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. ︎

Designed to bring Galaxy innovation to life in a fun, interactive way, the Galaxy Hangout invites visitors to take a quick personality quiz before choosing their Galaxy foldable match. From there, guests can put their chosen device to the test as they journey through a series of hands-on experiences inspired by the things that make Joburg culture tick: music, fashion, sport, creativity and everyday life.

The experience is built for festivalgoers who want to create, capture and share every moment. Guests can create festival-worthy content at interactive DJ, stage and photo moments, take on quick Galaxy challenges and experiment with the latest Galaxy AI features. Once they have captured their perfect shot, they can head to the Touch-Up Bar for a final glow-up before sharing their content straight to social.

And because every great hangout should come with a few surprises, there will be plenty of opportunities to walk away with Samsung goodies. The first 50 guests every hour will score an instant Samsung giveaway, while those who complete the full Galaxy Hangout experience will receive a Samsung tote bag. Festivalgoers can also share their favourite Galaxy Hangout moment for a chance to win exclusive Joburg Day prizes, with winners to be announced on stage.

After all the action, visitors can take a moment to recharge in the Samsung lounge, enjoy a device-inspired mocktail and kick back with a view of the Joburg Day stage.

But there’s more!

Through Samsung’s partnership with 947, revellers will also have the opportunity to get closer to the main-stage action and watch their favourite artists up close. They will have an exciting chance to become part of the experience, bringing them closer to the artists and the music they came to celebrate.

Picture it: you and your crew dancing along to your favourite track, with your favourite artist performing just a few steps away. That’s the kind of festival memory that deserves to be captured on Galaxy.

With the Galaxy Hangout, Samsung is creating a space where technology meets the energy of 947 Joburg Day, giving festivalgoers more ways to experience the music, express themselves and turn moments into content worth sharing.

Create it. Capture it. Share it. Win it. Only at the Samsung Galaxy Hangout at 947 Joburg Day.

Taking place on 5 September 2026 at Crocodile Creek Polo Club, Lanseria, 947 Joburg Day, in partnership with Primedia, returns with the theme “Everyone’s a Headliner”, bringing together an electrifying line-up including some of South Africa’s hottest artists.

The only twist here is that being a headliner at a festival is about more than taking the stage. It is about being in the moment, capturing it and sharing it your way. And with the Galaxy Z8 Series, festivalgoers have a pocket-sized creative companion designed to help them do exactly that, hence everyone being a headliner.

From getting the perfect shot of your favourite artist to capturing the chaos of a group selfie, filming while dancing in the crowd or polishing content before posting it, the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Z Fold8 and Z Flip8 are built to turn festival moments into content worth every byte of your phone’s storage.

Unpacking the ultimate festival companions

The Galaxy Z Flip8 brings maximum portability to festival mode as Samsung’s slimmest and lightest flip device[1]. Compact enough to slip into a pocket or bag, it gives festivalgoers the freedom to move, dance and explore without feeling weighed down.

Its flexible form factor also makes quick interactions more convenient. Users can check what they need without opening the device, helping them stay connected while keeping their phone use discreet.

When the music starts, the Z Flip8 becomes a content-creation tool. FlexCam and hands-free capture make it easy to frame group shots and multi-angle selfies without needing a tripod or recruiting a helpful stranger. Its camera capabilities, including Nightography[2], zoom and Super Steady[3] video with Horizon Lock, help capture vibrant festival scenes, sharp low-light selfies² and smooth footage even when the crowd is moving.

And because festival days are long, battery life matters. From the first performance to the final encore, the Z Flip8 is designed to keep users connected, capturing content and sharing memories throughout the day[4].

Then there is the editing. With the Galaxy AI Suite, features such as Photo Assist[5] and Generative Edit[6] can help polish content on the go, giving users more time to put their phone down and get back to the music.

For those who want to take their festival content further, the new Galaxy Z Fold8’s passport-inspired shape could transport you to the best 947 Joburg Day experience yet. As Samsung’s lightest Galaxy Z Fold yet, it combines portability with an expansive experience, making it easier to view, create and share content while on the move.

