We capture countless moments every day with our smartphone cameras – taking photos of ourselves, saving memories of delicious food and breath-taking scenery while traveling, filming our favourite artists at concerts and recording documents and information we need for work.

But sometimes, the scene we see with our own eyes does not translate exactly into a photo. Indoors, mixed lighting can make skin tones appear different from real life, while the colours of a clear sky may not come through as expected. In low-light conditions, capturing the desired scene can also prove challenging. In dark concert venues or when shooting at night,

camera shake and noise can be a concern, while filming on the move during a trip requires users to continuously pay attention to the horizon and composition.

Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is Designed to Reduce these Everyday Shooting Challenges

Powered by lens and image sensors, a high-performance AP and artificial intelligence (AI) based ProVisual Engine, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra analyses light, distance, movement and subjects within a scene. Combined with the foldable form factor, these technologies provide greater flexibility in how users capture and review their shots.

What matters is not memorising every camera feature but knowing how to use the right feature for each situation. Whether capturing themselves, photographing scenery while traveling or recording action-filled moments such as concerts and vlogs, users can choose the features that best fit the moment.

Capture Yourself More Naturally and Clearly

From profile photos to selfies for social media, one of the most common subjects people capture with their cameras is themselves

• More Natural Indoor Selfies with AI ISP – Powered by AI ISP¹ (Image Signal Processing), Galaxy takes the face, surrounding scene and lighting conditions into account to help produce clearer, more natural-looking skin tones, even in complex lighting environments.¹ AI-powered image processing improves perceived resolution. This helps users capture natural-looking selfies in a variety of environments, including indoor lighting without the need for complicated settings.

• Create a More Natural Sense of Depth in Portraits – In portrait photography, AI does more than simply separate a person from the background. Galaxy considers the distance between the subject and background, their positions within the scene and even how light spreads based on the focal plane to create a natural background blur effect similar to one captured with a large-aperture lens.

By expanding the Virtual Aperture engine, previously available in Expert RAW, to Portrait mode; Galaxy can render bokeh² and points of light more precisely according to distance. This helps keep the subject clear while rendering the background naturally in selfies and portraits – allowing users to focus on their intended shot.

From Delicious Food to Travel Scenery, Capture What You See in Vivid Detail

From expansive landscapes to food, flowers and small souvenirs, a day of travel can involve photographing many different subjects in a short amount of time. Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra features a 200MP Wide Camera and a newly added 50MP Ultra-Wide Camera, enabling users to capture everything from sweeping scenery to the fine textures of nearby subjects.

• Go Wider and Get Closer with the 50MP Ultra-Wide Camera – The 50MP Ultra-Wide Camera can capture expansive landscapes, interiors and group photos as well as close-up shots that bring out the textures of food, flowers and small objects. Even when users move closer to a subject, the camera can capture fine textures with high-precision macro photography. This allows users to move from capturing expansive scenery at a distance to getting close to a subject and preserving its fine details.³

• Create Detailed 24MP Images with AI ISP – For users who want to zoom in on travel photos or preserve richer details in scenery, 24MP shooting provides another option. Galaxy combines 12MP and 50MP images to generate a 24MP image that balances brightness and clarity while retaining detail. Users can add the 24MP shooting option to Photo mode through the high-resolution settings in Camera Assistant, making it easy to use in everyday shooting without entering a separate professional shooting mode.³

• Capture High-Contrast Scenery With 200MP HDR – For scenes with significant differences in brightness, such as a bright sky and dark buildings or a bright view outside a window and a darker indoor scene, users can take advantage of 200MP HDR photography. The 200MP Wide Camera on Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra supports HDR capture in 200MP mode, helping preserve a wider range of detail and colour information in scenes that contain both bright and dark areas.³

• Capture the Night with Nightography – When traveling after sunset or attending a concert in a dark venue, users can turn to Nightography. The high-performance AP analyses and optimises light, movement and noise in low-light environments – helping users capture subjects and the atmosphere of the moment more brightly and clearly even in the dark.³

From Concerts to Travel Vlogs, Capture Moving Moments with Greater Ease

When a photo is not enough to capture the full moment, users naturally turn to video. At a concert, however, keeping a specific person centred in the frame can be difficult.

