For 2026 Samsung made two Folds instead of one. The Galaxy Z Fold8 is the new one: shorter and wider, with a squarer inner screen. The Z Fold8 Ultra carries on the classic tall Fold with the biggest screens and the best camera. Here's which one to buy.
Price check: both, every store
| Store | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Harvey Norman | $2,699 256GB | $2,999 256GB |
| The Good Guys | $2,699 256GB | $2,999 256GB |
| Mobileciti | $2,698 256GB | $2,997 256GB |
| Samsung Store | $2,699 256GB | $3,899 256GB |
Today the Fold8 starts at $2,699 and the Fold8 Ultra at $2,999. Samsung's RRPs for 256GB were $2,699 and $2,999, so the Ultra costs $300 more at full price. Stores and telcos discount the two differently, so the gap in the table can be bigger or smaller than that.
What the Ultra adds
According to Samsung's launch figures:
- Bigger screens. 8.0 inches inside and 6.5 inches outside on the Ultra, against 7.6 and 5.5 inches on the Fold8.
- A zoom camera. The Ultra has a 200MP main camera, a 50MP ultra wide and a 10MP 3x telephoto. The Fold8 has a 50MP main and a 50MP ultra wide, with no telephoto.
- A bigger battery. 5,000mAh against 4,800mAh.
What neither has: the S Pen. Samsung dropped stylus support from the Fold line, so if you used the S Pen on an older Fold, it won't work here.
What the Fold8 does better
- It's lighter and easier to hold folded. Its wider outer screen feels like a normal phone, so you can use it closed for most things.
- The inner screen suits video. The squarer 4:3 screen is closer to an iPad's shape, good for reading and apps that weren't designed for tall screens.
- It costs less.
Our pick
For most people. It does everything a Fold should, is nicer to use closed, and saves you money.
If you want your Fold to be your only camera, or you want the biggest screen you can fit in a pocket.
Should you buy last year's Fold instead?
The Galaxy Z Fold7 is still sold at 4 stores we check, from $2,898.72. Compare it to the Fold8 above before you decide: older Folds are only a bargain when they're clearly cheaper.
Thinking about Apple's foldable as well? See iPhone Duo vs Galaxy Z Fold8.
