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 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 the 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 detail. 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.

Galaxy Z Fold8’s expansive 4:3 main display[3] 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, 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, 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.

▲ 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 made the device comfortable to hold like a camcorder while recording on the move.

▲ Camcorder Grip

Zoom Rocker with Camcorder Grip 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, Galaxy Z Fold8’s Cover Screen size is 5.5” in the full rectangle and 5.4” accounting for the rounded corners. The Main Screen size is 7.6” in the full rectangle and 7.6” accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is smaller due to the rounded corners and camera hole.

Built on decades of expertise in mobile engineering, hardware design and product craftsmanship, intelligent eyewear combines true wearability with mobile AI experiences and seamless connectivity within the Galaxy ecosystem.

Samsung Newsroom spoke with James Choi, Executive Vice President and Head of XR R&D Team, Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics, to learn about the development of intelligent eyewear, the engineering behind its design and Samsung’s long-term vision for the AI glasses category.

▲ James Choi

Q. Why is Samsung introducing intelligent eyewear now and why does it believe AI glasses will become the next interface for mobile AI?

AI glasses will only become mainstream if people genuinely want to wear them every day. Achieving this level of wearability requires more than advanced AI — it also demands deep engineering expertise, mobile technologies and an understanding of how people use technology in their daily lives. Drawing on decades of mobile leadership, Samsung is well positioned to bring these elements together and help move the category forward.

AI glasses understand what users see, hear and experience around them and enable more natural, contextual and seamless interactions, bringing AI closer to the moments that matter in everyday life. Our goal is not to replace the mobile phone but to create AI glasses that help people use their phones less, while getting more value from the mobile experiences they rely on. Samsung is laying the foundation for this vision through new intelligent eyewear, extending mobile AI beyond the screen.

Q. What are the biggest engineering priorities when developing AI glasses?

The journey began with Galaxy XR. Through our experience developing it, we learned how to design technology that people can comfortably wear on their faces. We applied those insights to intelligent eyewear, focusing every engineering decision on comfort, fit and everyday use.

Wearability isn’t simply a design challenge — it’s an engineering one. When it comes to eyewear, even a tenth of a millimeter matters. That is why we took a holistic approach, carefully considering weight, materials, thermal management and battery efficiency.

Designed to be slim and light, intelligent eyewear incorporates patented slim hinges, advanced thin-wall molding, lightweight materials and optimized hardware components. Its hinge structure prevents corrosion and withstands the demands of everyday wear, while the patented temple architecture improves structural rigidity. Thermal graphite material on the left side of the glasses also helps prevent heat generated by the AP (Application Processor) from transferring to the user’s face.

Because every face is different, we used computational design and worked closely with our eyewear partners to refine the fit across key contact points including the forehead, cheekbones and behind the ears. We also balanced the weight across both sides of the frame, so users can barely notice any difference.

Samsung has filed around 200 patent applications in this category, reflecting its long-term investment in intelligent eyewear. Ultimately, all that engineering is designed to disappear into the experience, making the glasses feel as natural as an ordinary pair.

▲ Intelligent eyewear was introduced at Galaxy Unpacked 2026.

Q. How did you ensure intelligent eyewear was resilient enough for everyday use?

Users expect Samsung-quality products, regardless of form factor. We applied the manufacturing expertise and rigorous verification standards developed over decades of Galaxy device innovation, while introducing additional testing tailored to intelligent eyewear.

Because it is worn directly on the face, intelligent eyewear had to meet the standards of both mobile devices and eyewear — and go beyond them. It underwent extensive durability, environmental and safety testing, including exposure to high temperatures, humidity, sunscreen, cosmetics and sweat, as well as folding and hinge expansion tests.

Despite the extensive engineering packed into its slim and lightweight design, intelligent eyewear delivers uncompromising performance, including strong battery life. Through hardware and software optimization, intelligent eyewear provides up to nine hours of active use on a single charge[2], even during demanding experiences such as Gemini[3] and video recording. The charging case enables more than seven full recharges for extended multi-day use.