The Galaxy Z Fold8 is also festival-ready, featuring an Armor Aluminium frame[7] and IP48 water-resistance rating[8], adding another layer of confidence when navigating the unpredictable conditions of a busy outdoor event.

Its camera experience is where the Z Fold8 really comes into its own. Hands-Free Flex Mode, Rear-Cam Selfies, My FanCam[9] Auto-Tracking, Super Steady and Horizon Lock work together to make capturing the action easier, whether users are filming themselves, their friends or the artist commanding the stage.

“Everyone’s a Headliner is a powerful idea because it reflects how people experience festivals today. You are not simply watching the show, you are capturing it, sharing it and creating your own version of the experience,” says Rae Hargreaves, Head of Marketing: Mobile eXperience at Samsung South Africa. “With Galaxy Z Flip8 and Galaxy Z Fold8, we are giving people the flexibility and creative tools to make their festival moments their own. Whether you want something ultra-portable that keeps up with you or a larger canvas that takes your content further, Galaxy Z8 series is ready for the day.”

At 947 Joburg Day, the stage may belong to some of South Africa’s biggest names, but the story belongs to everyone. With a Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Z Fold8 or a Z Flip8 in hand, festivalgoers can capture the moment, create the content and become the content headliner.

When it comes to capturing those perfect festival moments, the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra comes equipped and fit for purpose with a 200MP camera. Whether it’s taking pictures or recording videos, you can zoom in on your favourite artist and still get great images from the back of the crowd, demonstrating its ultra-level clarity and zoom capabilities. From the moment you arrive in the morning until the sun sets and night comes, the Z Fold8 Ultra is built to capture the entire festival experience, showing its versatility across different lighting conditions[10].

947 Joburg Day takes place on 5 September 2026 at Crocodile Creek Polo Club, Lanseria (Johannesburg), from 9AM.

[1] Compared to previous models.

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

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

[4] Typical value tested under third-party laboratory condition. Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Rated capacity is 4174 mAh for Galaxy Z Flip8.

Estimated against the usage profile of an average/typical user Actual battery life varies by network environment, features and apps used, frequency of calls and messages, number of times charged and many other factors.

[5] Photo Assist is a Galaxy AI tool in the Gallery app that lets you move, resize, or delete objects, and turn simple sketches into photorealistic images. 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.

[6] Generative Edit is a Galaxy AI tool on supported Samsung devices that lets you resize, move, or remove objects, and auto-fill background spaces using artificial intelligence.

[7] Armor Aluminum frame does not include volume and side keys, SIM tray or camera lens barrel

[8] Based on lab test conditions for submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. Water resistance of device is not permanent and may diminish over time because of normal wear and tear.

[9] 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.

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

When the awards launched in 2022, the mission was simple: celebrate creators at a time when many still had to justify content creation as a legitimate career. Four years later, that conversation has changed.

Today, the awards recognise the country’s most influential creators, the brands and agencies investing in the space, and the work that continues to push the industry forward.

“As the creator economy has evolved, so have the awards,” said Manuela Dias de Deus, Founder of the Awards and Founder of One-eyed Jack. “When we launched these awards, we were celebrating brave pioneers who were proving that content creation could be a real career. Today we’re recognising world-class creators who are building businesses, influencing culture, driving commerce and setting global standards. Our responsibility has shifted from legitimising the industry to raising the benchmark for excellence. This is no longer about recognising creators for what’s possible. It’s about celebrating those who are setting the standard for the future of marketing, entertainment and entrepreneurship in South Africa.”

This year’s awards feature 20 categories, all refined to better reflect today’s creator landscape. Entry criteria have become more rigorous, with judging criteria developed in collaboration with the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB South Africa) to ensure greater consistency, credibility and industry alignment.

An exciting new category, the #CapturedWithGalaxy Award, was also announced at the launch and remains open for entries, giving creators one final opportunity to be recognised before entries officially close.

Open to creators of all niches, the category celebrates exceptional content captured on any type of Samsung Galaxy device. The winner will receive a Content Creator Award trophy, as well as a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 valued at approximately R40,999.

Entries close on 20 September.

