Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold8 has earned a ‘Best Buy’ endorsement from Which?, with the consumer champion describing it as “an outstanding foldable phone” and saying it delivers a “truly premium experience in almost every way”. Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra and Galaxy Z Flip8 have also received Which? ‘Best Buy’ recognition, marking a clean sweep for Samsung’s latest generation of foldables.

Which?, the UK’s largest independent consumer champion, puts smartphones through rigorous independent laboratory testing across areas including battery life, camera quality, display, ease of use, speed, audio quality and durability.

Following its testing of Galaxy Z Fold8, Which? praised its “radically redesigned body”, tablet-like inner-screen experience and battery life. Its testing found that the device lasted 40 hours on a full charge with the screen at maximum brightness, while a 15-minute charge provided enough power for approximately 17-19 hours of use.

Which? concluded that Galaxy Z Fold8 is a “truly premium experience in almost every way – from its luxurious screen to battery life, camera quality, performance and more”, giving it a ‘Best Buy’ endorsement and answering the question of whether consumers should buy it with a definitive “Definitely.”

Which? also gave Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra and Galaxy Z Flip8 a ‘Best Buy’ endorsement, recognising the strengths of Samsung’s latest foldable range. Describing Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra as “a fantastic foldable phone”, Which? praised its “two gorgeous displays”, cutting-edge performance, lengthy battery life and photographic abilities. Galaxy Z Flip8 was described as “quite possibly the ultimate flip phone”, with Which? highlighting its compact clamshell design, strong performance, top-class cameras and screen.

Samsung’s latest foldable generation has already become the company’s most awarded foldable series yet, with Galaxy Z Fold8 also receiving the highest number of five-star ratings from technology media for a Galaxy foldable to date¹.

Galaxy Z Fold8, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra and Galaxy Z Flip8 are available now in the UK.

For more information on the Samsung Galaxy Z Series, please visit: www.samsung.com/uk/

1. 5 stars received by The Standard, Daily Express, The Sun, What Hi-Fi? and T3. ︎

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announces the next evolution of its partnership with football legend Thierry Henry, showcasing the latest Galaxy Z Series foldable devices. The campaign builds on strong momentum for Samsung’s foldable range, with combined European sales of the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra 50% higher than those of the Galaxy Z Fold7 over the equivalent period following launch.

The new campaign, “Welcome to Foldables”, launches across Europe through a series of films that demonstrate how each foldable device in the series adapts to different lifestyles and moments.

The campaign follows long time Samsung user, Henry through multiple chapters of his day, each showcasing how the Galaxy Z Series supports his lifestyle.

Reflecting on his career transitions – from player to manager to analyst – Henry acknowledges life can take many shapes and poses the question: what shape comes next? The three Galaxy Z series devices represent the different paths he could take, each enabling a distinct way of living.

To maximise his day, multiple versions of Henry tackle different tasks simultaneously. Thanks to the Z Fold8 Ultra’s expansive screen and advanced multi-window feature, he accomplishes everything in one powerful device. The multitasking capabilities mean he gets it all done without compromise.

When he unwinds, Henry settles in to watch football on the Z Fold8. Its immersive display makes him feel as though he’s on the sidelines, whilst its compact, passport-sized form means it fits easily into his pocket for a life on the move.

For everyday moments, the Z Flip8 delivers style and convenience – as demonstrated when Henry captures a perfectly framed selfie. Its foldable design makes it the ideal everyday companion.

Ex-Arsenal and French national player, Thierry Henry, said: “I’ve been a Samsung user for a very long time. I need products that are multipurpose, and that can keep up with me. The Galaxy Z Series does exactly that. Each device is different – for the different chapters of our lives and careers. That’s why it’s got to be Samsung.”

Benjamin Braun, CMO at Samsung Electronics Europe, added: “Thierry embodies versatility and excellence. He understands that people aren’t one-dimensional, and neither should their technology be. Our Galaxy Z Series reflects that philosophy – there’s a device for every lifestyle, every ambition, every moment.”

For more information on the Samsung Galaxy Z Series, please visit: news.samsung.com/uk

Roblox is stepping off the screen and into Samsung KX for one weekend only. Duck Duck, Pixel Quest and Warden each have their own zone, packed with gameplay, physical challenges, photo moments and giveaways.

Entry is free, with Samsung devices in every zone letting you play each game through Roblox on Galaxy Store. Plus, grab a 25% off voucher for in-game purchases at the event¹.

Jump into the Duck Duck Arena

Step inside Duck Duck, a Roblox farm brought to life. Take on colourful tag zones, ramps and hiding spots, all with a duck twist. Once you’ve made it through, give the Duck Duck Prize Wheel a spin and see what you win.