Q. Why do you see intelligent eyewear as a new entry point for mobile AI?

Intelligent eyewear introduces a more natural and intuitive way to experience mobile AI. Its ability to understand what users see, hear and experience around them enables more personalized, contextual support in the moment.

With a high-quality camera, microphones and speakers integrated into its frame, intelligent eyewear responds through natural conversation, while reducing the need for users to stop and reach for a phone.

From real-time guidance and live translation to line-of-sight capture and context-aware assistance, these experiences are designed to help users access mobile AI while staying present in what they are doing.[4]

Q. How does intelligent eyewear fit within the broader Galaxy ecosystem?

Intelligent eyewear is designed to work as a companion device to Galaxy phones and other Galaxy wearables, extending mobile AI beyond the screen through more personalized experiences. Users can access apps and services they already rely on — from Samsung and Google apps to third-party content — through a natural, hands-free interface.

For example, they can start recording hands-free with intelligent eyewear, preview what they have captured on Now Bar and then access it in Galaxy Gallery on their phone.[5] Through split computing, processing is distributed between intelligent eyewear and the connected Galaxy phone, helping optimize performance.

Intelligent eyewear also works with Galaxy Watch and Galaxy Buds. Users can manage the device directly from their wrist through the Galaxy Watch screen or with intuitive gestures.[6] When Galaxy Buds are connected, they can switch audio without interrupting the experience.

Q. How did you integrate privacy and trust into the design of intelligent eyewear?

As AI becomes more personal and integrated into everyday life, trust becomes even more important. That’s why privacy was built into intelligent eyewear from the beginning, with safeguards designed to protect users and those around them.

A bystander-facing LED indicator and an inner LED clearly show when recording is active. Wear detection automatically disables recording when the glasses are removed, while a thwart detection feature disables recording if the external LED indicator is blocked.

Users can also manage privacy and personalization settings through connected Galaxy phones.  Their audio, video and screen-sharing data are not used to train AI models.

Samsung will continue to enhance its privacy features to give users greater transparency and control.

Q. What does intelligent eyewear represent for Samsung’s long-term vision?

Samsung has a long history of helping define new product categories — including foldables — and setting the standards consumers have come to expect from them. Intelligent eyewear is the next step in its vision to make AI more wearable, personal and seamlessly integrated into everyday life, but it is still only the beginning. With this first generation, Samsung aims to establish a new best-in-class benchmark for the emerging category and continue advancing it with each generation.

[1] Availability may vary depending on market. All functionalities, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, components, performance, availability and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice.

[2] Battery life varies by network environment, features and apps used, device settings, the number of times charged, and many other factors.

[3] Google is a trademark of Google LLC.

[4] Feature availability may require a network connection, compatible Galaxy device or supported app. Translation and navigation-related experiences may vary by language, region, app, service provider and network environment. Contextual and history-based experiences may require user permission, supported apps and compatible services.

[5] Live visual sharing and recording features may vary by app, service, market and applicable laws or consent requirements.

[6] Gesture interactions are only provided through Galaxy Watch9.

The Galaxy Watch Ultra2 is built for precise workout tracking and structured training in demanding environments. And the Galaxy Watch9 is designed for everyday health management spanning sleep, cardiovascular health, exercise and recovery.

▲ (From left) Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9

Galaxy Watch Ultra2: Adventure Without Limits

Combining top-tier performance with exceptional reliability, Galaxy Watch Ultra2 is optimized for high-intensity sports and outdoor activities.

Galaxy Watch Ultra2 is the first Galaxy Watch powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon® Wear Elite Platform[1], delivering fast performance and precise GPS tracking. Its 800mAh battery offers 35% more capacity[2] than the previous generations. The display reaches up to 5,000 nits of brightness — a first for a smartwatch — making on-screen information easy to read even under bright lighting.

▲ Galaxy Watch Ultra2 is available in a 47-millimeter size.

Comfort has also improved. The cushion design seamlessly integrates the display, bezel and body. Despite its larger battery, the watch is 12% thinner than the previous generation thanks to component optimization and an internal redesign. The band is also 26% lighter with a new air pocket structure, providing a secure yet comfortable fit.

