Celebrating Samsung Electronics’ 57th anniversary, this year’s Samsung Week carries the theme “Discover new ways to live smarter”. It shows how Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered devices can work together to create more connected and intuitive experiences across everyday life.

How can you apply AI in your everyday life?

You can use AI to keep work organised across devices, bring health information into one place, suggest meals, adjust appliance settings and improve entertainment. These everyday AI uses also extend into the AI home, where connected devices work through a shared platform to coordinate or automate routine tasks. Samsung.com brings the connected range and event benefits together.

An AI home is one where AI connects compatible devices, appliances and services through a platform such as SmartThings¹ so they can share information and automate routine tasks.

How does AI make your life easier?

AI can make everyday tasks easier by reducing the need to switch between devices or repeat the same actions. For people balancing meetings, messages and tasks on the move, the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Buds4 Pro and Smart Monitor work together as a flexible productivity setup.

Multi Window² on the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra helps users to manage emails, messages to manage emails, messages and schedules at the same time, while Galaxy Buds4 Pro’s Active Noise Cancelling³ helps minimise distractions. Back at the desk, Multi Control⁴ on Smart Monitor allows users to operate multiple Samsung devices with a single keyboard and mouse. It is a connected approach to productivity designed to keep work moving, whether users are commuting, working remotely or settling in at their desk.

Find more info about Samsung Galaxy AI, read our dedicated guide.

AI for health and fitness

Samsung’s AI-powered ecosystem also brings greater insight to health and fitness. The Galaxy Watch Ultra, Galaxy S26 Ultra and Galaxy Buds4 Pro combine detailed workout tracking, personal health insights and immersive audio to help users better understand their performance.

With Trail Run⁵ on Galaxy Watch Ultra, runners can access real-time information such as elevation and cumulative ascent and descent, while Samsung Health brings key metrics such as heart rate, calories burned and workout duration together in one place. The result is a more informed approach to training, helping users understand their bodies and make smarter decisions about their health and fitness⁶.

Everyday uses of AI in the kitchen

In the kitchen, AI can simplify the journey from ingredients to a finished dish. Samsung’s Bespoke AI Refrigerator, Bespoke Oven and Galaxy Z Fold8 connect food management, cooking controls and content creation.

AI Vision Inside⁷ on the Bespoke AI Refrigerator identifies ingredients and suggests recipes based on what is available, while Smart Control⁸ allows users to preheat the Bespoke AI Oven remotely. Once cooking begins, AI Pro Cooking⁹ can identify ingredients, adjust cooking settings and monitor progress, giving users more freedom to step away when needed.

And when the dish is ready, the Galaxy Z Fold8’s Dual Recording makes it easy to capture both the cooking process and the finished creation, turning an everyday meal into something worth sharing.

AI home automation can also support entertainment through to domestic chores

AI home automation can support downtime and household tasks with less input. Samsung’s AI TV guide shows how connected entertainment can make movie nights and gaming more immersive.

Micro RGB combines AI-powered colour optimisation with Glare Free^TM10 technology to deliver vivid, detailed visuals, while AI Gaming Optimiser¹¹ adjusts picture settings according to the content and game genre. Paired with the Q-Series 11.1.4ch Soundbar, which features Game Pro mode, the experience extends beyond the screen with room-filling cinematic sound.

Meanwhile, the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo works in the background, using AI OptiWash¹² to detect load characteristics and select appropriate wash settings before automatically opening its door at the end of a cycle to help air out moisture.

Samsung Week 2026 offers and rewards

Samsung Week is not only about discovering what Samsung technology can do. From 19 October to 1 November, customers who use Samsung Rewards points towards selected Mobile, Tablet and Buds purchases on Samsung.com will receive a discount matching the value of the points used at checkout, giving them an additional saving¹³.

Customers can also choose from Samsung.com colours, including Galaxy Z Fold8 in Pistachio, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra in Green Shadow and Galaxy Z Flip8 in Mint.

Additional subscription benefits include 60 days of Strava¹⁴ and iFIT¹⁵ with Galaxy Watch9 or Galaxy Watch Ultra, as well as six months of Google AI Pro¹⁶ with the latest Galaxy Z series, Galaxy S26 FE or Galaxy Tab S12.