Step through the Pixel Quest Portal

Next, walk through the giant portal and into the world of Pixel Quest. Explore a supersized pixel coastline and meet its colourful characters, then play on the big screen and grab a photo. Before you go, treat yourself to a Pixel Quest cake pop.

Enter Warden’s jungle cave

Then venture into Warden’s jungle cave and create your own personalised trading card, complete with your name, chosen creature, traits and photo. Get it printed on the spot, sealed in an acrylic case with a holographic finish, and take it home.

Come down, explore all three worlds and win prizes.

Event details

• Samsung Galaxy Store Presents: Roblox In Real Life
• Saturday 10th October 2026, 11am to 7pm
• Sunday 11th October 2026, 11am to 5pm
• Samsung KX, Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross, London
• Free entry, no booking needed

1. Up to 25% off in-game purchases, only available via Samsung Galaxy Store. 1 voucher per user, first 5,000 users only. Offer valid from 10/10/2026 00:00 to 25/10/2026 23:59 (GMT). ︎

Samsung Electronics today announced the new Galaxy SmartTag3, a compact tracker that combines a smaller, lighter design with longer-range finding, cross-OS support, faster location updates through the Galaxy Find Network and expanded proactive alerts.¹

“People have long wanted a simpler and more convenient way to keep track of the belongings and pets they care about with greater peace of mind, and Galaxy SmartTag3 was designed around those everyday needs,” said Jay Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of Customer Experience Office, Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics. “Powered by the vast Galaxy Find Network, it delivers our most capable Galaxy SmartTag experience yet.”

Versatile Design, More Possibilities

Galaxy SmartTag3 introduces a compact design that is approximately 35% smaller by volume and 33% lighter than the previous generation², making it easier to attach to keys, smaller bags, luggage or a pet collar.³ Its rounded form is finished with an aluminum-decorated button for a refined, durable feel, while new official accessories including a Silicone Case with a keyring and a Loop Case offer even more flexibility.⁴

For the first time in the Galaxy SmartTag lineup, Galaxy SmartTag3 also brings cross-OS compatibility for Galaxy and iOS devices, making it easier for families and groups to access core finding and sharing features across platforms. Through SmartThings Find, users can check and share a tag’s location and use Search Nearby across supported devices.⁵ This is especially useful when a family member borrows a suitcase for a trip, allowing them to check its location and use supported finding features from their own Galaxy or iOS device.

Galaxy SmartTag3 offers industry-leading battery life, with up to 550 days under standard usage and up to 790 days in Power Saving Mode.⁶

See Further, Find Faster

When something goes missing, knowing where to start looking can make all the difference. Galaxy SmartTag3 significantly expands the range of Compass View⁷, helping users begin narrowing in on an item from further away.

Bluetooth 6.0 Channel Sounding enables Compass View to provide distance and directional guidance from up to 60 meters away, around three times further than the previous generation. As users get closer, ultra-wideband (UWB) delivers even greater precision, creating a more continuous finding experience from long range to close range. If a set of keys goes missing somewhere in a large park, Compass View can help users narrow in on its location from further away and guide them more precisely as they get closer.

When Galaxy SmartTag3 moves beyond direct connection range, the Galaxy Find Network helps keep the search going. More than 900 million participating Galaxy devices worldwide can act as finding nodes, helping detect Galaxy SmartTag3 and update its location beyond the reach of the user’s own phone.⁸ Faster Galaxy Find Network updates can surface new location information sooner after disconnection, helping reduce uncertainty when luggage or another tagged belonging is unexpectedly separated from its owner.

Stay Informed Proactively

Galaxy SmartTag3 goes beyond finding by helping users stay informed without actively searching. The new Place Notification⁹ feature adds a proactive layer, letting users define an area and receive an alert when a tagged item moves in or out of it.

Using location data from the Galaxy Find Network, Place Notification can notify users when a family pet leaves the garden or when a bicycle is detected moving out of its usual parking area. Instead of requiring users to repeatedly check a location, Galaxy SmartTag3 can surface the information when it becomes relevant.

Location History¹⁰ lets users review where their tag has been, while Movement Detection Alert¹¹ can notify them when movement is detected – making it easier and more convenient to stay informed without actively checking.¹²

Built for Everyday Privacy and Confidence

Galaxy SmartTag3 retains an IP67¹³ water and dust resistance rating alongside key Galaxy SmartTag capabilities including:

• NFC-powered Lost Mode¹⁴, which can display registered contact information or a short message when a lost tag is scanned with a compatible mobile device.
• SmartThings IoT Control, allowing users to trigger preset routines for compatible connected devices using the tag button.
• Left Behind Alert¹⁵, which can notify users when their mobile device loses connection with a tagged belonging.