Samsung Galaxy Announced As Headline Sponsor

Samsung Galaxy was officially unveiled as title sponsor, signalling the growing confidence major brands have in South Africa’s creator economy.

“We’re incredibly proud to partner with the Content Creator Awards,” saidRae Hargreaves, Head of Marketing: Mobile eXperience at Samsung South Africa.“Creators are shaping culture, influencing purchasing decisions and redefining storytelling every single day. Samsung Galaxy exists to give creators the technology they need to tell those stories, and we’re excited to celebrate the incredible talent driving South Africa’s creator economy.”

The Awards Night

The winners will be announced at a spectacular gala evening on 17 October 2026 in Sandton.

Tickets for the awards are now available at https://www.quicket.co.za/events/391220-content-creator-awards-sponsored-by-samsung/#/.

Press Launch Highlights

The launch itself, hosted by Lesego Tlabi (Coconut Kelz), demonstrated the extraordinary momentum behind the awards, drawing one of the largest industry gatherings in the programme’s history.

2026 CONTENT CREATOR AWARDS NOMINEES

Public Voting Categories

Samsung Galaxy Creator of the Year Award

Donovan Goliath SMS “COTY1” to 33622

Grace Mondlana SMS “COTY2” to 33622

Nadia Jaftha     SMS “COTY3” to 33622

Primo9teen       SMS “COTY4” to 33622

Vafa Naraghi    SMS “COTY5” to 33622

YouTube Creator Of The Year Award

Centtwinz SMS “YOUTUBE1” to 33622

Lasizwe SMS “YOUTUBE2” to 33622

Noko Mashaba SMS “YOUTUBE3” to 33622

Shev and Dev SMS “YOUTUBE4” to 33622

SMWX  SMS “YOUTUBE5” to 33622

Zayaan SMS “YOUTUBE6” to 33622

Cars.co.za Automotive Content Award

Chris Rogers SMS “CARS1” TO 33622

Mpoomy Ledwaba SMS “CARS2” TO 33622

Rory Petzer SMS “CARS3” TO 33622

Sam from TheCarScene SMS “CARS4” TO 33622

Shane Assad SMS “CARS5” TO 33622

Tebogo Moropa SMS “CARS6” TO 33622

Emerging Creator Award, backed by Creator Club

Anica Kiana SMS “EMERGING1” to 33622

Isaac Mehlape SMS “EMERGING2” to 33622

Sibo Mchunu SMS “EMERGING3” to 33622

Sine_rsa_ SMS “EMERGING4” to 33622

Socially Jordie SMS “EMERGING5” to 33622

People’s Choice Award

Anika Dambuza SMS “CHOICE1” to 33622

Garfieldzar SMS “CHOICE2” to 33622

Grace Mondlana SMS “CHOICE3” to 33622

Olwethu Ncapayi SMS “CHOICE4” to 33622

Tanaka Dube    SMS “CHOICE5” to 33622

Non-Public Voting Categories

Telkom Best Online Series Award

Awkward Dates by Lasizwe

Hungry & Shameless

Kickin it with Kim Jayde

SABS Network

The Adventures of Noko Mashaba

947 Sound of Tomorrow Award

Chesrae Megan

Carter Najar

Lordkez

Lukiemusic

Mikhalé Jones

Teagan’s Things

Dance Creator Award

Chad Jones

Benny Jnr

Ludopie

Rudi Smit

TDO Thando

Style Award

Kimos

Lue & Rue

Pumla Dineo

Wisemanzither

Yasmin Furmie

Best Online Social Series Award

Dalin Oliver

Nuri Gallow

Simo Ziqubu

Stefan van der Merwe

Vafa Naraghi

Zayaan

Best Creator x Brand Collaboration Award

Baxbara – Delicious Festival

Lukiemusic – #IAmOriginal88

Nabilah Kariem – Le Creuset

Nabilah Kariem – Samsung

Sni Mhlongo – Vaseline

Expert Voices Award

Bella Monsoon

Kriya Gangiah

Miss Angler

Stefan van der Merwe for We Do Tech

The Conscious Psychologist

Trendsetter Award

Anika Dambuza | The City Makoti

Grace Mondlana

Kim Jayde

Lingling

Primo9teen

Zayaan

Podcast of the Year Award

GenC Podcast

Mindset Profits

SMWX

The Makhs

The Sias du Plessis Show

Wisdom & Wellness

Impact Creator Award

Conrad Koch & Chester Missing

Joshwideawake

Shandor Larenty

Nick Hamman

Theshaya

Best Comedy Content Creator Award

Céline Tshika

Ikho

Sipho2skiits

Tanaka Dube

Titus Mokou

Wildcard Award

Lindosasmr

Nathan Molefe

Yombusoo Cthandiweii

Zinhle Africa

Thumb-stopping Award

Céline Tshika

Chris Rogers

Kaytee Shots

Planettobii

Vafa Naraghi

Notes to Editors

Awards Ceremony

17 October 2026

Sandton, Johannesburg

Official Partners

Samsung Galaxy – Title Sponsor

YouTube – YouTube Creator of the Year Award (TBC Category)

Telkom – Best Online Series Award

947 – Sound of Tomorrow Award

eVOD – Official Broadcast Partner

Cars.co.za – Automotive Award

The Creator Club – Emerging Creator Award Partner

