Samsung Unveils Galaxy Z8 Foldables series: A Device for Every Lifestyle
Samsung has officially rolled out its highly anticipated Galaxy Z8 foldables series. Revealed at the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2026 event livestreamed from London to audiences worldwide, the smartphone maker introduced three distinct models: the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, the Galaxy Z Flip8, and an entirely new form factor, the Galaxy Z Fold8.
With advanced artificial intelligence (AI) integration, refined hardware, and a clear message that "there is a foldable for everyone," Samsung is doubling down on personalising the mobile experience.
Technology Built Around People
According to Justin Hume, Vice-President for Mobile Experience at Samsung South Africa, the Z8 series is not about convincing consumers to switch to a foldable, but rather helping them discover which foldable matches their identity.
To simplify the choice, Samsung has categorised the new lineup into three lifestyle-driven personas:
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The Productivity Powerhouse (Z Fold8 Ultra): The ultimate corporate device for weekday productivity, emails, and maximising AI capabilities.
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The Entertainment Hub (Z Fold8): The perfect downtime companion, designed for reading, browsing, gaming, and immersive entertainment.
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The Creator's Companion (Z Flip8): The ultimate "holiday device" tailored for self-expression, vlogging, and creating social-media-ready content on the go.
Mpilo Sithole from Samsung DQX notes that upgrading customers is now about analysing their current usage habits, whether they are creatives, professionals, or gamers and pairing them with a device that fits seamlessly into their daily routines, rather than forcing them to adapt to new technology.
Galaxy Z8 Series: Features and Pricing
The latest generation of foldables introduces a host of hardware and software upgrades, including Cine LUT for enhanced creative colour grading, Flex Titanium Technology for superior resilience, and intelligent tools like Now Nudge for AI-powered task automation across over 40,000 apps.
Here is a breakdown of the new models:
| Model | Starting Price (Contract) | Starting Price (Cash) | Key Features & Target Audience |
| Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra | R1 799 / month | R50 999 | Aimed at professionals. Features Gemini Notebook for structured knowledge organisation and 40W fast charging. |
| Galaxy Z Fold8 | R1 500 / month | R40 999 | Passport-style design. 10:16 cover screen, 4:3 unfolded screen. Weighs 201g (lightest Fold yet). 50MP dual camera, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, 26-hour battery life. |
| Galaxy Z Flip8 | R999 / month | R26 999 | Built for content creators. Supports 16 apps on the FlexWindow (up from 4 on the Z Flip7), allowing AI interaction without opening the phone. |
Expanding the Ecosystem: Wearables and Smart Glasses
Beyond smartphones, Samsung expanded its wearable ecosystem with the announcement of two new smartwatches:
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Galaxy Watch9: Priced at $379 (Expected R6 221)
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Galaxy Watch Ultra2: Priced at $699 (Expected R11 476) (Note: Official local pricing for smartwatches is yet to be confirmed).
Additionally, the tech giant teased its upcoming AI-driven smart glasses, developed in a powerhouse partnership with Google, Warby Parker, and Gentle Monster.
The glasses use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon AR1 Gen1 platform and include a built-in camera that supplies visual context to Gemini. Samsung lists up to nine hours of battery life, while the charging case can provide up to seven additional full charges.
Availability
As Samsung positions itself to compete with Apple’s heavily speculated first foldable iPhone launching in September, the Z8 series is ready to hit the market. Pre-orders for the new Galaxy Z8 lineup and smartwatches are currently open, with official retail sales commencing on 7 August 2026.
Written by: Shihaam (Gabriella) Steyn - Adams.
Guzzle Media