Privacy and security remain central to the Galaxy SmartTag experience. Location data is encrypted to help protect user privacy.

Availability & Pricing

Samsung Galaxy SmartTag3 will be available first in Korea beginning Oct. 7, 2026, followed by the U.S., with additional markets to follow in 2027. It will be offered in White and Black. For more information, please visit samsung.com or the Samsung Newsroom.

1. Compared to the previous model. ︎
2. The reduction in weight is based on a comparison of the respective product weights. ︎
3. If the Galaxy SmartTag3 detaches from the item it is attached to, it may pose a swallowing hazard to young children and pets. Always ensure the Galaxy SmartTag3 is securely fastened before use and inspect regularly. Discontinue use immediately if the Galaxy SmartTag3 is damaged, deformed, or has detached. If swallowed, contact emergency medical services or a veterinarian immediately. ︎
4. Accessories sold separately. ︎
5. Feature availability may vary by platform. Compass View, Ring Phone and Left Behind Alert are not available on iOS. Devices compatible with the SmartThings app can be checked on the SmartThings website at https://www.samsung.com/smartthings ︎
6. Battery life, which is based on results from internal lab tests conducted by Samsung for typical usage pattern scenarios, is a simulated value of the total battery consumption measured by analysing normal usage patterns and the current required for each function with the duration of time of each function. Tested with results from a pre-release version of the device using in-box CR2032 battery. Actual battery life may vary depending on different usage patterns, environmental conditions, the replacement battery manufacturer, and other factors. When in Power Saving Mode, some of the features, such as Compass View, volume and ringtone settings and others, may become inaccessible with the exception of basic finding function which uses Bluetooth LE. ︎
7. Compass View is available on Galaxy devices running Android 12 or later that support ultra-wideband (UWB) or Bluetooth Channel Sounding. Bluetooth Channel Sounding is available only on Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8, Galaxy S26 Ultra and Galaxy S26 Plus; additional devices may be supported in the future. For Bluetooth Channel Sounding, an up-to-60 m detection range is measured under line-of-sight (LOS) conditions, with no obstacles between the transmitter and receiver. Its detection range and the accuracy of direction and distance measurements may be reduced by nearby electronic devices, walls and other physical obstructions. Availability may vary by country, region and device. ︎
8. Galaxy Find Network availability and location update timing depend on nearby participating Galaxy devices, network conditions, device settings and regional conditions. ︎
9. Place Notification feature is a trial feature. To enable the feature, go to SmartThings > Life > Find, then turn on Notify when in set place. The displayed location of Galaxy SmartTag3 may differ from its actual location depending on its surroundings. ︎
10. ‘Location history is stored for up to 7 days. Older records will automatically be deleted. ︎
11. Notify When Movement Detected feature operates only when Galaxy SmartTag3 is disconnected from the device and relies on signals detected by nearby Galaxy devices that have agreed to Offline finding. Notifications may not be triggered depending on the surroundings of Galaxy SmartTag3. ︎
12. Depending on the availability and status of nearby Galaxy devices that have agreed to Offline finding, there may be a delay in sending or receiving notifications, or notifications may not be received at all. Notifications may not be triggered depending on the surroundings of Galaxy SmartTag3. ︎
13. Consistent with IP67 rating, water resistant in up to 1 m (3.3 feet) of water for up to 30 minutes. Rinse residue / dry after wet. Not advised for beach or pool use. Water and dust resistance is not permanent and may diminish over time. ︎
14. Contact information and message must be registered beforehand on the SmartThings app to have it shown on the finder’s device on Lost Mode. The finder’s device must support NFC reading and be connected to the internet to display the pre-registered contact information upon tagging. To help protect your personal information, it is recommended that Lost Mode be turned off when it is no longer needed. ︎
15. Notify When Left Behind feature relies entirely on the connection to your device. False alerts may occur if obstacles or environmental factors disrupt the connection, even when the item is still nearby. Feature availability may vary by platform, device and market. Left Behind Alert is not available on iOS. ︎

Heart disease is the number one cause of death worldwide¹, which is why the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Heart Federation recognise Sept. 29 as World Heart Day. It is a reminder that the choices we make today can make a meaningful difference tomorrow.

These choices don’t have to be big. From choosing when to go to bed to making time for even just 30 minutes of exercise, the small choices we make every day add up to a healthier lifestyle.

The good news is that Samsung Galaxy Watch can help you make proactive prevention part of daily life. By monitoring your sleep, activity level, stress and blood pressure, Galaxy Watch helps you better understand what’s happening in your body and what steps to take to ensure your heart is doing its job well.

