As those technologies evolved, Samsung focused on another challenge: making a large-screen foldable easier to carry every day, without losing the experiences that make the form factor unique.

And through that pursuit, Galaxy Z Fold5 weighed 253 grams, and Galaxy Z Fold6 reduced its weight further to 239 grams.

With Galaxy Z Fold7 came an even more ambitious goal:

“Could a foldable be lighter than a bar-type flagship smartphone?”

At the time, Galaxy S25 Ultra — one of Samsung’s flagship bar-type smartphones — weighed 218 grams. The development team set an even lighter target for Galaxy Z Fold7: 215 grams.

Galaxy Z Fold7 reached that goal at 215 grams. Building on years of foldable innovation, Galaxy Z Fold8 combines a new form factor with advances in core technologies, materials and internal architecture to weigh just 201 grams[1] — 52 grams lighter than Galaxy Z Fold5. At 201 grams, Galaxy Z Fold8 is the world’s lightest foldable. [2]

Galaxy Z Fold’s weight and thickness by generation

But consumers expected more than just a lighter foldable.

A 2024 YouGov survey found that a bulky or heavy design remained a concern among consumers not planning to purchase foldables, while battery life, durability and display quality ranked as top priorities for those considering them[3].

This insight shaped a core engineering goal for Samsung: make foldables thinner and lighter, while maintaining the core experiences users value most.

Battery life, camera performance, thermal management and durability still had to advance.

That could not be achieved by changing a single component. Samsung engineers had to reimagine the entire device — advancing fundamental foldable technologies, introducing new materials and revisiting hundreds of components and auxiliary parts to the fraction-of-a-gram level.

From 253 grams to 201 grams. Three engineering innovations enabled that transformation.

The Thinner and Lighter a Foldable Gets, the More Precise the Engineering Must Become

Making a foldable thinner and lighter brings a new set of engineering challenges.

The layers inside the display need to become thinner while still meeting Samsung’s durability and reliability requirements.The metal plate supporting the display needs to stay extremely flat even as it becomes thinner. And the hinge has to manage the forces created every time the device folds and unfolds, while being designed around the size and structure of each product.

Across generations, Samsung has continued to advance the display layers, ultra-thin metal precision machining and hinge technologies central to its foldable devices.

One example is Flex Titanium.

The displays in Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra use Flex Titanium technology featuring a Titanium Alloy Film designed for the foldable display structure.

The film is just tens of micrometers thick — roughly one-third the width of a human hair. Its material and structure work together to maintain performance at this extreme thickness.

The metal plate that supports the display presents a different challenge.

Some metal plates are machined to approximately 0.2 millimeters thick, with the thinnest sections reaching 0.15 millimeters. At that level, simply making the metal thinner is not enough. Thin metal can bend or warp more easily during machining, and even a small change in shape can affect assembly precision or the surface quality of the display.

What matters is the ability to machine ultra-thin metal at around 0.2 millimeters while consistently achieving the required shape and flatness.

Samsung refined the machining sequence, tooling, cooling conditions and process parameters, breaking the process into multiple stages to maintain precision.

The hinge requires the same level of care.

Beyond simply opening and closing the phone, it must distribute the forces created by repeated folding and unfolding across the device while maintaining structural stability.

And these requirements vary by product size and architecture.

Samsung engineers the hinge for each form factor, carefully balancing load distribution, strength, durability, internal space and weight rather than just scaling it down from one generation to the next.

Creating a thinner and lighter foldable requires more than downsizing individual parts.

It comes from greater precision in how materials are machined, how forces are managed and how structures are designed within a limited space.

Lighter, Built for Strength — Starting With the Materials

The second area is materials innovation.

Different parts of a foldable have very different jobs. Some demand high rigidity. Some must withstand repeated movement. Others need to spread heat efficiently.

Samsung selects and develops materials around those specific needs, delivering the performance each requires while optimising weight and space.

In Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Flex Titanium incorporates a Titanium Alloy Film to support the foldable display structure.

