Samsung has launched this year's lineup of foldable smartphones with three new models, including a new form factor for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and the introduction of the Z Fold 8 Ultra.
The most major change with the new generation has to be with the Z Fold 8, which went from a taller book-style foldable last year to a wider but shorter design this year.
This is reflected in its screen size, now measuring 5.5in on the outer cover display and 7.6in for the main internal screen. Both screens are Amoled and capable of up to a 120Hz refresh rate.
Samsung says that the shift to the new shape also changes up the device's outer screen aspect ratio to 10:16, which acts as a perfect fit for social media feeds, while the 4:3 inner screen is better for content consumption such as movies and e-books when unfolded.
It also gives a more familiar feel in the hand, akin to a digital camera, when snapping photos in its folded form.
On the topic of photos, the Z Fold 8 has a dual camera system, consisting of a 50-megapixel main shooter capable of up to 2x optical zoom, and a 50-megapixel ultra-wide. There is also a 10-megapixel selfie camera on the cover screen and inner screen, respectively.
Under the hood is a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor powered by a 4,800mAh battery. The phone is available in three configurations: 12GB RAM with 256GB of internal storage (RM7,299), 12GB RAM with 512GB of internal storage (RM8,099), or 16GB RAM with 1TB of internal storage (RM9,699).
It also comes in four colour options: Graphite, Cream, Lavender, and Pistachio (online exclusive).
Also new with this year's launch is the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, which carries over the previous tall form factor of the Z Fold Series. Like last year's model, the Z Fold 8 Ultra has two Amoled displays capable of up to a 120Hz refresh rate, consisting of a 6.5in cover display and an 8in internal screen.
Further similarities to last year's top-of-the-line model include a triple camera setup, with a 200-megapixel main shooter, 50-megapixel ultra-wide, and 10-megapixel telephoto camera. The device is capable of up to 3x optical zoom.
There are also two 10-megapixel selfie cameras, with one being placed on each screen.
Powering the Z Fold 8 Ultra is a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor along with a 5,000mAh battery. It is available with 12GB RAM with 256GB internal storage (RM8,099), 12GB RAM with 512GB internal storage (RM8,899), or 16GB RAM with 1TB internal storage (RM10,499).
The device comes in four colour options: Graphite, Cream, Violet Shadow, and Green Shadow (online exclusive).
Last but not least in the new foldable lineup is the Galaxy Z Flip 8, with the flip-style foldable featuring a 4.1in outer cover screen and 6.9in internal main display. Like the other devices in the new lineup, the Z Flip 8's screens are Amoled and capable of up to a 120Hz refresh rate.
Looking at the device's camera, there is a dual camera system featuring a 50-megapixel wide-angle shooter and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide sensor. The device is capable of up to 2x optical zoom, and has a 10-megapixel selfie camera on the internal display.
Unlike the other two models, the Z Flip 8 has an Exynos 2600 processor, which is paired with a 4,300mAh battery. There are only two storage configurations for this device, with 12GB RAM and either 256GB internal storage (RM5,399) or 512GB internal storage (RM6,199). The device also offers four colour options: Pink, Graphite, Cream, and Mint (online exclusive).
All three devices also come with 5G along with IP48 water and dust resistance.
Pre-orders on the devices are open until Aug 13, with up to RM1,950 worth of freebies up for grabs. This includes a rebate of up to RM800, Samsung Rewards Points Booster worth up to RM400, and an additional rebate of RM500 with selected bank cards.
Also launching alongside the foldables is the Galaxy Watch 9 series (40mm priced from RM1,499; 44mm from RM1,599) and the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 (priced at RM3,399).