Likewise, maintaining a level horizon and reducing shake while walking and filming during a trip can require significant effort. The Galaxy Z series uses AI and its foldable form factor to assist with tasks that would otherwise require manual input from the person behind the camera.

• Keep the Focus on Your Favourite Person with My FanCam – My FanCam⁴ uses AI in the Video Editor to automatically track a person selected by the user and edit the video around that subject. Users can also choose their preferred video aspect ratio, making it easier to create content centred on the subject they want to capture, even in dynamic environments such as concerts and sporting events.

• Stay Level While Moving with Super Steady⁵ Horizontal Lock – Super Steady Horizontal Lock helps maintain a level frame even when the smartphone moves or rotates during recording. The feature continuously maintains the stable horizon even through 360-degree rotation, helping users create more stable footage when walking through a travel destination or recording scenes with significant movement.

• Capture Both the Subject & Yourself with Dual Recording – Dual Recording uses the front and rear cameras simultaneously to capture both the subject and the person behind the camera. On Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, users can view both camera feeds in real time across the Cover and Main Displays; enabling the person filming and the subject to create the scene together when traveling or recording a vlog. By capturing both the person filming and the atmosphere of the scene in the same frame, Dual Recording can also help create more dynamic content for sharing on social media.

Go Beyond the Shot and Make Photos and Videos Your Own

A great photo or video does not end when the shutter button is pressed. Users may want to remove an unwanted object that appeared in a travel photo, adjust the composition or add colours to a video that better reflect how the moment felt. Galaxy connects these post-capture processes into the broader camera experience.

• Make Photos Your Own with Photo Assist⁶ – Powered by generative AI, Photo Assist helps users edit captured photos according to their creative intent.
• Erase removes unwanted objects from a photo for a cleaner composition.
• Move repositions selected objects or adjusts the tilt of an image to recompose the shot.
• Create uses text to edit an image in the desired way.
• Style applies a new visual style to an entire photo or people’s faces.

Even when the original shot is not perfect, users can remove unnecessary elements, rework the composition or introduce new forms of expression to turn a captured moment into content that feels uniquely their own.

• Give Every day Videos a Cinematic Look with Samsung Log and Cine LUTs – For users who want greater control over the colour and mood of their videos, Samsung Log offers more creative flexibility. Log recording captures a wider range of detail and colour information in darker areas, expanding the expressive range of the footage. After shooting, users can apply Cine LUTs (Cinematic Look-Up Tables) to restore footage to a desired colour profile/continue editing it.

Alongside a standard colour option, Galaxy provides four Cine LUTs – Blockbuster, Teen Drama, Romance and Thriller; allowing users to give the same footage a different look and mood depending on the genre they want to evoke. The APV (Advanced Professional Video) codec preserves a broad range of detail in high-resolution video, supporting more precise editing after recording.

Capture Everyday Life With Galaxy AI Camera

Users do not need to know every camera feature to take a great photo. The goal of the Galaxy AI Camera is to help users capture themselves naturally indoors, preserve both expansive scenery and small details while traveling, record action-filled moments such as concerts and vlogs more steadily; and turn their shots into content that feels uniquely their own through post-capture editing. During this photo outing, users can experience first-hand how these features make a difference throughout the actual shooting process.