Understanding Your Body at a Glance: Heart Health Score

The American Heart Association recommends looking at Life’s Essential 8² as key measures for improving and maintaining cardiovascular health: diet, exercise, sleep, weight, blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and smoking cessation. But knowing what matters raises an important question: how do these factors change the choices we make every day?

Samsung Health’s Heart Health Score³ is designed to help you in this journey. It tracks and analyses complex health indicators such as sleep duration, daily activity level, body composition and vascular load⁴, converting them into a single, simple score that anyone can intuitively understand and follow.

Think about what happens if you miss your daily exercise for a few days: your Galaxy Watch recognises your moderate-to-high intensity activity level has decreased, reflects this change in a lower Heart Health Score, and makes a recommendation to go for a run. With convenient insights right from your wrist, Galaxy Watch delivers personalised insights that make it easier to recognise changes, understand your habits, and take the next step toward healthier ones.

Samsung Galaxy Watches are equipped with an advanced BioActive Sensor which integrates three precision sensors in one: an optical heart rate sensor (PPG), an electrocardiogram sensor (ECG)⁵ and a bioelectrical impedance analysis sensor (BIA).

Advanced Sensor Technology: From Measurement to Meaning

With calibration just once every four weeks using a home blood pressure monitor, you can easily check your blood pressure⁶ from your wrist anytime, anywhere. When you place your finger on the watch’s side electrode for just 30 seconds, the watch measures an electrocardiogram to detect signs of abnormal heartbeats like atrial fibrillation or ectopic beats. The Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification (IHRN)⁷ feature, which detects abnormal heart signals, monitors the user’s heart rhythm throughout the day and provides a proactive notification if abnormal signs are repeated.

Even small reminders like this have the power to save lives. In several countries, these notifications⁸ have led to early detection of risks such as atherosclerosis or myocardial infarction.

Around-the-Clock Care: How Galaxy Watch Proactively Monitors Your Health Even During Sleep

Your heart is a constant you can count on, and it works whether you’re awake or asleep. When you wear your Galaxy Watch to sleep, it analyses five major vital signs: heart rate during sleep, heart rate variability⁹, respiratory rate, skin temperature and blood oxygen saturation. These signals are compared against your personal baseline.

When you wake up, your Galaxy Watch will send a notification if it detects meaningful deviations from your baseline. By highlighting meaningful changes early, it gives you an opportunity to rest, recover or seek medical guidance before small issues become larger concerns¹⁰.

Galaxy Watch and Samsung Health give users a clear view of their sleep quality with detailed metrics and insights they can use to improve their sleep habits.

Heart to Heart: Connected Care That Adds Peace of Mind

Looking after your own heart is only one side of the story. From parents to partners, siblings to grandparents or even friends, the burden of caring for the hearts of those around you weighs heavily. Samsung Health’s Health Data Sharing¹¹ function lightens the load by sharing agreed-upon data items (number of steps, blood pressure, heart rate, medication adherence, etc.) with loved ones in real time.

You can check if your parents who live far away have completed their daily walk or taken their prescribed medication on time, just as if you were right there with them.

World Heart Day coincides with the seasonal transition when chilly winds begin to blow in the mornings and evenings. As the temperature gap between day and night widens, blood vessels constrict, sharply increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

The key to preventing heart disease lies not in reactive treatment, but in proactive habits of paying close attention to the subtle signals your body sends every day. Start managing your heart health with Galaxy Watch, a reliable health partner that stays with you around the clock.

1. Source: World Health Organization (WHO), “Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs)” Fact Sheet (July 31, 2025), “The top 10 causes of death” (Aug. 7, 2024). ︎
2. Source: American Heart Association (AHA), “Life’s Essential 8” (2022). ︎
3. Heart health tracking features are intended for general wellness and fitness purposes only. Not intended for use in detection, diagnosis, treatment of any medical condition or sleep disorder. ︎
4. Service only available with Galaxy Watch Ultra or later released Galaxy Watch Series. To measure vascular load, it is required to wear Galaxy Watch when sleeping for at least 3 days out of recent 14 days. ︎
5. Electrocardiogram (ECG) feature records and analyses subtle electrical signals of the heart when the user places a finger on Galaxy Watch’s top button for about 30 seconds, detecting atrial fibrillation (irregular and rapid quivering) and ectopic beats (premature irregular beats). Requires a Galaxy smartphone running Android 12 or above. Not intended for use by people under 22 years old. Users should not interpret or take clinical action based on the device output without consultation of a qualified healthcare professional. ︎
6. Blood Pressure feature measures systolic and diastolic blood pressure by analysing pulse waveforms with Galaxy Watch’s optical (PPG) sensor. An initial measurement using a separate cuff-type blood pressure monitor is required, and recalibration is needed every 4 weeks (28 days). Requires a Galaxy smartphone running Android 12 or above. Not intended for use by people under 22 years old. Users should not interpret or take clinical action based on the device output without consultation of a qualified healthcare professional. ︎
7. Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification (IHRN) feature detects irregular patterns that may indicate atrial fibrillation through pulse monitoring and provides an early alert. ︎
8. Source: “When Every Second Counts: Galaxy Watch Series Health Features Help Save Lives,” Samsung Newsroom. ︎
9. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) feature analyses minute-to-minute variations in the intervals between heartbeats to show autonomic nervous system balance. It is automatically recorded during sleep and resting states. ︎
10. Heart Health Score and Vitals features are supported on the Samsung Health app (version 7.0 or higher). ︎
11. Health Data Sharing feature requires user consent, and users can independently choose which health data to share (including steps, workouts, sleep, weight, body composition, food intake, heart rate, stress, blood pressure, blood glucose, medication and vital signs). ︎

