Samsung's Fold8 Ultra misses key flagship features

Samsung has introduced the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, a device that claims the distinction of being the first foldable to carry the company’s elite "Ultra" branding. The smartphone is positioned at the cutting edge of foldable technology, with a starting price near $2,000. However, a detailed review by GN technics/mobile (en-US) suggests that the device fails to meet the strict standards associated with the Ultra label when measured against Samsung's own straight-screen flagship, the S26 Ultra.

The core of the criticism lies in the omission of features that have defined the Ultra line for years. Despite the high cost and the device's positioning for productivity, the Fold8 Ultra lacks stylus support. This absence is particularly notable given the phone's large 8-inch internal display, which was likely designed with professional users in mind. The review argues that the physical space available could have accommodated the necessary digitizer layer, making the exclusion of S Pen support a significant strategic oversight rather than a technical limitation.

Display durability falls short of flagship standards

Beyond the lack of a stylus, the external screen of the Fold8 Ultra reveals a compromise in build quality. While the internal display benefits from a new anti-glare film, the outer screen uses Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 3 without the matte finish found on the S26 Ultra. The S26 Ultra features Corning Gorilla Armor 2, which includes a specific anti-reflective coating to reduce glare. The Fold8 Ultra’s outer display is highly reflective, a drawback that undermines its premium status in outdoor lighting conditions.

The device also suffers from weaker protection against environmental elements. Despite the introduction of a new titanium hinge, the Fold8 Ultra only achieves an IP48 rating. This means it is not fully sealed against dust, unlike the IP68 standard that is typically expected of an Ultra-class device. Users may face restrictions on usage in dusty environments, such as beaches or construction sites, where a dust-tight enclosure would be essential for reliable operation.

Camera system omits essential telephoto lens

The rear camera setup presents another area where the Fold8 Ultra trails its straight-screen counterpart. The device lacks a second telephoto lens, which limits its performance at high magnification levels. The review notes that this omission is not due to a lack of physical space, as the camera module is already quite large. In fact, the size of this module makes the phone unstable when placed on flat surfaces, highlighting a design trade-off that prioritizes bulk over stability and completeness.

A premium device with notable gaps

While the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra remains an excellent foldable phone by general standards, it does not justify the specific promises of the Ultra badge. The combination of missing stylus support, a reflective outer display, limited dust protection, and a reduced camera array creates a significant gap between the device's price and its feature set. For consumers seeking the absolute top tier of Samsung's ecosystem, the S26 Ultra offers a more complete package of premium features.