1. Camera Feature results may vary depending on light condition/shooting conditions including multiple subjects, being out of focus/moving subjects. ︎
2. Bokeh refers to the optical effect in which out-of-focus areas appear softly blurred or points of light are rendered as rounded highlights. ︎
3. Camera Feature results may vary depending on light condition and/or shooting conditions including multiple subjects, being out of focus or moving subjects ︎
4. 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. ︎
5. Super Steady results may vary depending on editing method and/or shooting conditions ︎
6. Photo Assist may require a network connection and Samsung Account login. Service availability may vary by country, language or device model. Photo Assist may result in a resized photo. A visible watermark is overlaid on the image output upon saving in order to indicate that the image is generated by AI. The accuracy and reliability of the generated output is not guaranteed. ︎

Managing warranties and coverage for a Galaxy mobile phone, Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Buds, and Galaxy Tab can be a hassle. That’s where Warranty and care comes in. Introduced with One UI 9, it brings essential device management features together in one place, letting users check warranty status, run diagnostics, book repairs, and get support in just a few taps — all without leaving Settings.

Here’s a closer look at what Warranty and care, available with One UI 9 on Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8, and Galaxy Z Flip8 offers.

Check Warranty Status Across Galaxy Devices

Keeping track of warranty periods and expiration dates across Galaxy devices isn’t always easy. Warranty and care consolidates this information in a single hub.

Available in Settings, Warranty and care displays information² about the device in use at the top of the screen — including remaining warranty period and eligibility for Samsung Care+ enrollment.³ Below, users can find the same details for other Galaxy devices linked to their Samsung account, making it easy to check warranty and coverage status across their Galaxy ecosystem.

For added protection beyond the standard warranty, users can easily explore and enroll in a Samsung Care+ plan that matches their needs.

Resolve Device Issues With Diagnostics and Bixby

When something doesn’t feel quite right, quickly finding out what’s wrong can make all the difference. The built-in Diagnostics feature checks the device — including its battery, charging, sensors, touch response, and connectivity — to help pinpoint the issue and guide users to the next step, whether that’s a suggested solution or a repair request⁴.

Users can also access Bixby⁵ from Warranty and care to ask about an issue and get help on the spot. For example, if a user asks, “My battery is draining too fast. What should I do?” Bixby can walk them through possible solutions step by step. It’s a convenient way to get answers to everyday questions without switching screens.

Protect Device Value for the Long Term

By bringing warranty information, diagnostics, support and repair services together, Warranty and care gives Galaxy users a simpler way to manage their devices for greater peace of mind. Checking the feature during setup makes it easier to know where to turn if an issue comes up later — from running diagnostics and asking Bixby or a chatbot for help to requesting a repair. With these essential services close at hand, users can keep their devices in good condition for longer and help preserve their value.

For peace of mind today and lasting value tomorrow, Galaxy devices are supported by professional care at nearby Samsung-authorised service centres, both at home and abroad.

Enjoy more peace of mind and cover your device for accidental damage for 36 months with Samsung Care+⁶ at these discounted rates. These offers are available until 30 September 2026⁷.

1. Available features in Warranty and care menu may differ by country/region. ︎
2. Warranty information is available only for devices registered to a Samsung account. ︎
3. Terms and conditions apply. Samsung Care+ coverage, service type and promotion details may vary by country/region and a deductible (service fee) may apply. To be eligible for Samsung Care+ promotion benefits, registration may be required. For detailed Samsung Care+ information, please visit https://www.samsung.com/samsung-care-plus/. Care at home & abroad: When in need of Samsung Care+ services during your travel, contact the local customer services centre at your destination country/region in advance for Samsung Care+ availability. ︎
4. Use of Diagnostics and Bixby does not guarantee results. Results may differ per user. If unresolved, kindly contact Customer Service for further support. ︎
5. Ask Bixby features and supported content may vary by country or language. ︎
6. Terms and conditions apply. Samsung Care+ coverage, service type and promotion details may vary by country/region and a deductible (service fee) may apply. To be eligible for Samsung Care+ promotion benefits, registration may be required. For detailed Samsung Care+ information, please visit https://www.samsung.com/za/samsung-care-plus/. Care at home & abroad: When in need of Samsung Care+ services during your travel, contact the visiting country/region’s local customer services centre in advance for Samsung Care+ availability. ︎
7. Terms and Conditions apply. ︎

For its latest digital cover, Glamour South Africa [AJP/OCE1] teamed up with TV presenter and content creator Chanley Wong, placing Samsung’s flagship Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra firmly behind the lens.