For the exterior, Samsung uses Advanced Armour Aluminum[4], helping provide the strength and durability needed in a thin and lightweight frame.

Materials also play an important role in thermal management.

As a device gets thinner, there is less room to manage the heat generated inside. Samsung uses graphite with improved thermal performance, while tailoring the overall thermal structure to the size and performance requirements of each product.

In Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, which has similar overall dimensions to Galaxy Z Fold7, the volume of the graphite heat-dissipation layer was increased by approximately 7% to help support its enhanced performance.

Samsung also applies Clad Metal inside the rear of the device. By combining the characteristics of different metals, the material helps reduce weight while providing the thermal performance required within a thin structure.

Materials innovation is therefore not just about choosing lighter options, but about using the right material in the right place to deliver the performance each part needs with less weight and space.

Looking Again at the Entire Device — Down to 0.001 Grams

Only so much can be achieved through core technologies and new materials alone.

In a foldable already packed with highly integrated components, finding the next few grams means looking again at almost everything inside the device.

Samsung engineers reviewed approximately 270 components and more than 180 types of auxiliary parts.

This spanned everything from the display, hinge and cameras to circuit boards, antennas, brackets, tapes and fasteners.

The precision extended to reductions of 0.1 grams and 0.1 millimeters, and in some auxiliary parts, as little as 0.001 grams.

The printed circuit board, or PCB, was redesigned to remove unnecessary circuits, improve component layout and minimise its footprint.

The MFC(Magnetic Flux Channel) antenna was also reimagined to reduce unnecessary overlap and interference with surrounding components, allowing the limited internal space to be used more efficiently.

Every auxiliary part, no matter how small, was examined.

Of the more than 180 types previously used, approximately 15 were eliminated.

Engineers then reviewed the remaining 170 types trimming oversized areas, refining shapes and optimising dimensions. Multiple parts were consolidated into single structures where possible.

In some cases, the savings were measured in increments as small as 0.001 grams.

Each change seems minor in isolation, but repeated across the device, fractions of a gram become tenths of a gram, then whole grams.

The weight savings on a finished device result from hundreds of small engineering decisions.

Finding 6 Grams Again to Make Room for More

The goal was to reinvest the weight and space recovered through engineering into the capabilities people actually experience — including the battery, cameras and thermal system.

Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra provides a separate example of how this approach can be applied.

Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold7 have similar overall dimensions and both weigh 215 grams. But within that same weight, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra increases battery capacity from 4,400 mAh[5] to 5,000 mAh[6]

That larger battery brought its own challenge: the battery itself added approximately 6 grams.

So the development team faced a new question:

“Where could we find those 6 grams again?”

There was no single component that could provide the answer.

Instead, engineers applied the same systematic approach across the entire device — materials and structures, circuit layouts and component placement, down to the smallest auxiliary parts — identifying weight savings across all components.

This strategy extended to internal space optimisation.

By reducing unnecessary overlap between the display, circuits, antennas and surrounding components, and by improving packaging efficiency, Samsung created room for a larger battery and enhanced thermal and camera systems.

As a result, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra accommodates a 5,000 mAh battery[5]while increasing the volume of its graphite heat-dissipation layer by approximately 7% compared with the similarly sized Galaxy Z Fold7.

Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra features a 200 MP main camera and introduces the first 50 MP Ultra-Wide camera on a Galaxy Z Fold device.

[Visual | Galaxy Z Fold7 → Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra / Battery +6g → Finding the Weight Back Across the Device]

Samsung’s approach to a thinner and lighter foldable is therefore not about removing capabilities.

It is about redirecting weight and space savings toward the flagship experiences users value most.

From 253 Grams to 201 Grams: Redefining the Weight Standard for Foldables

The journey began with the first Galaxy Fold at 276 grams in 2019. Across eight generations, Samsung has continued to advance the technologies, materials and internal architecture behind the foldable experience.

In recent generations, that progress accelerated — from 253 grams with Galaxy Z Fold5 to 201 grams with Galaxy Z Fold8.