You can expect two days of Cloud Gaming action, where you can jump behind the wheel, experience the thrill of Asphalt Legends and put your racing skills to the test, against fellow players and even a pro.

Take on high-speed challenges, compete against other players in live competitions and discover how easy it is to jump straight into the action with Samsung Gaming Hub.

Whether you’re a seasoned racer or just fancy giving it a go, come down, grab a device and get racing.

26^th September 2026 – 11am-7pm / 27^th September – 11am -5pm

For more information, check out the Gaming Hub app on all Samsung devices to jump into Cloud Gaming. No download, no wait, just play.

Samsung KX – Welcome to Samsung King’s Cross London | Samsung KX | Samsung UK

A sharply defined subject against a softly blurred background creates a sense of depth long associated with professional camera lenses. Researchers have continued to explore ways to achieve this effect in smartphone video.

With the Galaxy Z series, Portrait Video recreates the distinctive depth and Bokeh¹ of a large-aperture lens.² To make this possible, Samsung Research analysed the optical characteristics of actual camera lenses and developed AI-powered video processing technology, while the MX Business optimised it for the device.

Samsung Newsroom spoke with YoungGeol Kim of the Visual Technology Team at Samsung Research and Sang-uk Park, responsible for camera development at the Mobile eXperience (MX) Business, about how Portrait Video evolved from a research concept into a Galaxy camera feature.

A New Level of Depth in Portrait Video

Q. What is Portrait Video? What has changed with the latest Galaxy Z series?

Park: Portrait Video keeps the main subject in focus while softly blurring the background, creating a cinematic look that makes the subject stand out.

On the Galaxy Z series, the degree of blur changes naturally based on the distance between the subject and background. Small background lights appear as soft, rounded Bokeh, much as they would through a large-aperture lens. This allows users to draw attention to the subject and capture videos with greater depth and atmosphere using just a smartphone, without the need for separate professional equipment.

Users can also shift the focus to a different subject or adjust the blur level after filming.

Q. What inspired the technology behind Portrait Video?

Kim: Photography has been my hobby for 25 years. That passion led me to camera technology research and development and sparked a lasting interest in the unique visual character of lenses.

As smartphone cameras advanced rapidly, photography benefited from a range of new features and improvements in image quality. Video evolved quickly as well, but I saw further potential in recreating the depth and background rendering of professional camera lenses. We proposed the idea during the research stage, just as the MX Business was exploring ways to help users create professional-looking videos more easily, paving the way for joint development.

Q. How did the teams collaborate to turn Portrait Video into a camera feature?

Kim: Existing solutions alone weren’t enough to achieve the natural lens rendering we wanted. At the time, Samsung Research’s technology was still in the research stage, so applying it to a product was not an easy decision. Even so, the MX Business recognised its potential and decided to commercialise it.

From there, full-scale testing and refinement began. We evaluated the technology on actual devices and exchanged feedback, turning it into a camera feature for users.

Park: To prepare the feature for real-world use, we had to shoot countless videos under a wide range of conditions and validate the results. Since the feature is centered on people, experts from both teams even served as models and filmed one another. We focused particularly on how naturally subjects were separated from their backgrounds and whether the blur and Bokeh looked right at different distances.

As we filmed each other, reviewed the results together and continued our discussions, what I remember most is how noticeably the results improved.

Large-Aperture Lens Rendering on Smartphones

Q. What is the key technology that takes Portrait Video to the next level?

Kim: The key is technology that recreates the distinctive look of large-aperture professional camera lenses in smartphone video. We used AI and optical analysis to make this possible.

