Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs Galaxy Z Fold 7: Is it worth to upgrade?

Major improvements might be coming to the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra!

By Peter Kostadinov , with contribution from

Orhan Chakarov

Updated: Aug 05, 2026, 2:21 AM

Samsung

Galaxy Z Series Foldables

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Samsung's foldables are getting better and better. | Image by PhoneArena

I was so eagerly anticipating Samsung's Unpacked event that I couldn't wait for July 22 to finally see if the Z Fold 8 Ultra is as awesome as the initial information painted it to be.

And this time around, they were spot on, resulting in a foldable phone that seemingly meets all of my requirements: the fastest Android chip around, a larger battery, and design refinements that make this one the most appealing foldable phone in 2026.

But, as a person who enjoyed the Galaxy Z Fold 7 quite a lot when it launched last year, I keep wondering if any Galaxy Z Fold 7 user with a warm pulse should actually be considering to upgrade to Samsung's new––and quite expensive––Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra.

This article will provide a definitive answer to this question. I've put both phones through our in-house tests for battery life, camera quality, display performance, and performance. I've also spent some time with each phone to better judge if it's worth getting the new one.

$1799 ⁹⁹

$2099 ⁹⁹

$300 off (14%)

For a limited time, Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra can be yours with a generous $300 price cut, no trade-in required. If those savings don't sound compelling enough, trade in an eligible phone to save up to $800.

Buy at Samsung

$1099 ⁹⁹

$1899 ⁹⁹

$800 off (42%)

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is Samsung's first foldable phone with a passport design. Right now, you can grab it with an $800 discount when you trade in an eligible device in good condition. Alternatively, you can grab $200 in Samsung Credit, redeemable toward accessories or other Galaxy devices.

Buy at Samsung

$1429 ⁹⁹

$1999 ⁹⁹

$570 off (29%)

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is now available at a solid discount. Right now, you can get the device for up to $570 off when you trade in an eligible phone in good condition.

Buy at Samsung

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs Galaxy Z Fold 7 differences:

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra	Galaxy Z Fold 7
Even flatter crease on the inner display	Inner display with a minimal crease
3,000 nits of peak brightness	2,600 nits of brightness
Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy (3 nm)	Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
5,000 mAh silicon-carbon battery	Featured a 4,400 mAh battery
45 W wired, 20 W wireless charging	25 W wired, 15 W wireless charging
A new 50 MP ultrawide camera	200 MP + 12 MP + 10 MP cameras in the rear
One UI 9, Proactive Galaxy AI features	Standard Galaxy AI features, One UI 9 to arrive later

Table of Contents:

Design
Display
Performance
Camera
Battery
Specs
Summary

Galaxy Z Fold 8 vs Galaxy Z Fold 6

Design and Size

Key improvements

Image by PhoneArena

No two ways around it: these two phones both carry the same unapologetic Galaxy Z Fold DNA, with little to no discernible design differences.

While the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra keeps the same general design aesthetic and build materials as the Galaxy Z Fold 7, it has scored some key changes that might be invisible to the naked eye. For example, it has scored an improved, TriFold-inspired hinge that now features magnets that aid the closing and opening of the inner screen.

I also particularly like the fact that the frame is slightly rounded on the right side, making it way easier to open the foldable without having to claw into it with your nails. The latter was one of my major issues with the Galaxy Z Fold 7, the completely flat frame of which made it a bit challenging to open the foldable easily.

Additionally, Samsung has put an ultra-thin titanium alloy inside the display that's more than 30% thinner than the width of a human hair. The reason for that is to further make the crease even shallower and less pronounced. Although you can still see the crease, it's definitely way less pronounced when compared to older Galaxy foldables, but I'd be lying if I say that I can spot a major difference between the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and Z Fold 7's creases. Both are equally decent, though.

Both phones share the same build materials: Armor Aluminum/Gorilla Glass Victus 2 sandwiches with mostly flat design language and very thin frame, making them exceptionally modern and contemporary as far as foldables go.


Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra	Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

Design

Dimensions
158.4 x 143.2 x 4.1 mm (~9.19 mm with camera bump)	158.4 x 143.2 x 4.2 mm (~8.6 mm with camera bump)
Weight
215.0 g	215.0 g

See the full Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 specs comparison or compare them to other phones using our Phone Comparison tool

In terms of dimensions and size, both phones are identical. There are minute differences, but I can't notice these, and I am sure you won't be able to, either. Technically speaking, though, the newer device is 0.1 mm slimmer when unfolded, which is certainly the direction I like to see us moving into.

In terms of water and dust protection, these two Samsung phones share the same IP48 water and dust protection rating that the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Fold 6 carried. I've seen foldables with the standard IP68 water and dust resistance (like the Pixel 10 Pro Fold), so it's definitely possible to develop such a phone. Maybe next year, Samsung?

In terms of colors, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra comes in Violet Shadow, Cream, Graphite, and Violet Green (exclusively online). The Galaxy Z Fold 7 was launched in Jetblack, Silver Shadow, Blue Shadow, and Mint colors. I definitely like the Violet Shadow and Graphite options on the new device the most.

Image by PhoneArena

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Fold 7 share the same screen measurements. Both phones have 8-inch inner and 6.5-inch outer OLED screens with up to 120 Hz refresh rate. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra inner screen maxes out at 3,000 nits of brightness, an upgrade over the 2,600 nits of the Z Fold 7.

Additionally, the phone also scores an anti-reflective coating as well as Vision Booster. No software Privacy Screen here, though. That's an additional display layer that certainly isn't compatible with a foldable OLED screen.


Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra	Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

Display

Size
8.0-inch	8.0-inch
Type
Dynamic AMOLED, 120Hz	Dynamic AMOLED, 120Hz

See the full Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 specs comparison or compare them to other phones using our Phone Comparison tool

In the display tests that I ran on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, it's pretty similar to the Galaxy Z Fold 7 in terms of overall quality. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra reaches a slightly higher display brightness at nearly 2,900 nits, while the Z Fold 7 achieves 2,500 nits. The rest of the color properties are identical, so you get lovely colors.

Display Measurements:

	Bright max(20%APL)Higher is better	Bright max(100%APL)Higher is better	Bright minLower is better	Color temp	Gamma	Delta E rgbcmyLower is better	Delta E grayscaleLower is better
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra	2883 (Excellent)	1366 (Excellent)	0.84 (Excellent)	6511	2.04	2.63 (Good)	5.32 (Average)
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7	2495 (Excellent)	1340 (Excellent)	0.97 (Excellent)	6584	2.03	2.59 (Good)	7 (Average)

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The CIE 1931 xy color gamut chart represents the set(area)of colors that a display can reproduce,with the sRGB colorspace(the highlighted triangle)serving as reference.The chart also provides a visual representation of a display's color accuracy. The small squares across the boundaries of the triangle are the reference points for the various colors, while the small dots are the actual measurements. Ideally, each dot should be positioned on top of its respective square. The 'x:CIE31' and 'y:CIE31' values in the table below the chart indicate the position of each measurement on the chart. 'Y' shows the luminance (in nits) of each measured color, while 'Target Y' is the desired luminance level for that color. Finally, 'ΔE 2000' is the Delta E value of the measured color. Delta E values of below 2 are ideal.

These measurements are made using Portrait Displays' CalMAN calibration software.

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In terms of biometrics, we get the same side-positioned capacitive fingerprint scanner. No issue with that, but I need to mention that competing foldables (Vivo's and Oppo's latest ones) have featured in-display fingerprint scanners, which is definitely a more intriguing proposition.

Performance and Software

The regular upgrades

I can't lie, I'm a sucker for any and all performance upgrades, and Samsung's flagships have always delivered. I'm pleased to report that this is true of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra as well.

Its Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chipset is a proper powerhouse that impresses in terms of speed and efficiency. The Galaxy Z Fold 7, on the other hand, is equipped with the older but still flagship-grade Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset for Galaxy. I can't tell these two chipsets apart in daily tasks, and neither should you.


Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra	Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

Hardware

System chip
Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy SM8850-1-AD (3 nm)	Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy SM8750-AB (3 nm)
Memory
12GB (LPDDR5X)/256GB (UFS 4.0) 12GB/512GB 16GB/1TB	12GB (LPDDR5X)/256GB (UFS 4.0) 12GB/512GB 16GB/512GB
OS
Android (17), up to 7 OS updates	Android (16)

See the full Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 specs comparison or compare them to other phones using our Phone Comparison tool

Okay, but what's the difference in benchmarks?

CPU Performance Benchmarks:

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In the CPU-specific Geekbench 6 benchmarks, the newer phone naturally edges past its predecessor, with the difference being especially impressive in the single-core test. There, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra achieves a way more impressive result in comparison with the Z Fold 7. This means that the Z Fold 8 Ultra will be much more future-proof in comparison.

GPU Performance

What about the graphics performance? Needless to say, it's great on both devices, but the key here is the thermal management, which is already challenging with the thin design, let alone the super-fast chips on deck.

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In the most basic graphics benchmark, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra scores a massive advantage over the Z Fold 7. It achieves higher frame rates and the form factor actually makes this one a gaming monster. I find it particularly good to play ranked Call of Duty Mobile matches on the new Fold, as the large screen makes it very convenient for quad- and triple-finger claw setups.

3DMark Steel Nomad Light(High)Higher is better	Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra2550 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 72333
3DMark Steel Nomad Light(Low)Higher is better	Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra1428 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 71443

Steel Nomad Light Stress Test: Measures your phone's 'gaming stamina' by comparing its peak speed (High) against its throttled speed after it heats up (Low), revealing whether your performance will stay smooth or start lagging during a long session. It loads heavier, more modern effects than Wild Life Extreme and is more in line with current games.

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In the more advanced Steel Nomad test, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra achieves a higher peak performance, but once throttled, it performs on the same level as the Galaxy Z Fold 7. This means that there won't be a benefit for getting the newer device if you love long gaming sessions––the Galaxy Z Fold 7 will perform similarly.

3DMark Solar Bay Extreme(High)Higher is better	Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra979 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 71212
3DMark Solar Bay Extreme(Low)Higher is better	Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra813 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7782

Ray Tracing: The test measures Ray Tracing performance because this advanced technology creates the hyper-realistic reflections and shadows found in next-gen titles like Arena Breakout. Even if you don't play games with ray tracing, a high score here means your phone has a 'best-in-class' cooling system.

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The same applies to the most complicated Solar Bay test, which measures ray-tracing performance.

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 arrived with 12 GB of RAM and three storage options: 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB. The same is true of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra as well, though it adds 4 extra GB of RAM in the top-tier 1 TB version.

Random Read(MB/s)Higher is better	Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra52.04 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 749.6
Random Write(MB/s)Higher is better	Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra71.07 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 785
Sequential Read(MB/s)Higher is better	Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra2500 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 73180
Sequential Write(MB/s)Higher is better	Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra1380 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 71090

Storage tests measure how quickly your phone can move data. Random read and write show how fast your phone can find and move thousands of tiny, scattered files. This is the most important metric for an average user because it's what happens when you open an app, check your notifications, or search through your photo gallery. Sequential read and write measure the speed of moving one giant, continuous file. You'll notice this when you are saving a 4K video you just recorded or downloading a massive game update.

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Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra users will enjoy seven years of software support, similarly to the Z Fold 7. The newer phone comes with One UI 9 based on Android 17, while the Galaxy Z Fold 7 users will have to wait a little before Samsung brings that software update to their devices.

Honestly, One UI is my favorite Android skin thanks to its superb customizability, and One UI 9 definitely delivers a lot of that goodness that makes Android 17 an even better fit for foldables. That's because of a new feature called App Bubbles that lets you run any app in a bubble, which aids the overall multi-tasking capabilities by a lot.

Among the new Galaxy AI software features that Samsung will bring to the Galaxy Z Fold 8 are a more proactive Now Nudge feature, which will now intelligently suggest maps, calendar invites, and auto-split your current apps when relevant.

Camera

Don't buy a foldable for the camera

Image by PhoneArena

I have never had any high expectations of cameras on foldable phones, and that's because the ultra-slim form factor has never allowed camera manufacturers to truly go wild with exceptional camera hardware, which still requires a certain physical space.