Personalised recommendations for a connected AI home

Samsung Week’s Personalised Product Recommendation service uses devices registered to a customer’s Samsung Account to suggest compatible additions, including Bespoke AI appliances that connect through SmartThings¹⁷ or Galaxy Watch models that support health and fitness goals through Samsung Health.

“Samsung Week is about showing consumers that the value of AI is not limited to what a single device can do. It is about how our products work together to make everyday experiences more intuitive, connected and rewarding. Samsung.com brings that ecosystem together while giving customers access to benefits, colours and personalised recommendations. With Samsung Week 2026, we are inviting consumers to look beyond the next technology purchase and discover how a connected ecosystem can create new ways to live smarter,” says Kgomotso Mannya, Chief Marketing Officer at Samsung South Africa.

For full details on Samsung Week 2026 and available offers, visit Samsung.com/za.

1. The SmartThings App is available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required. ︎
2. Certain applications may not support Multi Window. ︎
3. The earbuds automatically recognize the user’s voice, boosting the ambient sound to enhance conversation clarity when it begins and increasing Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to block out background noise when the conversation ends. ︎
4. Multi Control requires updated Galaxy phones and tablets with One UI 5.1.1 or above and Galaxy Book series devices released in 2021 or later with Samsung Settings v1.5 (Intel) or Samsung Settings v3.3 (ARM). ︎
5. Trail running is available on Android phones (Android 10 or above) and requires the Samsung Health app (v7.0 or above). Samsung account login required. Service only available with Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. ︎
6. Heart software functions are not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or in the cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease. ︎
7. A WiFi connection and a Samsung account required. Actual UI and contents may vary. ︎
8. The SmartThings App is available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required. ︎
9. AI based features are available on certain appliances, and based on our deep learning model, which is trained using a predefined. A WiFi connection and a Samsung account required. You must use a same log in account between the devices. Actual UI and content. ︎
10. UL Verified. Glare Free: Reflection Glare UGR <10 Discomfort Glare UGR <22 Disability Glare UGR <34 ︎
11. Your soundbar automatically adjusts the audio when it detects a console connected to your Samsung TV, then activated Gaming Pro mode. Game console sold separately. Compatible devices may vary. ︎
12.  Based on an advanced AI-created algorithm. It may not detect certain fabrics or accurately identify them when a load includes a mixture of different fabric types. To prevent wear, wash like fabrics together. ︎
13. Terms and Conditions Apply. ︎
14. Free 60-day Strava subscription trial promotion is available worldwide, excluding Belarus, China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Syria, sanctioned parts of Ukraine and South Korea. Terms and Conditions Apply. ︎
15. Terms and Conditions Apply ︎
16. Terms and Conditions Apply. Redeem via Google. ︎
17. The SmartThings App is available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required. ︎

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. ︎

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. ︎

That is why Samsung Galaxy is stepping forward as the Title Sponsor of the 2026 Content Creator Awards, taking place at Galleria Sandton on 17 October 2026. With this move, Samsung Galaxy is celebrating the creators who are shaping conversations, building communities, turning everyday moments into stories and, increasingly, turning content creation into a business.

While supporting all 20 award categories, Samsung Galaxy is directly involved in two awards: the Samsung Galaxy Creator of the Year Award and the #CapturedWithGalaxy Award, celebrating both the people driving South Africa’s creator economy and the extraordinary visual storytelling made possible through Galaxy technology.

“Creators today are so much more than people who make content. They are storytellers, entrepreneurs, trendsetters and cultural commentators, and they are constantly finding new ways to turn an idea into something that resonates with an audience,” says Rae Hargreaves, Head of Marketing: Mobile eXperience at Samsung South Africa. “Our partnership with the Content Creator Awards is about celebrating that creativity while demonstrating how Galaxy technology can help creators bring their ideas to life.”

When the trend hits, Galaxy is ready

For today’s creators, content opportunities are everywhere. A varsity student can turn an ordinary day into a relatable “day in the life”. A kasi entrepreneur can document the hustle behind their business. A fashion creator can turn an outfit into an OOTD, while a savvy shopper can build an entire series around finding the best dupe. The challenge is making the content happen quickly, naturally and creatively.

As the ultimate content creator companion, the latest Galaxy foldables (Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Flip8) are designed around this reality, bringing features that can help creators move from idea to camera-ready content without making the creative process feel like work.