▲ A slim profile provides lasting comfort.

Trail Run[3], a new feature exclusive to Galaxy Watch Ultra2, offers real-time insights including detailed elevation data, climbing progress and cumulative ascent and descent distance. With this information, users can gauge workout intensity and adjust their pace accordingly.

▲ Trail Run

Galaxy Watch Ultra2’s capabilities now extend beneath the surface. From the moment users enter the water, it automatically records depth, dive time and water temperature. Backed by EN13319 certification for diving instruments, along with 10ATM water resistance and an IP69K rating for dust and water resistance[4], the device is engineered to support safe underwater activities. Furthermore, in collaboration with global diving equipment brand Mares, Galaxy Watch Ultra2 will support advanced diving features — including real-time ascent and descent rates as well as safety decompression time.[5]

During workouts, users can take advantage of hydration guidance, newly added to Nutrition Alert. Based on sweat loss relative to body weight, it calculates recommended fluid intake in real time to help users stay hydrated during extended exercise sessions.

▲ Hydration guidance

Galaxy Watch9: A Companion for Everyday Health

Galaxy Watch9 is designed to be an everyday companion for continuous health management. Compared to the previous generation, its slimmer body and band with a new air pocket structure fit comfortably and securely around the wrist, making it ideal for all-day wear — from workouts to sleep.

Powered by the Snapdragon Wear Elite platform, Galaxy Watch9 features a 390mAh battery[6] with 20% more capacity than the previous generations to support fast performance and consistent health monitoring throughout the day.

▲ (From left) Galaxy Watch9 comes in 40- and 44-millimeter sizes.

The Galaxy Watch series’ digital health experience is centered around the updated Samsung Health app, an all-in-one health coach that brings together five core pillars — Activity, Mindfulness, Nutrition, Sleep and Vitals — in one place. By capturing signals from the body and presenting them at a glance, the app helps users stay ahead of their health.

Sleep is the foundation of health management. The upgraded Sleep Apnea[7] feature analyzes the number of breathing disruptions per hour using an AI algorithm and categorizes them into three levels.

▲ Sleep insights

Key health metrics measured during sleep can be viewed at a glance in Vitals[8]. Using heart rate, heart rate variability, respiratory rate, skin temperature, blood oxygen saturation, Galaxy Watch9 establishes a personalized baseline to help identify meaningful changes in health.

Heart Health Score[9] provides an easy-to-understand snapshot of cardiovascular health by combining factors such as activity level, sleep, body composition and stress trends into a single score representing the user’s current condition.

Workout plans can also be tailored to fitness levels. Fitness Index [10]uses body composition and workout history to assess whether a user’s current exercise volume is appropriate, helping set individualized goals. On days with more intensive workouts, Daily Cardio Load[11] helps users assess training balance and determine how much recovery time they need.

▲ Heart Health Score

Galaxy Watch Ultra2 excels in high-intensity training, while Galaxy Watch9 supports everyday health management. Together with enhanced hardware and Samsung Health, the next-generation Galaxy Watch series delivers a smarter, more personalized health experience.

[1] Snapdragon and Snapdragon Wear Elite Platform branded products are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. Snapdragon is a trademark or registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated.

[2] Battery life is based on results from internal lab tests for typical usage pattern scenarios conducted by Samsung. Actual battery life may vary depending on different usage patterns, device model or the battery manufacturer. 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. Typical capacity is 800 mAh (35 % increase compared to previous Galaxy Watch Ultra). Actual battery life may vary depending on network environment, usage patterns and other factors.

[3] Trail run on Galaxy Watch Ultra2 is available on Android phones (Android 13 or above) and requires the Samsung Health app (v7.0 or above). Samsung account login required. Service only available with Galaxy Watch Ultra2.