Just as I expected, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra doesn't change that. Don't get me wrong, it's a great camera, but still far from the best of the best out there, including Samsung's own Galaxy S26 Ultra.


Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra	Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

Camera

Main camera
200 MP (OIS, PDAF) Sensor name: Samsung ISOCELL HP2 Aperture size: F1.7 Focal length: 24 mm Sensor size: 1/1.3" Pixel size: 0.6 μm	200 MP (OIS, PDAF) Sensor name: Samsung ISOCELL HP2 Aperture size: F1.7 Focal length: 24 mm Sensor size: 1/1.3" Pixel size: 0.6 μm
Second camera
50 MP (Ultra-wide) Sensor name: Samsung ISOCELL JN3 Aperture size: F1.9 Focal Length: 13 mm Sensor size: 1/2.5" Pixel size: 0.7 μm	12 MP (Ultra-wide) Sensor name: Sony IMX564 Aperture size: F2.2 Focal Length: 13 mm Sensor size: 1/2.55" Pixel size: 1.4 μm
Third camera
10 MP (Telephoto, OIS, PDAF) Sensor name: Samsung S5K3K1 Optical zoom: 3.0x Aperture size: F2.4 Focal Length: 67 mm Sensor size: 1/3.94" Pixel size: 1.0 μm	10 MP (Telephoto, OIS, PDAF) Sensor name: Samsung S5K3K1 Optical zoom: 3.0x Aperture size: F2.4 Focal Length: 67 mm Sensor size: 1/3.94" Pixel size: 1.0 μm
Front
10 MP (HDR)	10 MP (HDR)

See the full Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 specs comparison or compare them to other phones using our Phone Comparison tool

There are some welcome upgrades, though. Samsung has brought a new 50 MP ultrawide to the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, up from 12 MP, while the other two cameras remain 200 MP and 10 MP, respectively, just like on the Galaxy Z Fold 7.

In the PhoneArena camera benchmark test, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra scores just an extra point over the Galaxy Z Fold 7. That's fine, and honestly, I'd take either one, as the setup is sufficient for everyday use but won't blow mobile photographers away, that's for sure. One thing is for certain––don't buy a foldable for the camera.

PhoneArena Camera Score:

Photo

Video

Phone	Camera Score	Photo Score	Main (wide)	Ultra Wide	Selfie	Zoom
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra	143	153	81	22	27	23
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7	142	149	80	22	24	23

Phone	Camera Score	Video Score	Main (wide)	Ultra Wide	Selfie	Zoom
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra	143	138	74	20	25	20
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7	142	134	72	20	24	19

Find out more details about photo and video scores for all phones we have tested on our PhoneArena Camera Score page

Aside from that, Samsung is bringing a host of mostly software improvements to the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, like an enhanced ProVisual engine that delivers a more advanced low-light video processing. There's also more flexible 8K video recording and editing, support for Samsung's efficient APV codec, as well as four new cinematic LUTs for on-device color grading of your log video.

Battery Life and Charging

Notable upgrades

Image by PhoneArena

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra comes along with a large 5,000 mAh silicon-carbon battery. This is a major change of pace for Samsung, which has historically stayed loyal to lithium-ion batteries. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 had a 4,400 mAh battery, for the record.

And I can't lie, battery life hasn't been a weakness of Samsung phones, but they have been slow to adopt any new tech while their Chinese rivals are currently making big strides in the battery industry. So, any upgrades are welcome.


Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra	Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

Battery

Type
5000 mAh	4400 mAh
Charge speed
Wired: 45.0W Wireless: 20.0W	Wired: 25.0W Wireless: 15.0W

See the full Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 specs comparison or compare them to other phones using our Phone Comparison tool

PhoneArena Battery and Charging Test Results:

Battery Life

Charging

Phone	Battery Life estimate	Browsing	Video	Gaming
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra 5000 mAh	4h 38min	8h 27min	7h 8min	8h 43min
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 4400 mAh	5h 4min	11h 48min	6h 38min	8h 43min

Phone	Full Charging		30 min Charge
	Wired	Wireless	Wired	Wireless
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra 5000 mAh	1h 12min	Untested	55%	Untested
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 4400 mAh	1h 23min	2h 18min	46%	26%

Find out more details about battery and charging for all phones we have tested on our PhoneArena Battery Score page

In terms of charging, Samsung has brought us a major upgrade to 45 W wired and 20 W wireless charging. That's a hefty increase over the 25 W wired and 15 W wireless charging of the Galaxy Z Fold 7.