For years, Samsung Galaxy technology has consistently been one of the leaders in high-fashion editorial imagery, repeatedly proving that mobile devices can meet the stringent demands of top-tier publication covers. From pioneering mobile-shot covers to cinematic short films, Samsung continues to set its benchmark for what is possible when world-class camera innovation meets creative ambition, solidifying its place as a powerhouse in mobile-driven editorial storytelling.

This latest shoot marked the first professional cover assignment for the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, a unique opportunity to put the device through its paces in an environment where image fidelity, skin tone accuracy, dynamic range and detail are uncompromising essentials.

Ordinarily, professional fashion shoots require an extensive production rig: heavy camera bodies, multiple lenses, external monitors, and tethering cables. The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra streamlines that entire workflow into a single, hand-held powerhouse. Equipped with an advanced 200MP Wide camera, a 50MP Ultra-Wide lens, and a 10MP Telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom (plus 2x optical-quality zoom), the device gave the photographer total flexibility to switch perspectives instantly. Powered by Samsung’s ProVisual Engine, the system intelligently optimizes detail, lighting and natural skin tones in real time.

Beyond raw camera specs, the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra’s foldable form factor completely transforms the on-set rhythm. Traditional DSLR setups force photographers to review shots on a tiny display or tether to an external monitor. Opening the Z Fold8 Ultra unfolds an expansive 8-inch main display¹, giving the creative team an immediate, large-format canvas to inspect composition, focus and detail right on set. Capture and high-definition review merge seamlessly into one device.

This milestone is part of a deliberate, multi-year legacy of Samsung pushing boundaries in South African media. In 2021 GQ South Africa made media history by using the Galaxy S21 Ultra to shoot its May/June dual covers, fashion spreads and behind-the-scenes content. The next year in 2022 would see GQ return to Galaxy with the S22 Ultra challenging an outdoor cover shoot, while Glamour South Africa utilised the same device for its flagship Disruptors issue. For the first artificial intelligence (AI) mobile device in the world in 2024, Samsung expanded into mobile filmmaking with Ekhaya, an acclaimed South African short film shot entirely on the Galaxy S24 Ultra.

The Glamour digital cover starring Chanley Wong represents the next evolution of this story. It reaffirms that professional creativity no longer requires bulky legacy equipment, just vision, talent, and standard-setting technology.

“Partnering with Samsung on this digital cover allowed us to rethink what’s possible in fashion journalism,” says Thobeka Phanyeko Features Editor at Glamour South Africa. “The clarity, colour accuracy and speed of the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, combined with the ability to review high-res images on its massive folded screen, made the shoot seamless. It truly delivered a cover worthy of our highest editorial standards.”

For Chanley Wong, the result is a striking visual spotlight. For Glamour, it represents modern editorial storytelling at its finest. And for Samsung, it is another bold demonstration of how Samsung Galaxy continues to lead, innovate and own the future of mobile photography.

1. Measured diagonally, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra’s Main Screen size is 8.0-inch in the full rectangle and 8.0-inch accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners. ︎

Capturing the Magic with the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra

For the first time at the Luxurious Marble Circus, Samsung created a Galaxy Hangout Imaginarium— a content creation hub designed to flip and fold the imagination. The crowds at the Imaginarium and around the festival grounds were introduced to the charms of the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra as roaming promoters captured EVOPHORIA of the festival with the epic 200MP camera system.  

For some, it was the first time meeting the Galaxy Z Fold8, a smartphone that fluidly shapeshifts for digital explorers, seamlessly matching the ways one creates, watches and enjoys content. Creators leaned into the playful versatility of this passport-sized device, snapping high-quality 50MP main camera selfies that highlighted their experiences at the Hangout Imaginarium. It is the lightest Galaxy foldable phone yet¹.