And of course, that creative process is supported by AI. Galaxy’s on-device AI editing tools can help creators refine content without needing to leave their phone or rely on a collection of third-party apps. Audio Eraser removes unwanted background sounds from videos, making dialogue and key moments easier to hear, while Object Eraser removes distracting elements from images so creators can get the frame they want. Together with other intelligent editing capabilities, these tools give creators more control over the final result, whether they are polishing a quick social post, cleaning up a product shot, or turning an everyday moment into content worth sharing.

Consider some of the content trends currently dominating feeds:

  Spend the day with me: let your life be the content – “Spend the day with me” and “a day in the life” content thrives on authenticity. From getting ready in the morning to lectures, meetings, errands, meals and late-night wind-downs, creators are turning ordinary routines into compelling stories.

With Galaxy AI, creators can spend less time wrestling with the technical side of content and more time focusing on the story they want to tell. AI-powered creative tools can help streamline the editing process, making it easier to refine content when the clock is ticking and the trend is still hot. And because inspiration doesn’t wait for the perfect studio setup, Galaxy’s intuitive camera experience lets creators capture moments as they happen.

   Cooking content: because chopping and filming should not be a two-person job

Cooking videos are all about showing the process, from the first ingredient to the final plate. But trying to hold a phone while chopping onions is a recipe for disaster.

Enter Hands-Free Capture.

With a Galaxy foldable, creators can position their device at the right angle and record while keeping both hands available to cook, stir and demonstrate. The result is a more natural cooking video that captures the creator actually doing what they came to do.

The phone becomes less of a camera being operated and more of a creative companion simply keeping up.

   Skincare, perfumes and GRWMs (get ready with me): get closer to the detail

Beauty content demands detail. Whether it is demonstrating a skincare routine, revealing a new fragrance or filming a GRWM, creators need a camera setup that lets them stay in the moment while keeping their audience close to the action.

FlexCam¹ on Galaxy Z Flip8 allows creators to position the phone hands-free, making it particularly useful for content where both hands are needed. Fold the device into position, place it on a surface and start creating.

For skincare creators, that means being able to wash, apply, demonstrate and talk to camera without constantly reaching for a phone. For GRWM creators, it creates the freedom to move naturally through the routine while the camera keeps rolling.

   Influencer events: because FOMO is content

From launches and fashion events to concerts and creator gatherings, event content is all about capturing the atmosphere before the moment disappears.

This is where Nightography¹ and Zoom can help creators bring their followers closer to the action, whether they are documenting the energy of an evening event, capturing details from across a venue or creating vlog-style content on the move.

With the right Galaxy camera capabilities in hand, creators can focus on experiencing the event while still collecting the footage that turns “I was there” into “you had to be there.”

From creator to trendsetter

The creator economy is no longer simply about chasing views. It is about building an audience, developing a recognisable point of view and turning creativity into opportunity.

Samsung Galaxy’s partnership with the Content Creator Awards celebrates that evolution. The awards recognise creators across 20 categories, while Samsung’s involvement shines a spotlight on the technology that sits behind so much of what we see today.

The Samsung Galaxy Creator of the Year Award is the pinnacle of the ceremony, recognising the creator who has delivered an outstanding year of content and demonstrated creativity, consistency and cultural impact across South Africa. The winner will be determined through a combination of public SMS and online voting and deliberation by an industry judging panel.

The winner will receive R20,000 in cash, a trophy and a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 valued at R40,999.

Meanwhile, the #CapturedWithGalaxy Award opens the door to creators across every niche, celebrating extraordinary content captured on any Samsung Galaxy device. Entrants can submit their work publicly on social media using #CapturedWithGalaxy, tagging @SamsungMobileSA and @ContentCreatorAwardsSA. Entries will then go through panel shortlisting and public voting.

The winner will take home an official Content Creator Award Trophy and a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 valued at R40,999.

With the 2026 Content Creator Awards approaching, Samsung Galaxy is inviting South Africa’s creators to keep filming, experimenting, editing, posting and, most importantly, creating. Because the next trend could come from you, with Galaxy as your sidekick.