One-eyed Jack – Founders and Official Marketing and Production Agency

Supporting Partners

Humanz – AI Data Analytics Partner

Ray-Ban – Official Eyewear Partner

About the Content Creator Awards

Now in its fourth year, the Content Creator Awards celebrate South Africa’s leading digital creators, alongside the brands and agencies helping shape the country’s rapidly growing creator economy. Registered as a non-profit organisation, the awards reinvest sponsorship and partnership revenue into initiatives that support education, collaboration and growth across the creator industry.

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

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

Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra: Brilliant Detail, Day and Night

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

▲ Tower Bridge captured with enhanced Nightography

▲ Photo taken with Nightography

Galaxy Z Fold8: Ready for Moments in Motion

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

▲ Dual Recording

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

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

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

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

Galaxy Z Flip8: Freedom From Every Shot

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

Flex Mode on Galaxy Z Flip8

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

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

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

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

Camcorder Grip

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

Camcorder Grip with Zoom Rocker

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

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

Galaxy Z Fold8, unveiled alongside the latest Galaxy Z series lineup at Galaxy Unpacked on July 22, continues that legacy of innovation. Its display features all new Flex Titanium technology to make the device thin without compromising durability. The new display also creates a less visible crease for immersive viewing anytime, anywhere.

How is Galaxy Z Fold8 different from other Galaxy Z series foldables?

Galaxy Z Fold8 is designed for users who want the portability and ease of a traditional bar type phone while still being able to enjoy the benefits of a tablet-like display. Its form factor allows you to move easily between time sensitive actions on the cover screen to time intensive tasks like reading, gaming, and streaming on the main display.

Galaxy Z Fold8 is Samsung’s lightest Galaxy Z Fold design yet, with intuitive display ratios, and long-lasting performance, making it easier to be immersed in the content, stories, and ideas that you care about.

How big is the screen on Galaxy Z Fold8?

When folded, the 5.5-inch cover screen¹ feels familiar and comfortable for the short moments people return to most often, from messaging and social updates to browsing and short-form video. When unfolded, the 4 by 3 ratio and 7.6-inch main display create a larger canvas that helps users lose themselves in games and films. When rotated, the 3 by 4 display ratio is ideal for reading, offering a more comfortable way to enjoy articles, e-books, and long-form content.

Together, these display ratios are designed to make it more natural and comfortable to consume content, helping everything you do on Z Fold8 feel more immersive.

Why do the display ratios on Galaxy Z Fold8 matter?

A device’s display ratio helps determine how much of the screen is used when viewing photos, videos, games, and other content. Display ratios play an important role in how efficiently content uses the available screen space. Galaxy Z Fold8’s display ratios were chosen to reflect the way many people prefer to consume content today. The main screen features a 10:16 ratio — ideal for horizontal videos — while the cover screen features a 4:3 ratio — designed for vertical viewing. Both optimize the viewing experience for the content people naturally watch on each screen.²

How is AI on Galaxy Z Fold8 different from other Z series devices?