Visitors could step into the wonder of the Galaxy Z Flip8 by playing with features like FlexMode to take high-quality main camera selfies that showed the fine details of their OOTDs (Outfits of The Day) and foodie experiences. Of course, FlexMode and folding phones are old tricks that other mobile phone makers have only recently caught up with. The Galaxy Z8 Series has next-level features like Super Steady with Horizontal Lock (first introduced in the Galaxy S26) or Dual Recording—where users could utilize both the front and rear cameras simultaneously with real-time split-screen previews on the expansive main display—that festivalgoer used to capture their unique POVs of the live performances and foodie delights.

As daylight gave way to the electric energy of the evening, the festival took on another personality. Fireworks lit up the sky, DJs took over the stage and performers moved through the crowds, creating fleeting moments that demanded to be captured. With Nightography, Super Steady with Horizontal Lock and My FanCam², Galaxy gave festival-goers tools designed to keep up with the action.

The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Flip8 proved to be the ultimate companions for the modern concertgoer, showcasing how mobile technology has evolved to intuitively serve and elevate live entertainment experiences. From zooming into the performers with the 50MP cameras, to auto-framing dynamic wide-angle shots of the festival grounds to capturing split-second magical moments and then turning that into shareable content that expressed individuality. With these devices the vibrancy of the Luxurious Marble Circus was captured and shared in stunning detail, demonstrating that with Samsung Galaxy there are truly no bad seats.

 Pocket-Sized Galaxy Magic All Summer Long

The best part is that the magic doesn’t have to end when the festival gates close. Those who visited the Galaxy Hangout Imaginarium and took selfies stood a chance to walk away with mobile magic they could literally pocket by winning a Galaxy Z Fold8³. Whether you win or decide to purchase one of the Galaxy Z Fold8 Series phones, get ready to capture memories all summer long and enjoy the spirit of the Imaginarium for many summers to come.

1. Compared to previous Galaxy Z Fold models. ︎
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. Competitions Terms and Conditions apply ︎

For film director and content creator Pedro Ridwan (@Pedrothe3rd), capturing those moments at this year’s 947 Joburg Day meant doing more than simply pointing a camera at the action. Armed with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Pedro brought his own visual perspective to one of Jozi’s live music experiences, capturing and turning the day’s energy into a dynamic portrait of the festival, its crowds and the artists who took to the stage.

The result is a highlight reel that shows the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra’s 200MP camera capabilities when put to the test in one of the most demanding environments for mobile photography and videography: a major live festival.

Concert photography can be unforgiving. Subjects move quickly, lighting changes momentarily, performers can be far from the crowd, and once the sun goes down, capturing detail without noise or losing the atmosphere becomes even more challenging. Add a huge crowd, limited space and the reality of moving through a packed festival, and carrying a full professional camera setup isn’t always practical.

Pedro’s approach demonstrates how the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra can flip that script. With its advanced Ultra camera system, Space Zoom¹ brings distant performers closer, with up to 100x Zoom¹ allowing creators to get into the action without having to physically push their way towards the stage. The ProVisual Engine¹ works behind the scenes to optimise image quality across challenging conditions, while Nightography¹ helps preserve detail and atmosphere when the lighting drops and the performance continues after dark.

When the action gets unpredictable, Super Steady² Video with Horizontal Lock helps keep footage smooth and stable, even when the creator is moving with the energy of the crowd. And for fans who want to focus on a particular performer, My FanCam³ offers another way to put the spotlight where it belongs, helping turn the live-event experience into personalised concert content.

These are technical specifications, but Pedro turned them into creative tools. His footage moves seamlessly between wide shots capturing the scale of 947 Joburg Day, close-up views of performers and detailed moments that impeccably depict the atmosphere of the festival.

But the real advantage of the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra at a live event extends beyond what is happening inside the camera.