Simply blurring an image is not enough to reproduce the depth and natural background rendering of a professional camera. Conventional blur softens an image by blending surrounding colors, but a large-aperture lens works differently. The degree of blur changes naturally based on the distance between the subject and background, while bright points of light spread into Bokeh that retain their shape and brightness. The shapes and textures of these out-of-focus areas are known as bokeh.

This requires accounting for both subject-to-background distance and how light spreads through an actual camera lens.

Recreating this effect on a smartphone required two elements. First, we analysed how light spreads through a real large-aperture lens and the resulting bokeh characteristics, then converted the results into data. We combined this with AI-estimated distance information for the scene, allowing the system to adjust the degree of blur and bokeh size based on the distance between the subject and background.

Q. What technical challenges did the teams face when creating blur and bokeh on smartphones?

Kim: The biggest challenge was naturally rendering complex boundaries between the subject and background, such as hair or eyeglass frames. On smartphones, AI-estimated distance information alone isn’t sufficient to accurately distinguish fine boundaries. Even a small error can blur strands of hair or leave parts of the background sharp, making the subject look unnaturally cut out.

To address this, we combined AI-estimated distance information with boundary information from the original footage, allowing for natural separation between the subject and background even around fine details such as hair.

Park: Maintaining consistent results across different shooting conditions — including weather, lighting, subject movement, and distance — was crucial. We repeatedly filmed under a wide range of conditions and reviewed the results, improving unnatural elements through software optimisation and additional AI training data. Building on Samsung Research’s technology, image quality experts from the MX Business also evaluated the results from a user perspective, further refining the feature.

Q. What did it take to make this complex video processing reliable and ready for use on the Galaxy Z series?

Kim: The biggest hurdle was reducing power consumption and heat generation without compromising quality. Video is a rapid sequence of images, so processing 4K video in real time requires significant computation.

That meant we had to prioritise. We preserved the processing essential to image quality while reducing computation in areas where users were unlikely to notice a difference.

As a result, we struck a balance between natural lens rendering and real-time processing, ensuring stable, efficient performance even during extended recording.

More Freedom in Video Creation

Q. What are some tips to help users get the most out of Portrait Video?

Kim: To make bokeh stand out, look for scenes with bright light sources against a relatively dark background. Sunlight sparkling through leaves, Christmas lights, or streetlights at night can spread softly into circular Bokeh, creating a more atmospheric look.

When filming a person, it’s best to avoid strong light from the front. Instead, position the light source behind or to the side of the subject. This can softly illuminate the subject’s hair and contours while making the background Bokeh more prominent. Reflected light or ambient sources like streetlights can help keep the face from getting too dark for a more balanced result.

Q. What reaction would you most like to hear from people who have tried Portrait Video?

Park: I’d like users, creators, and video professionals to be surprised by how easy it is to create cinematic video on a smartphone. I hope the natural blur, Bokeh, and post-capture editing features give them greater freedom to achieve the look and feel they want.

Kim: Ultimately, I hope people feel they no longer need to carry a separate professional camera. We will continue advancing the underlying technologies so they can create cinematic videos with just a smartphone.

Bringing the cinematic shallow depth of field and light rendering of professional camera lenses to smartphone video required extensive testing and collaboration to turn a research concept into a reliable product feature. Developed through the combined expertise of Samsung Research and the MX Business, Portrait Video expands the Galaxy video experience, giving users more ways to realise their creative vision.

1. The shape and texture of blur in out-of-focus areas, often seen when small points of light appear as circular highlights. ︎
2. A lens with an aperture that can open wide to let in more light, making it well suited for keeping the subject sharp while softly blurring the background and rendering bokeh highlights. ︎

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to smartphones. Some people want a device that slips easily into a pocket and is always ready to capture content. Others want a bigger screen for streaming, gaming and reading, while for some, their smartphone has become an essential productivity tool.

As the ways people use their smartphones continue to evolve, so too has Samsung’s foldable line-up. Now in its eighth generation, the Galaxy Z8 Series offers three distinct foldable experiences, giving consumers more choice over the form factor and features that best suit the way they use their device.

The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Flip8 each take a different approach to the foldable experience, spanning productivity, entertainment, portability and content creation. While each has its own focus, all three bring together Samsung’s latest foldable design, durability and Galaxy AI experiences.

So, which Galaxy Z8 foldable is right for you?

To make that choice a little easier, Samsung has created a new visual guide that matches different smartphone habits and priorities with the Galaxy Z8 device designed around them.

For the serious multitasker: Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra

For those who expect their smartphone to keep up with a demanding day, the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra puts productivity and performance front and center.