Galaxy Z Fold8 offers a new kind of foldable experience built around the way people explore, discover, and immerse themselves in their favorite content.

Galaxy AI has been optimized for each of the form factors in the lineup, so actions feel more connected³. Multitasking is easy on the wide screens of Galaxy Z Fold8,⁴ and AI experiences, including Gemini,⁵ give Galaxy users even simpler and more intuitive ways to get things done.

When will Galaxy Z Fold8 be available to purchase?

The Galaxy Z8 series is available for pre-order from 22 July to 12 August 2026, at these recommended retail prices⁶;

Galaxy Fold8 Ultra 1TB –R60,999

Galaxy Fold8 Ultra 512TB –R50,999

Galaxy Fold8 512GB –R45,999

Galaxy Fold8 256GB –R40,999

Galaxy Flip8 256GB –R26,999

Pre-order now and get free accessories worth up to R1,500⁷, free Samsung SOS+ access for 12 months⁸, as well as six months of Google AI Pro for free (worth over R2,500)⁹

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Learn more about the Galaxy Z series and the full Galaxy lineup at Samsung.com.

¹Measured 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. Aspect ratios shown are approximate, based on representative model values.

²Aspect ratios shown are approximate, based on representative model values.

³Galaxy AI features track data and require compatible Samsung Galaxy phone, Samsung Health app and Samsung account.

⁴Side-by-Side Multi Window works with select applications.

⁵ Must be signed into Samsung and Google account, and be connected to a compatible Samsung Galaxy AI phone with data/internet.

⁶Recommended retail prices only. Prices may vary per retailer.

⁷ Terms and Conditions Apply.

⁸Terms and Conditions Apply.

⁹Terms and Conditions Apply. Redeem via Google.

While rankings can be helpful, they can’t answer the most important question: which phone is best for me? That answer depends on personal considerations like how you prefer to work, create, and stay connected throughout your day.

Why Does Samsung Offer Multiple Foldable Form Factors?

The best foldable isn’t the same for everyone. That’s exactly why Samsung offers three distinct foldable designs with the new Galaxy Z series. Whether you want to consolidate with a single mobile device that can power through your to-do list, a screen built for streaming and reading, or looking for something more compact and convenient, Galaxy Z series has options.

Through eight generations of refinement, Samsung understands what users want most from foldables. The new Galaxy Z series is the result of all that experience. Every device delivers in the areas users care about most: displays, durability, portability, and performance.

Which Galaxy Z Foldable Is Right for You?

The latest Galaxy Z series offers a range of innovative foldable form factors, the compact Galaxy Z Flip8, the brand-new Galaxy Z Fold8, and the powerful Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra.

Deciding which is right for you ultimately depends on what you want from your smartphone experience, and how your phone fits into your life.

Choose Galaxy Z Flip8 if you want:

• Maximum portability from Samsung’s slimmest and lightest Z series device
• An experience built around self-expression and capturing the best selfies
• Everyday convenience for quick tasks without opening your phone

Choose Galaxy Z Fold8 if you’re looking for:

• A new foldable shape designed for modern content formats
• An immersive viewing experience for watching, reading, and gaming
• Samsung’s lightest Galaxy Z Fold yet

Choose Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra if you prioritize:

• Samsung’s top-of the line experience reserved for Ultra devices
• Multitasking on an expansive 8-inch folding main¹
• Productivity and flagship performance
• The most versatile and capable camera system in the Galaxy Z series

Across the lineup, the durability of the Galaxy Z series is complemented by Galaxy’s latest mobile AI² experiences and software optimized for each form factor, giving you a bespoke experience built around each unique design.

The best phone is the one that fits your life, and Samsung Galaxy’s portfolio is designed to help you find it. From the Galaxy Z TriFold introduced earlier this year to the latest Galaxy Z series, Samsung is committed to evolving its foldable portfolio to meet a wide range of needs and lifestyles.

¹Measured 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 Galaxy AI basic features provided by Samsung are free. Any Samsung enhanced AI features and all third-party AI features are subject to different terms and may be subject to fees.