Time to unfold: Samsung releases new Galaxy foldables and smartwatches
Samsung unpacks its latest foldables.
Image by Gabrielius Jauniškis
- Samsung unveiled three new Galaxy foldable phones and two smartwatches at its Galaxy Unpacked 2026 event.
- The Galaxy Z Fold8 targets content users, while the Fold8 Ultra focuses on multitasking with a larger screen.
- The Galaxy Z Flip8 is Samsung’s slimmest Flip model, offering a compact design and quick app access when closed.
- Samsung’s new watches emphasize health, fitness, and longer battery life, with Ultra2 built for outdoor sports users.
Key Takeaways by nexos.ai, reviewed by Cybernews staff.
Samsung has added three new foldable smartphones and two new smartwatches to its Galaxy lineup.
Three new foldable smartphone models were unveiled during the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2026 event: Galaxy Z Fold8, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, and Galaxy Z Flip8.
Instead of representing different tiers of the same lineup, all three models seem to be aimed at different user types.
The Galaxy Z Fold8 is considered a practical choice for those who prioritize key smartphone features, such as long battery life and increased screen brightness, and focus on content consumption.
Meanwhile, the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is designed for users who tend to multitask, featuring a large, bright screen and a new processor.
The Galaxy Z Flip8 is oriented to those who prioritize comfort and want a compact device with easily accessible features.
The company also introduced two new smartwatches: Samsung Galaxy Watch9 and Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2, for in-depth health and fitness tracking with increased battery life and a new design.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 focuses on content consumption and is the lightest among the new models, weighing 201 grams.
It also looks different from its predecessor because of its smaller size. When closed, its dimensions are 123.9 x 81.9 x 9.7mm. When open, the device measures 123.9 x 161.4 x 4.5mm.
Its screen shows a full view, without the content looking framed.
The smartphone comes with an AMOLED 2X screen, which is suited for outdoor use, especially in bright sunlight.
The device includes the same processor as the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. It also comes with a 4,800 mAh battery.
Its camera features a dual 50MP camera system. What users should keep in mind is that when taking a picture, if you can’t fit your whole frame into the shot, all you have to do is open the device.
The starting price of Galaxy Z Fold8 is $1,900.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra
The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra variant can serve as a mini-computer, weighing 215 grams and equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor.
When closed, the Fold8 Ultra dimensions are 143.2 x 158.4 x 4.1mm, and when opened, 72.8 x 158.4 x 8.9mm.
The device comes with a large screen that splits into three displays, making multitasking easier, and boasts 3,000 nits of brightness for visibility in direct sunlight.
The smartphone’s design also features new hinges that make it easier to open.
The battery life has been upgraded to 5,000 mAh with fast charging.
The device comes with a three-camera system with a 50MP wide-angle camera.
The starting price of Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is $2,100.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8
The smartphone is aimed at users on the go who need a compact phone.
Galaxy Z Flip8 is the slimmest smartphone in the history of Flip releases. The device weighs 180 grams and measures 75.4 x 85.7 x 13.1mm when closed, and 75.4 x 166.9 x 6.1mm when opened.
The smartphone is equipped with a 4,300 mAh battery and new hinges that make it easier to open it.
The device also comes with a feature called Flex Window, which lets users access all necessary apps and programs in a smaller window without opening the phone.
The smartphone comes with a main 12MP ultra-wide lens, a 50MP wide lens with autofocus (AF), and a 10MP front camera. To ensure a more stable recording, the smartphone includes a FlexCam feature and an AI bokeh effect tool for portrait images.
The starting price of Galazy Z Flip8 is $1,200.
New Samsung Galaxy smartwatches
The company also introduced new Samsung Galaxy watches: the Galaxy Watch9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra2.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch9 focuses on everyday use and is suitable for those who are into their health metrics, while the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 is oriented to sports enthusiasts.
Samsung Galaxy Watch9
The new watch comes in two sizes and three colors: silver, cream, and graphite.
The device includes a Snapdragon Wear Elite processor and offers 30 hours of battery life.
To ensure a better fit, the smartwatch comes with a new design strap featuring cushions, providing a more suitable and comfortable wearing experience.
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The new Samsung smartwatch now tracks users’ vitals – such as heart rate, temperature, and blood oxygen saturation – overnight to detect any changes in health.
The smartwatch can now also alert the user if they’re in a too-loud environment to protect their hearing. Among other new features, the device also includes a sleep apnea detection feature.
The starting price of Galaxy Watch9 is $380.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 specifications and features are designed for active users who engage in extreme sports outdoors.
The smartwatch comes in one size and in two colors (Titan grey and Titan silver).
The new Watch Ultra2 also features a Snapdragon Wear Elite processor and offers 60 hours of battery life.
Considering that the watch is suited for all kinds of outdoor sports, such as running, hiking, swimming, and cycling, it comes with an IP69K rating, which makes it completely dust-tight and high-pressure water-resistant.
In terms of features, the new smartwatch provides users with insights into their physical readiness by analyzing their workouts and health vitals.
The watch also has a fall detection feature, a compass, and is compatible with the Mares App for divers. For runners and hikers, the watch also sends checkpoint alarms and reminders, such as when it's time to stop for a sip of water.
The price of Galaxy Watch Ultra2 is $700.