It is the foldable form factor itself. Unfolded, the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra’s expansive main display becomes an immersive viewfinder, giving creators a larger canvas through which to frame their shots and see the action. That flexibility takes the relationship between creator and camera to another level. Instead of holding a phone rigidly in front of you throughout a performance, the Z Fold8 Ultra can adapt to the way you want to shoot, whether that means finding a low-angle perspective, setting up a hands-free shot or reviewing footage on a larger screen.

And while the camera is capturing the action, the experience does not have to stop there. The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is built for multitasking and multi-window creation, allowing creators to move between apps, footage and other content without constantly interrupting their workflow. A creator can capture a performance, review a clip, work across multiple windows and use Galaxy AI editing tools to refine content, all from the same device.

That means filming the concert does not have to distract you from the fun of being there. Instead, the experience can happen through the lens of the device. The creator remains part of the crowd, takes in the performance and responds to the moment, while the Z Fold8 Ultra becomes the tool that captures, shapes and shares it.

“947 Joburg Day is the kind of environment where something is always happening, so I was fortunate to have a device that could keep up with that pace without getting in the way of the experience. The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra gave me the flexibility to move between wide crowd moments, details on stage and shots from different angles, while the larger screen made it easier to see and shape what I was capturing. For me, that is what makes it exciting as a creative tool. I’m not just documenting what is happening, I’m able to experience the moment and create from it at the same time,” said Pedro.

The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is therefore particularly suited to content creators working in environments where mobility matters. Rather than navigating a festival with heavy camera bodies, lenses and additional equipment, creators can have an advanced toolkit in a device that fits not only into their pockets but the flow of the experience. That freedom makes all the difference when capturing constantly moving subjects.

At 947 Joburg Day, the camera had to respond to everything from lively performances and dynamic stage lighting to expansive crowd shots and the low-light conditions of an outdoor concert after dark. Pedro’s footage demonstrates how the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is designed to meet those moments in real time, giving creators the flexibility to find their shot rather than waiting for the conditions to become perfect.

Through Pedro’s eyes, 947 Joburg Day became more than a collection of performances but a living, moving visual story, captured from within the crowd and told through the perspective of a creator reacting to moments as quickly as they unfolded.

And that is where the foldable advantage becomes particularly powerful. The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is not simply a high-performance camera that happens to fold. It is a different kind of creative device, bringing an expansive display, flexible shooting angles, powerful cameras, AI-powered editing and multitasking into a form factor designed to move with the creator.

Can your phone do that:

With the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra in hand, you can break the barrier between professional capture and spontaneous creation, thus highlighting the freedom creators have to document big moments with fewer compromises and far less equipment.

No Bad Seats with Galaxy

At a festival like 947 Joburg Day, there is no single place where the best moment happens. It might happen on stage, somewhere in the crowd, in the reaction of the person next to you, or in a split-second moment that’s easy to miss from a distance. With Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, there are #NoBadSeats, whether you are close to the stage or catching the action from further back, Galaxy gives you the tools to find your perspective, get closer to the moment and capture it your way. Because when the experience is this big, your position should never decide what you get to see or capture.

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. 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. ︎

New Features Help Users Capture, Personalise & Manage

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 centred, 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 a service appointment 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 in fewer steps, with context-aware suggestions, timely creative prompts and improvements to translation, scanning and recording.

• 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, when making plans over text, users can pull up reservation details or save a shared location without leaving the 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 Scan – now allows users to digitise 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.
• Privacy Alerts⁷ – 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 Detection⁸ – expands to additional countries⁹ 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. Now Brief feature requires Samsung Account login. Available functions and features may vary by country, region, language, device model, and app. Some features may require a network connection. Customized briefing content provided is based only on the personal information to which the user has consented. Accuracy of generated results is not guaranteed ︎
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. Now Nudge feature requires a Samsung Account login. Available functions and features may vary by country, region, and language. Text message prompts are available with certain third-party messaging apps, including Samsung Messages, Google Messages, and Google Chat. Split view supported apps may vary. Photo sharing in Now Nudge works by analysing available image content. 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. privacy alerts are 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, Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra, Tab S12 Plus, 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. ︎
8. Availability may vary by country, region, language, device model, or OS/One UI version. ︎
9. Scam Detection will be available in Japan, Canada, and India. ︎

Smart Switch is Samsung’s data transfer app¹ 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, Z Fold8 or 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 Lock², 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 experience³ with Quick Share.

