Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Series and Watch9 Launch

Samsung has officially launched five major devices for 2026: the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8, Galaxy Z Flip8, Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9. Rather than treating the release as a routine annual refresh, the company has divided its latest lineup into three distinct foldable experiences and two wearable options. The common threads are Galaxy AI features and connected health tools spanning phones and wrists.

Galaxy Z Fold8 Balances Portability and Screen Space

The Galaxy Z Fold8 is the mainstream book-style model, weighing only 201 grams despite retaining a large folding display. Its wider cover screen is intended to make messaging, browsing and short videos feel closer to using a conventional smartphone. Open the device and the 4:3 main display provides more room for reading, gaming and managing documents, while Flex Titanium supports a slimmer structure and reduced crease visibility over time.

Samsung also integrates Gemini Notebook, allowing notes, recordings, images and documents to be collected in one workspace. This gives the Fold8 a useful productivity angle without pushing it fully into Ultra territory. It looks like the sensible middle option for buyers who want foldable multitasking and a lighter design rather than the largest camera or battery specifications.

Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra Targets Serious Creators

The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra moves the formula toward mobile content creation. Its 8-inch folding display creates a larger workspace, while the 200 MP main camera can capture images with HDR enabled at full resolution. A new 50 MP ultra-wide camera handles broad scenes and macro photography, complementing the device’s 200 MP main sensor.

Performance-focused hardware includes a 5,000 mAh battery, 45 W charging and an enlarged graphite cooling structure. Even with those additions, the Fold8 Ultra measures 4.1 mm when unfolded and weighs 215 grams. Now Nudge can suggest relevant actions across supported apps, adding context-aware assistance to a device designed around demanding workflows.

Galaxy Z Flip8 Puts AI on the Cover Screen

The Galaxy Z Flip8 focuses on portability and personal expression. Its redesigned FlexWindow brings apps, personalized information and Gemini access to the outer display, reducing how often users need to unfold the phone. Side-key activation and voice requests make cover-screen AI more practical, while Now Brief presents personalized updates based on schedules, routines and interests.

A 50 MP camera, ProVisual Engine and flexible shooting angles continue the Flip series’ social-camera approach. All three foldables also support Dual Recording for simultaneously capturing a scene and the user’s reaction. My FanCam adds automatic subject tracking and dynamic reframing when recording moving subjects.

Watch Ultra2 and Watch9 Expand the Ecosystem

Galaxy Watch Ultra2 is the rugged option, combining a 47 mm titanium case with an 800 mAh battery, brightness of up to 5,000 nits and dedicated outdoor modes such as Trail Run. Its IP69K, 10 ATM and EN 13319 ratings make outdoor durability and longer endurance the key differentiators.

Galaxy Watch9 takes the everyday route with 40 mm and 44 mm sizes, an aluminum case and a display rated at up to 3,000 nits. Its health toolkit includes Vitals, Heart Health Score, Daily Cardio Load, Fitness Index and Hearing features. Both watches use the Snapdragon Wear Elite platform and support continuous health tracking.

Samsung began selling all five devices on August 7 through carriers, retailers, Samsung.com and Samsung Experience Stores across 106 markets, although configurations, colors and prices vary by region. Galaxy Z 8 buyers receive a six-month Google AI Pro trial in eligible markets, while watch buyers may receive Strava and iFIT trials. With three foldables and two wearables, Samsung is offering a broader Galaxy ecosystem rather than relying on one flagship format.