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

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 the first time, Samsung will take part in The Luxurious Marble Circus, creating an immersive Galaxy experience designed around what the brand knows best: giving people new ways to capture, create and share the moments that matter. At the heart of Samsung’s presence will be the Galaxy Z8 Series, including the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Flip8. There’ll be a dedicated Galaxy Hangout (activation), where attendees will be invited to step into a world of creative possibilities, explore the latest foldable technology and put Galaxy’s cameras as well as its AI capabilities to the test.

The partnership is a natural fit. The Luxurious Marble Circus brings together brands, artists and experiences in a shared playground where each creates a world inspired by what it does best. For Samsung Galaxy, that world is mobile technology, where powerful cameras, flexible form factors and AI capabilities give people the freedom to turn an idea into something worth capturing.

“At Samsung, we’re always looking for ways to bring technology into spaces where creativity, self-expression and culture come alive. The Luxurious Marble Circus is a world where people are encouraged to experience things differently, which is exactly the kind of environment where Galaxy belongs. With the Galaxy Z8 Series, we’re giving people more than a device to document the experience. We’re giving them tools to explore their creativity, capture the unexpected and put their own stamp on the moments they experience,” says Rae Hargreaves, Head of Marketing: Mobile eXperience at Samsung South Africa.

At an event designed around wonder and spectacle, the camera becomes more than a way to document what happened – it becomes a creative tool for seeing the experience differently. The Galaxy Z8 Series is built for exactly these kinds of moments. The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, with its 200MP camera system, is the ultimate concert phone, giving creators the ability to capture detail from across the action, while My FanCam brings an added layer of personalisation to live-event content. Whether the moment is happening on a stage, in a crowd or somewhere unexpected – Galaxy foldables gives users more ways to get into the action without needing to be in the middle of it.

Then there is the magic of Galaxy AI. At The Luxurious Marble Circus, attendees will be able to experiment with AI-powered creative tools that can transform an image with a few simple gestures. Remove an unwanted object, change a distracting element, rework the backdrop or refine an image quickly before an act ends so you never miss a beat. What might once have required a full editing suite can become a few taps or a simple interaction on a Galaxy device. It is this ability to make the unexpected happen that makes Galaxy such a natural fit for the circus.

In the same way that The Luxurious Marble Circus invites people to suspend the ordinary and enter a world where anything feels possible, Galaxy technology gives people the tools to take an ordinary photograph and make it something entirely their own; thereby speaking directly into this year’s theme of euphoric transformation: EVOPHORIA.

The Samsung Galaxy Hangout Imaginarium will serve as the centrepiece of the brand’s presence, taking attendees on an experiential journey through a series of creative environments designed to showcase the possibilities of the Galaxy Z8 Series. The hangout will welcome guests to foldables and give them a billion reasons to switch. From a Nightography Zone designed to put low-light photography to the test, to spaces dedicated to the foldable experience and Galaxy AI; visitors will be encouraged to experiment with the devices rather than simply look at them.

The three Galaxy Z8 Series devices will each bring a different dimension to the experience. The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra will showcase the possibilities of ultra-level mobile photography and creativity, the Galaxy Z Fold8 will put its expansive foldable canvas and creator capabilities to work; while the Galaxy Z Flip8 will bring its compact, expressive form factor into the energy of the festival environment. And because the best memories are the ones you get to take home, Galaxy will also be putting its technology to work across the festival grounds – helping attendees capture moments as they happen and turn them into personalised content.

Samsung will also bring its Galaxy presence to some of The Luxurious Marble Circus’s biggest moments, with Galaxy integrated into the visual and experiential essence of the event, including a special closing performance by Samurai Farai featuring digital art created using the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra. The Luxurious Marble Circus is built around the idea that an experience can be many things at once: a spectacle, a playground, a meeting point and a canvas for self-expression. Samsung Galaxy brings another layer to that idea. Because sometimes the best part of an experience is not simply watching the magic happen. It is having the tools to capture it, reshape it and make it yours.

About The Luxurious Marble Circus 

The Luxurious Marble Circus is a grand collaboration between The Marble Group, Grid Worldwide, G&G – The Goosebumps Company and Grand Collaborator, Investec. A fantazma of feastery, finery and funnery, this two-day event fuses fine dining, music and fun to deliver an Out of the Ordinarious festival experience. Official Partner brands adding flair to this fabulicious affair include Mercedes-Benz, Savanna, Heineken, Hennessey, Don Julio, Johnnie Walker, Moët & Chandon, Schweppes, Samsung, Country Road and 947. Visit www.luxuriousmarblecircus.com for more info. 