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. This application is available on SAMSUNG devices running Android 8.0 or higher.(Some devices may not be supported) ︎
3. 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. ︎

Adding a heavy dose of local sporting pride, the inclusion of DHL Stormers players gives Cape Town fans a rare chance to interact off the field, snap unforgettable moments, and test the limits of Galaxy AI side-by-side with rugby royalty. Whether it is using the latest Galaxy Z8 Series camera features to capture crisp, high-quality selfies with the main camera or exploring the seamless device ecosystem, visitors can experience how Samsung technology keeps fans closer to the action.

When visiting the Galaxy Hangout at Canal Walk on Saturday, 12 September, attendees will also have a chance to win exclusive prizes. For example, when you complete the product experience journey, you’ll stand a chance to win 1 of 2 signed DHL Stormers Jerseys¹.

Rae Hargreaves, the Head of Marketing of MX at Samsung South Africa says “South Africans know the hustle. We know the places we gather, the people we meet there and the moments that become stories we keep coming back to. The Galaxy Hangout brings those familiar rhythms of everyday life into an immersive experience built around the three distinct Galaxy Z8 Series form factors. Rather than asking visitors to compare specifications, Samsung invites them to discover where they belong to ultimately discover foldable belongs with them.”

The calendar of Samsung Galaxy Hangout stops in the Mother City’s favourite hangout spots this September is a follows:

• Canal Walk – 12 September
• Route Mall – 24- 27 September
• V&A Silo District – 16-17 September
• The Heritage Music Festival at Groote Schuur High School – 19 September
• Go Bright or go Home Picnic at The Castle of Good Hope – 26 September
• Down to Earth Market – 30 September

Step aboard the Galaxy Hangouts Bus and the experience unfolds across three distinct spaces, each inspired by a different foldable, its signature colour and the lifestyle persona it represents. Visitors can expect hands-on interactions, giving them the chance to see how the devices naturally fit into the way they live, work, create and connect.

The spaces are tailored to allow visitors to explore and see which Galaxy foldable best matches their persona, and each space offers a different glimpse into the possibilities of the Galaxy Z8 series.

And there will be plenty of opportunities to make the experience your own. Visitors can capture content, create moments with friends and put the foldables into action in ways that feel less like a product demonstration and more like a day out.

Whether you are a die-hard rugby supporter, a fan of the Samsung Galaxy Z8 Series, or just searching for a fun group activity on these dates, these hangouts are definitely worth a visit. The core concept behind the Galaxy Hangout is straightforward: there is a Galaxy foldable designed for every type of user.

So, grab your crew, bring your curiosity and come find out which Galaxy foldable is your kind of foldable. Whether you’re all about getting things done, creating and expressing yourself, or immersing yourself in the things you love, the Samsung Galaxy Z8 Series Hangout awaits.

1. T’s and C’s apply ︎

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. So, the development team set an even lighter weight target for Galaxy Z Fold7: 215 grams.

Galaxy Z Fold7 reached that goal. And now, 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 — 52 grams lighter than Galaxy Z Fold5. At 201 grams, Galaxy Z Fold8 is the world’s lightest fold¹.

But consumers expected more than just a lighter foldable.

A 2024 YouGov survey² 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.

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 micrometres 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 millimetres thick, with the thinnest sections reaching 0.15 millimetres. 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 millimetres 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 Armor Aluminum, 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 millimetres, 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 to 5,000 mAh.

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 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.

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

– 52 g
Galaxy Z Fold8 is 52 grams lighter than Galaxy Z Fold5.

