The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra arrives with several refinements, including a new processor and improved displays, but it struggles to justify its ‘Ultra’ designation.
Design and Display
Samsung has maintained the overall design of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, which measures 8.9mm in thickness and weighs 7.58 ounces, identical to the previous model. The device retains an IP48 rating for dust and water resistance. However, minor adjustments have been made, such as tapered edges that enhance usability when opening the device. The internal structure now includes a titanium alloy layer that adds rigidity and minimizes the visibility of the crease on the flexible display.
The Ultra features two AMOLED panels: a 6.5-inch cover screen and an 8-inch main display. The latter has seen a resolution increase from 1,968 x 2,184 to 2,256 x 2,504 pixels, while peak brightness has improved to 3,000 nits from 2,600 nits. An anti-reflective coating has also been added to the interior display to reduce glare.
Performance
Equipped with a Snapdragon Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chip, the Z Fold 8 Ultra offers up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, ensuring top-tier performance. The device handles multitasking and gaming efficiently, although the base model shares the same processor and specifications. The Ultra’s additional vertical height enhances usability for multitasking, although its nearly square display can lead to letterboxing during video playback.
Cameras and Battery Life
The Ultra is equipped with a comprehensive camera system, including a 200-megapixel main sensor, a 10MP telephoto lens, and a new 50MP ultra-wide camera. This configuration allows for superior image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. However, comparisons with competitors like Google’s Pixel phones reveal that the Ultra may not always match their detail and accuracy.
Battery capacity has increased from 4,400mAh to 5,000mAh, attributed to a new silicon carbon cell. In testing, the Ultra achieved an impressive 32 hours and 11 minutes of video playback, outperforming both the Z Fold 7 and the base Z Fold 8. Charging speeds have also improved, with wired charging now at 45 watts and wireless charging at 25 watts. However, the absence of a built-in magnetic ring limits compatibility with magnetic charging accessories.
Conclusion
While the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra offers several enhancements over its predecessor, the lack of significant design changes may not compel existing users to upgrade. Starting at $2,100, the Ultra is positioned above the base Z Fold 8, which remains a strong contender for those who prioritize multitasking without the need for a dedicated zoom camera. Overall, the Z Fold 8 Ultra is a solid device, but it doesn’t fully capitalize on its potential.
This article was produced by NeonPulse.today using human and AI-assisted editorial processes, based on publicly available information. Content may be edited for clarity and style.
Original source: engadget.com