[4] Galaxy Watch Ultra2 has a water resistance rating of 100 meters according to the ISO22810 standard. The test was conducted in 5 % salt water and 4 ppm chlorine water. Galaxy Watch Ultra2 is also water resistant with an IPX8 rating based on the lab test conditions for submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes and an IPX9K rating based on the lab test conditions for water resistance against powerful water jets. Galaxy Watch Ultra2 has obtained EN13319, which is a standard applicable to instruments measuring water depth by the environmental pressure as used by divers and also the dive time in certain condition. Water resistance is not a permanent condition and can diminish over time. If it’s been exposed to seawater, rinse it in freshwater and dry after use. Refer to the user manual for further information, including care/use instructions. Galaxy Watch Ultra2 is dust resistant with an IP6X rating based on the lab test conditions by a third party: 2 kg of talc powder (max. diameter of 0.05 mm) per cubic meter was blown into a test chamber housing the device (air pressure within device kept below surrounding air) for 2 hours. Dust resistance may vary by actual usage conditions. Galaxy Watch Ultra2 withstands temperatures ranging from -20°C to 55°C while being worn on the wrist, based on results from internal lab tests conducted by Samsung. Actual performance may vary depending on the environment where it is used. In very high or low temperatures, charging may be blocked, certain functions may be automatically terminated or unavailable, or the watch may shut down automatically for safety. Additionally, battery performance can be adversely affected at low temperatures.

[5] Available later this year with a separate app download required.

[6] Typical capacity is 390 mAh (20 % increase compared to previous Galaxy Watch8 40 mm) for 40 mm size, 445 mAh (10 mAh increase compared to previous Galaxy Watch8 44 mm) for 44 mm size. Battery life is based on results from internal lab tests for typical usage pattern scenarios conducted by Samsung. Actual battery life may vary depending on different usage patterns, device models or the battery manufacturer.

[7] The Sleep Apnea is available on Android phones (Android 13 or above). The Sleep Apnea Feature is an over-the-counter (OTC) software-only, mobile medical application operating on a compatible Samsung Galaxy Watch and Phone. It is intended for on-demand use, to detect signs of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in the form of significant breathing disruptions over a two-night monitoring period. Not intended for use by people under 22 years or, or who have previously been diagnosed with sleep apnea, are pregnant, or have any of the following conditions: Parkinson’s, tremor, Periodic Leg Movement During Sleep, congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or pulmonary fibrosis. Users should not interpret or take clinical action based on the device output without consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Not intended to replace traditional methods of diagnosis or treatment, and the data provided by this feature is not intended to assist clinicians in diagnosing sleep disorders. Results displayed are for informational purposes only. Please consult a medical professional for advice. UI may vary depending on the software version, country, or region. For full terms and conditions of use, please refer to the Instructions for Use on your device.

[8] Vitals on Galaxy Watch9 is available on Android phones (Android 13 or above) and requires the Samsung Health app v7.0 or above. Samsung account login required. Vitals requires at least 7 nights of sleep data, and wearing a Galaxy Watch during sleep is necessary. Vitals is for wellness only, not for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. If you’re concerned about your health, be sure to see a medical professional.

[9] Heart Health Score on Galaxy Watch9 is available on Android phones (Android 13 or above) and requires the Samsung Health app v7.0 or above. Samsung account login required. To calculate Heart Health Score, data on related lifestyle factors — including sleep time, BMI, vascular load and moderate to vigorous activity time — must be collected. Heart Health Score is for fitness and wellness only. If you’ve been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease or are recovering from surgery, be sure to follow your healthcare professional’s treatment plan.

[10] Fitness Index on Galaxy Watch9 is available on Android phones (Android 13 or above) and requires the Samsung Health app v7.0 or above. Samsung account login required. To use the feature, BIA and VO2Max each need to be measured at least once, along with 2 days of activity records and step count data.

[11] Daily Cardio Load on Galaxy Watch9 is available on Android phones (Android 13 or above) and requires the Samsung Health app v7.0 or above. Samsung account login required. To use the feature, at least 7 days of activity records are required, while 28 days of continuous wear is recommended for optimal accuracy. Please note that values may increase in daily situations where heart rate rises, such as during tension, anxiety or stress.