Summary of Key Points
Samsung will hold a Galaxy Unpacked event in London on July 22 to unveil its new foldable devices for 2026: the Z Fold8 series, which includes both standard and ultra-large folding models, as well as the smaller Z Flip8 model. New accessories such as the Galaxy Watch9 series will also be released. Overall, the prices of these products have increased, mainly due to higher memory costs. While there are limited hardware improvements, the new designs offer some innovation. However, Samsung faces challenges in terms of ecosystem compatibility.
1. Why Are Foldable Screens Getting More Expensive?
The reason for the price increase of Samsung's foldable screens this year (by 500-1000 RMB) lies in the higher cost of memory. Samsung’s memory division and mobile phone division operate independently, similar to two separate companies that have to pay for their respective purchases. Memory prices have been rising recently, leading to increased procurement costs for the mobile phone division, which are then passed on to consumers. For example, the European version of the Z Fold8 is priced at 1999 euros (approximately 15,500 RMB), which is a significant increase from last year; the domestic version is expected to cost between 14,499 and 14,999 RMB, with the Ultra version approaching 16,000 RMB. However, Samsung will offer a free memory upgrade at launch (e.g., upgrading from 12+256G to 12+512G), which helps to mitigate the price increase to some extent.
2. What Is the “Wide Folding” Feature?
This year, the Samsung Z Fold8 series comes in two versions: a standard wide folding model and an ultra-large folding model:
- Wide Folding Model: Features a 7.6-inch inner screen with a 4:3 aspect ratio (wider, ideal for viewing documents or using split-screen functions). This is the first foldable screen of its kind in the Android ecosystem (slightly narrower than Huawei’s Pura X Max, which has a 1:√2 aspect ratio).
- Ultra Model: Still has a traditional large folding design with an 8-inch inner screen and a 6.5-inch outer screen, but with slight improvements in brightness and durability.
Interestingly, the wide folding model has become the “standard” version, yet it is more expensive—1999 euros in Europe, compared to last year’s Z Fold7. The Ultra version is even more costly at 2199 euros, with the domestic price likely around 15,999 RMB, on par with last year’s 512GB model.
3. Hardware Improvements
The hardware improvements in this year’s foldable screens are relatively modest:
- Battery: Finally, the battery capacity has increased, moving from the traditional 4400mAh to 4800mAh (for the wide folding model) and 5000mAh (for the Ultra model).
- Folding Mechanism: Samsung has abandoned the average damping design in favor of a more robust mechanism similar to that used in Chinese foldable phones, which should result in better fold crease control (similar to the OPPO Find N6).
- Screen/Camera: The inner screen of the wide folding model uses the same technology as last year (QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X), and the camera setup includes only a primary lens and a dual 50MP ultra-wide lens. The Ultra model’s camera remains the same, with a 200MP main lens, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens; there are no significant changes in imaging performance.
- Other Features: There is no privacy screen, and the S Pen has not been included (due to insufficient space on the phone’s body for the magnetic sensor). Additionally, only the 16GB memory option is available for the more expensive models.
4. Z Flip8: Fewer Improvements but Possible to Become the Only Foldable in China
The Z Flip8 has received less attention compared to the wide folding model because last year’s Z Flip7 had significant improvements (with the highest screen-to-body ratio among foldable phones, leading to high popularity on platforms like REDnote). This year, there are almost no changes:
- Processor: It is possible that the processor will vary by region—the European and Korean versions will use the Exynos 2600, while the Chinese version will use the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen5, which is better suited for Chinese apps.
- Price: The domestic price is expected to remain at 7,999 RMB (1,299 euros for the European version).
- Current Situation: Domestic manufacturers have largely abandoned small foldable phones, and the moto system may not be to everyone’s liking. Therefore, the Z Flip8 could become the only small foldable phone available in China.
5. Accessories
In addition to the phones, the following accessories will also be released:
- Galaxy Watch9 Series: The Watch9 and Ultra2 have similar designs to their predecessors, with improved glass strength and thinner borders. The price is expected to range from 2,500 to 3,500 RMB in China (starting at 409 euros in Europe).
- Smart Glasses: A collaboration between Samsung, Google, and Gentle Monster will be unveiled, but the official release will wait until early next year along with the S27 series. For now, they are more of a showcase than a major product launch.
Overall, the improvements on accessories are limited and serve more as a complement to the main phones.
Final Thoughts: Is Samsung’s Wide Folding Model Reliable?
As a user of the Z Fold7, I am somewhat hesitant. On one hand, the wide folding design is an innovative addition to the Android foldable market and looks fresh. However, Samsung’s foldable phones have generally struggled with app compatibility in China, and the wide folding model’s larger screen may face challenges in terms of app adaptation due to developer support. With the differentiated pricing, it’s uncertain whether this new model will become another excuse for price increases in the future.
(The entire analysis is written in plain language, without using technical jargon, making it easy for non-financial/tech readers to understand.)