But the story isn’t just about reducing weight.

Samsung’s goal has been to make a large-screen foldable easier to carry without giving up the qualities users expect from a flagship smartphone.

The weight and space recovered through advances in core technologies, materials and component design were put back into the battery, cameras, thermal system and other flagship experiences users value most.

From 253 grams to 201 grams.

No single material or component made that transformation possible.

Eight generations of engineering enabled this, advancing core technologies, introducing new materials and rethinking the entire device to make Galaxy Z Fold easier to carry without compromising the flagship experience.

Galaxy Z Fold Series: A Thinner, Lighter Journey in Numbers

-52g
Galaxy Z Fold8 is 52g lighter than Galaxy Z Fold5.

1/3, 0.2mm
The Titanium Alloy Film used in Flex Titanium is approximately one-third the width of a human hair, while ultra-thin metal structures supporting the display are precision-machined to around 0.2mm.

~270 / 180+ / 0.001g
Samsung re-examined approximately 270 components and more than 180 types of auxiliary parts, optimizing some down to 0.001g.

5,000mAh / +~7% / 200MP + 50MP
Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra features a 5,000mAh battery5, approximately 7% more graphite heat-dissipation volume, and a 200MP main camera with a 50MP ultra-wide camera.

[1] Weight may vary by country or region.

[2] Based on internal research as of July 22, 2026, comparing commercially available book-style foldable smartphones globally. Exact weight may vary by model, configuration, and manufacturing process. Weight measured excluding protective cases or accessories.

[3] Based on a 2024 YouGov Research which surveyed 1,002 adults in the USA, https://yougov.com/en-us/articles/50945-foldable-phones-high-interest-among-young-adults-durability-a-major-concern.

[4] Armour Aluminium frame does not include volume and side keys, SIM tray or camera lens barrel.

[5] Typical value tested under third-party laboratory condition. Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Rated capacity is 4272mAh for Galaxy Z Fold7. Actual battery life may vary depending on network environment, usage patterns and other factors.

[6] Typical value tested under third-party laboratory condition. Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Rated capacity is 4854 mAh for Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra.

Seven generations in, Samsung’s foldables have moved beyond novelty to become daily mobile companions for many. Tech experts in Southeast Asia and Oceania have experienced this progress first-hand with the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Flip8 since they launched at Galaxy Unpacked 2026: Here’s what they find most impressive:

Underpinning the latest generation of foldables is advanced hardware innovation, which Stephen Fenech, Tech Guide (Australia) notes: “With eight generations of foldable experience, research and development at its back, Samsung has established itself as the pioneering company of this latest and growing smartphone category.”

Ultra Power: What Makes the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra Outstanding?

The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra brings Galaxy’s renowned Ultra standard to foldables, providing users with a larger workspace for maximum productivity and content creation. On design, Dedy Irvan, Jagat Review (Indonesia) shares: “The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra delivers an experience that feels closer than ever to Samsung’s Ultra lineup. Beyond the “Ultra” branding, its refined dual rail hinge offers a firmer, more premium feel — opening effortlessly, providing reassuring resistance midway, and locking smoothly into place when fully unfolded.”

Testing the foldable’s power to handle everyday tasks, Huy Duc, VnExpress (Vietnam) highlights: “Beyond its nearly invisible crease, it delivers one of its biggest upgrades yet: an increased 5,000mAh battery[2] packed into a slimmer chassis, complemented by faster 45W charging.[3]“

For content creation, Du Lam, Vietnamnet (Vietnam) added: “It combines a 200MP camera with 8K video recording and Cine LUT, delivering a professional-grade content creation experience in a foldable device.[4]“

Everyday Fit: How Does the Galaxy Z Fold8 Add Value to Daily Life?

The Galaxy Z Fold8 is Samsung’s lightest Galaxy Z Fold to date[5], and power users point to its shape as the standout. Robb Report (Malaysia) called it “one of the most uniquely shaped phones currently on the market.”

