Samsung Unveils Galaxy Z Fold 8, Fold 8 Ultra, and Flip 8 with Gemini AI

Samsung Electronics Co. on Wednesday unveiled an expanded lineup of Galaxy Z foldable smartphones -- the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and Galaxy Z Flip 8.

The new lineup, powered by Alphabet Inc.'s Gemini artificial intelligence (AI), is designed to offer devices tailored to different user lifestyles, along with more personalized AI experiences, the South Korean tech giant said.

"As AI becomes more agentic, mobile devices will become the most personal entry point to experiences that understand and adapt to each user," Roh Tae-moon, co-chief executive officer (CEO) of Samsung Electronics and head of its mobile business, said during an Unpacked event in London.

Built on seven generations of Samsung's foldable innovation since the first Galaxy Z launch in 2019, the new series gives users more choice than ever, with three distinct experiences engineered to meet different needs.

"By setting a new standard for foldables, we are once again advancing the premium mobile experience and opening the next era of intelligence to more people," he said.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 features a wider display ratio designed to balance everyday usability when folded with an immersive viewing experience when unfolded, the company said.

Its 5.5-inch cover screen, with a 10:16 aspect ratio, is designed for everyday tasks such as messaging, social media and short-form video.

When unfolded, its 7.6-inch main screen, with a 4:3 aspect ratio, is optimized for watching videos, reading, gaming and web browsing.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is the first foldable smartphone in Samsung's lineup to carry the company's "Ultra" branding, which denotes its highest-end devices.

Its 8-inch main screen provides a larger workspace designed for multitasking and productivity.

Samsung said its upgraded camera system and larger battery support tasks ranging from content creation to editing.

Weighing 215 grams, the device is also the lightest in the fold series, according to Samsung. At 4.1 millimeters thick when unfolded, it is the thinnest fold model the company has produced.

The Galaxy Z Flip 8 is designed to combine a compact form factor with personalized experiences and AI features.

At 180 grams, it is the lightest Galaxy Z Flip model to date, Samsung said. The device measures 6.1 millimeters thick when unfolded, enhancing its portability while allowing users to access information and functions on the go.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8, based on the 256-gigabyte model, is priced at 2.28 million won (US$1,541), down 101,200 won from its predecessor.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is priced at 2.58 million won, up 198,000 won from the Galaxy Z Fold 7, while the Galaxy Z Flip 8 is priced at 1.68 million won, also up 198,000 won from its predecessor.

The new smartphones will be rolled out sequentially in South Korea and other markets worldwide starting Aug. 7. In South Korea, preorders will run from next Tuesday to Aug. 3.

The launch comes as Apple Inc. is expected to unveil a similar passport-style design for its first foldable iPhone in September.

Samsung also showcased its smart glasses, Intelligent Eyewear, developed in partnership with Warby Parker of Alphabet and Gentle Monster, offering new details about battery life and durability ahead of their planned release this fall.

"In the era of agentic AI, it will be important to create mobile experiences that understand users' intentions and context and connect them intuitively to the functions they need," Choi Jae-in, executive vice president in charge of Samsung's mobile experience division, said in a press release. "Intelligent Eyewear is a new touchpoint that naturally recognizes context in everyday life to provide a more personalized AI experience."

He added that building trust with consumers, maintaining transparency about data policies and giving users control over their data are crucial.

The glasses feature a number of custom-designed components, including advanced hinges and temples designed to withstand twisting and pulling, Samsung said. Built around a familiar eyewear form factor, they are designed to make AI features more natural and intuitive to use in everyday life.