Its 8-inch foldable display provides space to work across multiple tasks, supporting up to three apps running simultaneously. Combined with AI-powered multitasking, a powerful camera, and a 5,000mAh battery¹, it is designed for users who want to get more done from a single device.

Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy², the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra brings together a large-screen foldable experience and the performance to match.

For the entertainment lover: Galaxy Z Fold8

If your phone is as much about switching off as switching on, the Galaxy Z Fold8 puts the viewing experience at the heart of its design.

A new 4:3 display³ format is designed for streaming, gaming and reading, creating more room for the entertainment people already enjoy on their smartphones. It’s 4,800mAh⁴ battery enables more than 26 hours of video playback, helping keep that experience going for longer.

Plus, a bigger screen doesn’t have to mean a heavier device. At 201g, the Galaxy Z Fold8 is the lightest Galaxy Z Fold to date⁵, combining an expansive foldable display with a design made for everyday use.

For the content creator: Galaxy Z Flip8

For those whose camera roll is never far from full, the Galaxy Z Flip8 combines portability with features designed around capturing and creating content.

Weighing 180g and measuring just 6.1mm when unfolded, its compact form factor makes it easy to carry throughout the day. Enhanced high-resolution selfie capabilities and Samsung’s signature Camcorder Grip, exclusive to the Galaxy Z Flip Series, allow for stable one-handed shooting, while an upgraded cover screen provides quick access to key features.

Its distinctive form factor also gives users different ways to capture photos and video without needing a traditional smartphone set-up, putting content creation at the center of the Flip experience.

Eight generations of foldable choice

Across eight generations of foldable smartphones, Samsung has continued to refine the foldable experience across display, durability, weight, performance and software.

With three distinct devices in the Galaxy Z8 Series, that experience is now expressed through three different form factors, giving consumers the ability to choose a foldable around what matters most to them, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.

Whether that means a compact device built around content creation, a larger screen for entertainment or a powerful multitasking experience, the Galaxy Z8 Series offers a different way to fold.

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. Snapdragon branded products are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. Snapdragon is a trademark or registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated. ︎
3. Aspect ratios shown are approximate, based on representative model values. ︎
4. Compared to previous Galaxy Z Fold models. Based on Samsung internal lab test conditions with pre-release version of given model connected to earphone via Bluetooth under default settings over LTE. Estimated against battery capacity and measured current over battery power consumption during video playback (video file resolution 720 p, saved on device) on the main screen. Actual video playback time may vary by network connection, settings, video file format, screen brightness, battery condition and many other factors. ︎
5. Compared to previous Galaxy Z Fold models. ︎

Enhanced Capabilities Help Users Do More With Less Effort

One UI 9 introduces new ways to keep people in focus, tailor the information users see each day, and manage device care more easily.

• My FanCam² automatically tracks a selected person in a recorded video and keeps them centered, intelligently reframing the footage as the scene moves. This allows users to turn dynamic moments into social-ready content with less manual editing. Whether it’s a child’s performance, a friend on the dance floor, or an exciting moment during a sporting event, users can instantly put the focus on the person they want to see.

• The new Generative and Editable Cards on Now Brief³ help users choose what appears in their daily summaries. Users can create cards across health, weather, and video so their daily brief reflects the information most relevant to them.

• Warranty and Care⁴ brings device support and protection directly into the Settings menu. Users can now check warranty coverage across connected mobile devices, run self-diagnostics, view repair estimates, and manage Samsung Care+ or book official support with just a few taps.

Enhanced Capabilities Help Users Do More With Less Effort

One UI 9 builds on familiar Galaxy experiences to help users complete everyday tasks with fewer steps. Context-aware suggestions and timely creative prompts — as well as improvements to translation, scanning, and recording — help users complete everyday tasks with less effort.

• Now Nudge⁵ can surface timely, context-aware suggestions across more moments in the Galaxy experience, helping users take the next step without breaking their flow. For example, if they are making plans via text message, users can quickly recall reservation details or save a location directly from a conversation.
• Creative Studio now suggests image-generation ideas based on relevant upcoming events. For example, when a friend’s birthday is approaching, users may see a prompt to create a themed image or greeting, allowing them to quickly create something meaningful for the occasion.
• Interpreter⁶ introduces a new Thread View that enables users to better follow translated conversations by quickly referencing earlier exchanges. In addition, faster translation in Conversation Mode and quicker playback with compatible Galaxy Buds help reduce delays, making conversations feel more natural and continuous.
• Document Scan⁷ now allows users to digitize challenging materials such as curved book pages and corner-folded papers with less manual adjustment. The large-screen-optimised views on compatible Galaxy devices, along with an improved Finger Eraser, help create cleaner and more usable scans.
• Voice Recorder presents summaries in a clearer, more structured format, using elements such as headings and tables to make key information easier to scan at a glance.