Meanwhile, Rodneil Quiteles, GadgetMatch (Philippines) appreciated its everyday usability: “The Galaxy Z Fold8 isn’t trying to be a regular smartphone that unfolds into a tablet. It feels like it’s designed around how many of us already use our devices today.”  Tump Yung (Thailand) expressed similar sentiments, saying “The Galaxy Z Fold8 strikes the perfect balance between productivity and everyday enjoyment. It honestly feels like it was made for someone like me.”

Enjoying the viewing experiences on its screen, Si Jia, Geek Culture (Singapore) wrote: “Topped off with a fun-sized build, the Galaxy Z Fold8’s 4:3 aspect ratio is easily the standout element, delivering full-screen immersion.”

Fun with the Flip: How the Galaxy Z Flip8 Supports New Ways of Self-Expression

The Galaxy Z Flip8 provides the sleekest experiences for users who want a phone as dynamic as they are. Amy Maizuraa from Amanz (Malaysia) wrote: “The Galaxy Z Flip8 is noticeably thinner and lighter than the Flip7. Its reduced weight and slimmer profile make it more comfortable to hold and practical for a modern lifestyle.”

The Verdict: One Line of Foldables, Three Distinct Fits

Wondering which foldable best suits your needs? Dave McLeod, Tarmac Life (New Zealand) notes that there’s a device for everyone: “Whether it’s the multitasking prowess of the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, the content-friendly ratio of the Galaxy Z Fold8, the pocketable utility of the Galaxy Z Flip 8” there is a foldable that “can integrate itself deeper into (your) daily lives.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I purchase the new Galaxy Z8 devices in Australia?

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Flip8, Galaxy Watch9, Galaxy Watch Ultra2 are now available to order in Australia, with pricing and colour options listed below:

What’s different between the Galaxy Z Fold8 and the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra?

The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold8 are built for different user needs.

The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra would appeal to those prioritising productivity. For example, users can use Multi Window for seamless side-by-side experiences on its large 8-inch main display[6]. It also comes equipped with a 5,000 mAh battery[4] to power through the day.

Meanwhile, the Galaxy Z Fold8 is optimized for content consumption. With a 4:3 ratio when unfolded, it delivers more immersive content and viewing experiences. Its 4,800 mAh battery[7] also enables it to handle AI tasks and content streaming for extended durations.

Can I transfer my data from another phone to a Galaxy Z8 series device?

Yes. With the updated Smart Switch[8], iOS users scan a QR code and transfer data wirelessly — including passwords, passkeys, call history, accessibility settings and eSIM data — without downloading additional apps

[1] Typical value tested under third-party laboratory condition. Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Rated capacity is 4854 mAh for Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra.

[2] Super Fast charger sold separately.

[3] Results may vary depending on light condition and/or shooting conditions including multiple subjects, being out of focus or moving subjects.

[4] Compared to previous Galaxy Z Fold models, including Z Fold and Z Fold Ultra models. The H8 measures 210g in weight.

[5] Compared to previous Galaxy Z Flip models. Galaxy Z Flip8 measures 13.1mm when folded and 6.1mm when unfolded. Thickness measured from top to bottom of the glass at the thinnest point. The Z Flip8 measures 180g in weight and the Z Flip7 measures 188g.

[6] Measured diagonally, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra’s Cover Screen size is 6.5” in the full rectangle and 6.5” accounting for the rounded corners. The Main Screen size is 8.0” in the full rectangle and 8.0” accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is smaller due to the rounded corners and camera hole.

[7] Typical value tested under third-party laboratory condition. Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Rated capacity is 4660 mAh for Galaxy Z Fold8.

[8] Transferable data may vary depending on the device OS (Android or iOS), OS version and connection method. Data transfer from an iOS device to a Galaxy device using the upgraded method is available on devices running Android 17 or later and iOS 26.6 or later in regions outside mainland China

Combining refined hardware with powerful AI capabilities, the new Galaxy Z series delivers an advanced camera experience across professional-quality landscapes, dynamic video, and expressive selfies.