1/3, 0.2 mm
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 0.2 millimetres.

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

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

1. 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. ︎
2. Source: YouGov plc, 2024, © All rights reserved ︎

And there was something for everyone – There was a dedicated play area for kids, rugby fans were treated to a fan park with a huge screen¹ to catch the Springboks vs All Blacks [AJP/OCE1] live in action, and food and beverage stalls kept festivalgoers fuelled throughout the day. Brands added to the experience with colourful activations, interactive experiences and plenty of branded goodies, while the main event remained what 947 Joburg Day does best: a packed programme of live music and performances from some of South Africa’s biggest artists.

For Samsung, the day was an opportunity to put Galaxy technology where it belongs: directly in the hands of people creating, capturing and sharing the moments that make live events memorable.

Galaxy Hangout becomes a festival hotspot

One of the busiest attractions throughout the day was the Galaxy Hangout with its bus, which quickly became a hive of activity as festivalgoers queued to step inside and experience Samsung’s latest Galaxy foldables.

Designed as a chilled-out space to hang with friends while enjoying a drink and getting hands-on with the latest Galaxy Z8 Series, the Hangout gave visitors the chance to take a break from the festival rush while discovering what the newest foldable devices can bring to everyday life.

Galaxy fans and the simply curious alike explored the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Fold8 and Flip8, getting a closer look at the devices and experiencing their different form factors first-hand.

The Galaxy Z Fold8 series brought its expansive-screen experience to the festival, giving visitors a chance to see how a large², immersive display can transform everything from reviewing photos and watching content to editing and creating on the move. Meanwhile, the compact Galaxy Z Flip8 showed off the versatility of a foldable designed to fit effortlessly into the rhythm of a busy festival day.

The queues and constant movement around the Hangout throughout the day reflected the growing curiosity around foldable technology, with festivalgoers keen to see, touch and experience the devices for themselves.

When everyone is a headliner

The Galaxy experience extended beyond the Hangout, with Samsung’s partnership with 947 bringing Galaxy closer to the heart of the festival. Throughout the day, festivalgoers had opportunities to become part of the mainstage experience, blurring the line between fans and performer. In line with Samsung’s “Everyone’s a Headliner” message, every person in the crowd had their own moment worth capturing. And there was certainly no shortage of those moments.

From friends posing for photos against the festival backdrop to fans recording their favourite artists, spontaneous dance moves and unforgettable crowd reactions, Galaxy devices were on hand to capture the day from every angle. The result was a festival experience that did not simply live on the stage. It lived in thousands of camera rolls, group chats, social feeds and personal memories.

A festival day made for Galaxy

From families and sports fans to music lovers, content creators and those simply looking for a good day out, 947 Joburg Day demonstrated exactly why South Africa’s festival culture continues to thrive.

The field became a collage of picnic setups, camp chairs and groups of friends settling in for the day. Some danced through every performance, others took a more laid-back approach, while many moved between both worlds, enjoying the music one moment and catching up with friends over food and drinks the next.

And Galaxy was designed to move with all of them. The Galaxy Z series offered a different way to experience the day, whether that meant using a large screen³ to review and edit content, capturing hands-free group moments or simply folding a device away and getting back into the crowd.

Ultimately, Samsung’s presence at 947 Joburg Day was not about putting technology at the centre of the festival, but about putting it in front of people who use it in their daily lives.

Because the best festival moments are rarely the ones you plan. They are the unexpected ones – the song that suddenly becomes your favourite, the friend you bump into in the crowd, the photo that turns out better than expected, the performance you never intended to watch but cannot pull yourself away from. It was all epic fun and you simply had to be there.

1. 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. ︎
2. 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. ︎
3. Measured diagonally, Galaxy Z Flip8’s Cover Screen size is 4.1” in the full rectangle and 4.0” accounting for the rounded corners. The Main Screen size is 6.9” in the full rectangle and 6.8” accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is smaller due to the rounded corners and camera hole. ︎