Samsung's new Fold 8 Ultra: More cameras, less glare

Samsung has released the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, a foldable phone that unfolds into a tablet, succeeding the Galaxy Z Fold 7. This new model features a less reflective interior display, a significant improvement attributed to Samsung's new Flex Titanium hardware. The screen's color accuracy and audio output are also noteworthy for entertainment.

The Fold 8 Ultra delivers impressive battery life, holding a charge for nearly 23 hours during continuous video playback, outperforming its predecessor. Performance, driven by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chip, is respectable and handles multitasking smoothly, though it doesn't lead the market.

Its camera system includes a 200-megapixel main sensor, a 3x telephoto lens, and an ultrawide camera. While capable, especially in low-light conditions and for detailed shots with its 200MP option, the camera performance is generally outshone by the S26 Ultra. However, it does offer better zoom clarity than the standard Z Fold 8.

Ergonomically, the Z Fold 8 Ultra is easier to open with one hand compared to the Z Fold 7 and Z Fold 8. However, its cover screen remains too narrow for comfortable typing. Despite a $100 price increase over the previous model, bringing the total to $2,100, its core improvements make it a strong contender for foldable phone enthusiasts.

The Z Fold 8 Ultra is positioned for those who prioritize the folding phone experience, offering solid performance and battery life. However, for users valuing ergonomics, the narrower cover screen might be a drawback, with the standard Z Fold 8 presenting a more comfortable typing experience and a lower price point.