Fresh from Galaxy Unpacked July 2026, Samsung Australia Newsroom took all three devices across London to put their cameras to the test.

Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra: Brilliant Detail, Day and Night

The journey began in Westminster. The Palace of Westminster, with Big Ben rising above it, sits along the River Thames, while the London Eye stands across the water on the South Bank — a view that brings together London’s past and present.

Shot with Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Big Ben and the surrounding cityscape came through in crisp detail.

(From top to bottom) Photo taken with Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra and a cropped zoom of Big Ben enlarged by more than 10x

Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra’s 200MP main camera brings distant subjects into sharp focus. A new high dynamic range (HDR) capability in 200MP mode delivers richer colours and finer detail1. Zooming in reveals Big Ben’s intricate stonework and even the Latin inscription beneath the clock face, demonstrating Ultra-level clarity down to the smallest details.

Photo taken with the 200MP camera from the London Eye on Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra

At 135 meters tall, the London Eye is difficult to fit into a single frame from up close. The Galaxy Z Fold series’ first 50MP ultra-wide camera makes it possible to capture the towering landmark, ticket office, and nearby visitors in a single shot.

(From left) Photos taken with the 1x camera and 50MP ultra-wide camera on Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra

After sunset, London took on a different character. At Tower Bridge, enhanced Nightography[1] reduced noise in low light while preserving the illuminated bridge and texture of the flowing river in vivid detail.

Tower Bridge captured with enhanced Nightography

Photo taken with Nightography

Galaxy Z Fold8: Ready for Moments in Motion

Some travel moments are worth seeing from both sides of the camera. As Tower Bridge slowly lifted, Dual Recording captured the bridge in motion and the reactions of those watching in a single video.

Dual Recording

Dual Recording uses the rear and front cameras simultaneously, with real-time previews on the expansive main display for easy framing. The two perspectives are combined into a single split-screen video, making the feature ideal for vlog-style content that captures both the moment and the reaction.

Video recorded with Dual Recording

Away from the busy tourist hotspots, the journey continued to St. James’s Park. Filming one of the park’s resident pelicans proved challenging, as it moved quickly across the frame. For fast-moving action like this, Super Steady[2] came in handy.

Users can capture stable footage in high-motion situations.

Even as the phone moved sharply from side to side to follow the pelican, Super Steady with Horizontal Lock kept the footage level.

Video recorded using Super Steady with Horizontal Lock

Users can edit content on Galaxy Z Fold8’s large 7.6-inch main display.[3]

Galaxy Z Fold8’s expansive 4:3 main display makes it easy to review clips, edit them to the desired aspect ratio, and share them with friends. From shooting to viewing and editing, the creative process flows seamlessly on one device.

Galaxy Z Flip8: Freedom From Every Shot

Galaxy Z Flip8 brings more fun and flexibility to travel photography. With Flex Mode[4], users can position the phone for hands-free shots from multiple angles — without help from others.

Flex Mode on Galaxy Z Flip8

Galaxy Z Flip8, the thinnest and lightest Galaxy Z Flip yet[5], fits comfortably in one hand. FlexWindow on the cover screen provides a real-time preview, making it easier to frame selfies.

Equipped with a 50MP wide-angle camera and AI-powered ProVisual Engine, Galaxy Z Flip8 captures high-quality selfies in fine detail, down to individual strands of hair.[1]

Galaxy Z Flip8’s improved AI Bokeh feature naturally separates subjects from the background for portraits with greater depth.

The journey ended aboard one of London’s iconic double-decker buses. Folded halfway, Galaxy Z Flip8’s Camcorder Grip[6] made the device comfortable to hold like a camcorder while recording on the move.

Camcorder Grip

Zoom Rocker with Camcorder Grip[6] provides precise control over zoom speed for smooth, natural zoom-ins.

Camcorder Grip with Zoom Rocker

Exploring London with the latest Galaxy Z series revealed new ways to see — and remember — the city through each device.