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. ︎

Recognising this shift, the Content Creator Awards, sponsored by Samsung, are taking their commitment to South Africa’s creator economy beyond the annual celebration of creative excellence with the introduction of two free Creator Labs, designed to educate, connect and equip creators with practical skills for building sustainable careers in the industry.

Created by Manuela Dias de Deus, founder of the Content Creator Awards, the Creator Labs bring creators together with leading platforms, brands, agencies and industry experts, creating a space where they can learn directly from the people shaping the opportunities available to them.

The first Creator Lab took place on 2 September at Workshop17 in Sandton, bringing together approximately 150 creators for a day of practical insights and industry conversations. The second Creator Lab took place on 11 September at Workshop17 at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, bringing the initiative to creators in the Western Cape.

The sessions explore key areas of the creator journey, including content monetisation, technology, creativity, industry trends and the commercial opportunities available to creators. Contributions from industry experts focus on, among others, the importance of tax and legal compliance and overall financial management. Samsung explores AI-powered creativity and mobile innovation, while leading creators, agencies and brands share lessons from their own experiences navigating an increasingly sophisticated creator landscape.

For Samsung, supporting the Creator Labs is an extension of its broader commitment to enabling creators with technology that can help turn ideas into content, and content into opportunity. Speaking at the Creator Labs, Rae Hargreaves, Head of Marketing: Mobile eXperience at Samsung South Africa, offered creators insight into what brands consider when looking to collaborate with creators, highlighting that follower numbers are only one part of the equation.

“Having a large following is not the only thing brands look at when considering creators to work with. From a brand perspective, we look at fit, and that means going deeper than the number of followers you have,” says Hargreaves. “We look at how you engage with your community, how consistent you are, the kind of conversations happening in your comments and whether your audience genuinely connects with what you are creating. Building that relationship with your audience is incredibly valuable, because brands are looking for creators who can authentically connect with the communities they want to reach.”

This emphasis on community, consistency and authenticity reflects the changing nature of creator-brand partnerships. As creator-led storytelling becomes increasingly influential, creators are being recognised not simply as content producers, but as communities and businesses in their own right.

The creator’s studio – right in your pocket

Technology is also changing what it takes to create professional-looking content. During the both sessions, Ashley Cloete, Head of Product Training at Samsung South Africa, explored how AI is rewriting the creator playbook and how Galaxy devices are helping creators simplify the journey from idea to finished content.

“The days when creators needed to carry a whole production kit with lights, tripods and multiple pieces of equipment just to capture quality content are behind us,” says Cloete. “The latest Galaxy foldables for instance, including the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Flip8, put so many of the tools creators need into one device. You can capture, edit and share your content without needing a tripod or an extra pair of hands to make it happen.”

For creators constantly moving between locations, events, trends and ideas, this shift can make the creative process significantly more seamless. Samsung Galaxy’s latest foldables are the ultimate content creator companion, as they are designed to give them greater flexibility in how they capture and work with content. From hands-free shooting and versatile form factors to advanced cameras and AI-powered editing tools, creators can increasingly manage the entire content journey from a single device.

Galaxy AI can also help take some of the friction out of the editing process, allowing creators to spend less time on repetitive tasks and more time developing the creative idea behind their content. That means a creator heading to an event does not necessarily need to arrive carrying a production bag. The technology becomes part of the workflow rather than another barrier to overcome.

The Creator Labs arrive at a pivotal moment for South Africa’s creator economy. As brands increasingly recognise the power of creator-led storytelling and the communities creators have built, understanding the business behind content has become critical.

“Celebrating creators once a year is important, but supporting the creator economy means doing more than handing out trophies,” says Hargreaves. “We need to create opportunities for creators to learn, connect and understand how they can turn their creativity into sustainable careers. That is what makes initiatives like the Creator Labs so valuable.”

Creator Labs precede the Samsung-sponsored 2026 Content Creator Awards on 17 October 2026 in Sandton, where local creative talent will take centre stage.

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 ︎