Specs Comparison


Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra	Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

Design

Dimensions
158.4 x 143.2 x 4.1 mm (~9.19 mm with camera bump)	158.4 x 143.2 x 4.2 mm (~8.6 mm with camera bump)
Weight
215.0 g	215.0 g

Display

Size
8.0-inch	8.0-inch
Type
Dynamic AMOLED, 120Hz	Dynamic AMOLED, 120Hz

Hardware

System chip
Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy SM8850-1-AD (3 nm)	Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy SM8750-AB (3 nm)
Memory
12GB (LPDDR5X)/256GB (UFS 4.0) 12GB/512GB 16GB/1TB	12GB (LPDDR5X)/256GB (UFS 4.0) 12GB/512GB 16GB/512GB

Battery

Type
5000 mAh	4400 mAh
Charge speed
Wired: 45.0W Wireless: 20.0W	Wired: 25.0W Wireless: 15.0W

Camera

Main camera
200 MP (OIS, PDAF) Sensor name: Samsung ISOCELL HP2 Aperture size: F1.7 Focal length: 24 mm Sensor size: 1/1.3" Pixel size: 0.6 μm	200 MP (OIS, PDAF) Sensor name: Samsung ISOCELL HP2 Aperture size: F1.7 Focal length: 24 mm Sensor size: 1/1.3" Pixel size: 0.6 μm
Second camera
50 MP (Ultra-wide) Sensor name: Samsung ISOCELL JN3 Aperture size: F1.9 Focal Length: 13 mm Sensor size: 1/2.5" Pixel size: 0.7 μm	12 MP (Ultra-wide) Sensor name: Sony IMX564 Aperture size: F2.2 Focal Length: 13 mm Sensor size: 1/2.55" Pixel size: 1.4 μm
Third camera
10 MP (Telephoto, OIS, PDAF) Sensor name: Samsung S5K3K1 Optical zoom: 3.0x Aperture size: F2.4 Focal Length: 67 mm Sensor size: 1/3.94" Pixel size: 1.0 μm	10 MP (Telephoto, OIS, PDAF) Sensor name: Samsung S5K3K1 Optical zoom: 3.0x Aperture size: F2.4 Focal Length: 67 mm Sensor size: 1/3.94" Pixel size: 1.0 μm
Front
10 MP (HDR)	10 MP (HDR)

See the full Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 specs comparison or compare them to other phones using our Phone Comparison tool

Summary

I can't lie to you, I like the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra a lot. And what's not to like, it's possibly the finest foldable right now.

However, looking at the overall improvements and new features, I can't find a single reason why anyone using a Galaxy Z Fold 7 would need to upgrade. We are talking about two devices that are more than 95% identical on the outside and on the inside.

Even people willing to try a Samsung foldable for the first time might probably be better off saving a few bucks on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 if they can find a pristine or a mint used unit. There simply isn't any major reason to upgrade here.

Nevertheless, if you stumble upon a great trade-in or another deal that lets you score the latest foldable, certainly go for it, as it's a wonderful piece of engineering. If only the price was lower so that more people could take one for a spin.

View Full Bio

Peter is a skilled writer with over 13 years of experience at PhoneArena. He has published nearly 300 phone reviews and comparisons. This vast experience helps him navigate the mobile tech landscape with ease. He enjoys everything Android but relies on a MacBook Pro daily.

Read the latest from Peter Kostadinov

Geekbench 6 Single Higher is better	Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra3588 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 72948
Geekbench 6 MultiHigher is better	Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra9971 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 79365

3DMark Extreme(High)Higher is better	Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra6501 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 75358
3DMark Extreme(Low)Higher is better	Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra3854 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 72823