With Galaxy cameras, Samsung will continue to help users capture the moments that matter and preserve those memories for years to come.

[1] Results may vary depending on light condition and/or shooting conditions including multiple subjects, being out of focus or moving subjects.

[2] Super Steady results may vary depending on editing method and/or shooting conditions.

[3] Measured diagonally, H8’s Main Screen size is 7.6” in the full rectangle and 7.6” accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners.

[4] Flex Mode supported at angles between 75°and 115°. Some apps may not be supported in Flex Mode.

[5] Compared to previous Galaxy Z Flip models. Galaxy Z Flip8 measures 13.1mm when folded and 6.1mm when unfolded. Thickness measured from top to bottom of the glass at the thinnest point. The Z Flip8 measures 180g in weight and the Z Flip7 measures 188g.

[6] Zoom control feature is available in FlexMode using video recording with the rear camera. FlexMode supported at angles between 75˚ and 115˚.

Smart Switch is Samsung’s data transfer app[1] that allows users to move contacts, photos, videos, messages, apps, settings and more from an Android or iOS device to a new Galaxy device. With One UI 9 on the new eighth-generation Galaxy Z series, Smart Switch makes switching devices easier and more seamless than before. Quick Share has also been enhanced, making it easier to share files with friends, family and colleagues using different platforms.

Start Switching With Just a QR Code

With One UI 9, users no longer need to install the Smart Switch app separately on their iOS device. By simply scanning the QR code displayed on their new Galaxy, they can start transferring data through Smart Switch.

The updated Smart Switch also makes it easier to connect wirelessly. The two devices can connect without users needing to find the right cable or adapter before getting their new phone set up.

Bring More of Your Phone With You

With One UI 9, Smart Switch has expanded the types of data that can move from iOS devices to Galaxy. In addition to previously supported data such as photos, messages, contacts, calendars and apps, users can also transfer passwords and passkeys, call history, accessibility settings and eSIM information.

These may be less visible than a photo library, but they can make a big difference to how quickly a new device feels ready to use. A saved password means one less account to set up again. Bringing over accessibility settings can reduce the need to recreate a personalised experience. eSIM information can also be transferred, making it easier to continue using an existing mobile setup.

Make Galaxy Feel More Familiar

Whether switching to Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8 or Galaxy Z Flip8, users can make their new device feel familiar from the start. Beyond transferring data, they can adjust key settings such as Swipe gestures and Home screen layout to suit the way they use their phone. With the UI customisation app Good Lock, users can also personalise the Home screen, app switching and more, giving them greater freedom to use Galaxy in the way that works best for them.

For those switching from iOS to Galaxy, these options can help recreate familiar ways of navigating and organising their previous smartphone, reducing the adjustment that can come with moving to a new environment. This helps users settle into their new Galaxy more comfortably and naturally from the start.

Keep Sharing After the Switch

Changing smartphones does not mean everyone around a user changes theirs too.

Friends, family and colleagues may continue using different devices, which makes cross-platform sharing an important part of the experience long after setup is finished. Devices running One UI 9 and One UI 8.5 can benefit from an enhanced cross-device sharing experience[2] with Quick Share. With AirDrop[3] compatibility, Quick Share makes it easier to share files between Galaxy and iOS devices.

Choosing a new smartphone should come down to the experience people want next. By simplifying how the switch begins, expanding what can move across and making it easier to keep sharing afterward, Samsung is reducing more of the practical barriers between smartphone ecosystems.

The result is a simpler way to move to Galaxy, while bringing more of what already matters along for the journey.

[1] Transferable data may vary depending on the device OS (Android or iOS), OS version and connection method. Data transfer from an iOS device to a Galaxy device using the upgraded method is available on devices running Android 17 or later and iOS 26.6 or later in regions outside mainland China

[2] The “Share with iOS devices” feature is currently supported first on select flagship models, including the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8, Galaxy Z Flip8 and Galaxy S26, with support planned to expand to more models in the future.

[3] AirDrop is a registered trademark of Apple Inc