Enhanced Security and Privacy Help Users Stay Informed and in Control

One UI 9 continues Samsung’s approach to security and privacy with transparency, choice, and control built into the experience. The latest updates help users better understand when something may need their attention and make it easier to take action.

• Security Brief brings key security and privacy updates like alerts for malware, apps from unknown sources, and unnecessary permissions to Now Brief, helping users identify potential issues earlier and determine when action is necessary.
• Enhanced Privacy Alerts⁸ use on-device AI to identify potential privacy risks, including unnecessary attempts to access permissions in the background, giving users greater awareness of how their information is being accessed.
• Scam Detection⁹ expands to additional countries¹⁰ and languages, bringing protection against potential scam calls to more Galaxy users across supported markets.

1. As of the publication of this press release, the official One UI 9 has been rolled out to Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8, and Galaxy Z Flip8. The update is expected to gradually roll out to other Galaxy devices. ︎
2. My FanCam feature requires a Samsung Account login. Availability may vary by video. Not supported if there is no subject to track. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed. ︎
3. Samsung account login and network connection required. ︎
4. Available features in Warranty and care menu may differ by country/region. Warranty information is available for devices linked to the user’s Samsung Account. Ask Bixby features and supported content may vary by country or language. Estimated repair cost availability may vary by device model/region. Samsung Care+ availability, coverage, pricing, and eligibility requirements may vary by country/region and a deductible (service fee) may apply. ︎
5. Samsung account login required. Supported apps only. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed. ︎
6. Interpreter requires Samsung Account login. Certain languages may require language pack download. Service availability may vary by language. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed. Availability and supported features may vary by country, region or carrier. Availability of supported languages may vary. ︎
7. Availability and performance of Document Scan may vary depending on the document, capture environment, and usage conditions. ︎
8. AI privacy alerts is supported on Galaxy S26, S26 Ultra, S25, S25 FE, S24, S24 FE, S23, S23 FE, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Fold8, Flip8, Fold7, Flip7, Fol6, Flip6, Fold5, Flip5, Tab S11 Ultra, Tab S11, Tab S10 Ultra, Tab S10 Plus, Tab S9 Ultra, Tab S9 Plus, and Tab S9. Privacy alerts, may not account for all relevant factors. ︎
9. Availability may vary by country, region, language, device model, or OS/One UI version. ︎
10. Scam Detection will be available in Japan, Canada, and India. ︎

The next phase of consumer AI will not be defined by how often people think about it, but by how naturally it fits into their lives. Samsung’s approach is to make AI easy to adopt: technology that understands preferences, responds to context and removes small points of friction without requiring people to learn new behaviours.

This idea was central to Samsung Connect at IFA 2026, where Samsung showed how its ‘Companion to AI Living’ vision is taking shape across the connected ecosystem. The aim is simple: AI should work for people, quietly personalising experiences and making familiar tasks easier.

TV becomes a personalised companion

The TV is one of the clearest examples. Samsung TVs already use AI to improve lower-resolution content and enhance sound so dialogue is easier to hear. Vision AI Companion ¹ takes this further by learning what viewers like and proactively offering personalised recommendations at the right moment.

It also brings together AI services including Bixby, Gemini, Perplexity and Copilot, allowing viewers to use natural conversation to discover content or find contextual information. The technology becomes part of the viewing experience rather than another system to manage – AI working in the background, ready when it is useful.

A connected home that reduces everyday effort

The same principle extends into the home. Through SmartThings, connected devices can share useful updates across screens, smartphones and wearables – such as letting someone know when the washing is finished, wherever their attention happens to be.

In the kitchen, the latest Bespoke AI Refrigerator Family Hub uses AI Vision to recognise more food items and suggest recipes tailored to individual tastes. Samsung’s AI-powered appliances are designed to support existing routines, helping households manage food, energy and everyday tasks with less effort.

Mobile AI that keeps people in the moment

On mobile devices, Samsung is applying the same thinking to creativity and communication. Features such as My FanCam on the Galaxy S26 FE can track a subject, crop footage and create social clips automatically, reducing the time and technical steps needed to turn a moment into content.

Across each category, the role of AI is consistent. It should simplify the experience, not add complexity. By building intelligence into devices people already use and connecting those experiences through its ecosystem, Samsung is making AI feel less like a new technology to adopt and more like a natural companion to everyday life.

1. Vision AI Companion is available worldwide in English and limited to seven European languages: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and Polish* (*by the end of Oct 2026). Other global languages include: Korean, Vietnamese and Thai. ︎