London: Samsung Electronics Co. on Wednesday unveiled an expanded lineup of Galaxy Z foldable smartphones -- the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, and Galaxy Z Flip 8. The new lineup, powered by Alphabet Inc.'s Gemini artificial intelligence (AI), is designed to offer devices tailored to different user lifestyles, along with more personalized AI experiences, the South Korean tech giant said.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the new series is built on seven generations of Samsung's foldable innovation since the first Galaxy Z launch in 2019. It provides users with three distinct experiences engineered to meet different needs. Roh Tae-moon, co-chief executive officer of Samsung Electronics and head of its mobile business, highlighted the evolution of AI in mobile devices during an Unpacked event in London, emphasizing its role in creating more personal experiences for users.
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 features a wider display ratio for everyday usability and an immersive viewing experience. It includes a 5.5-inch cover screen for tasks like messaging and social media and a 7.6-inch main screen optimized for videos and gaming. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, Samsung's first foldable with "Ultra" branding, offers an 8-inch main screen for multitasking and productivity, an upgraded camera system, and a larger battery.
The Galaxy Z Flip 8 combines a compact form with personalized experiences and AI features. It is the lightest Galaxy Z Flip model to date, enhancing portability and accessibility.
Pricing for the smartphones has been announced as follows: the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is priced at 2.28 million won (US$1,541), the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra at 2.58 million won, and the Galaxy Z Flip 8 at 1.68 million won. The devices will be rolled out sequentially starting August 7 in South Korea and other markets worldwide, with preorders in South Korea running from next Tuesday to August 3.
The launch anticipates Apple's expected unveiling of a foldable iPhone design in September. In addition to smartphones, Samsung showcased its Intelligent Eyewear, developed with Warby Parker and Gentle Monster, set for release this fall. These smart glasses are designed to offer a personalized AI experience through intuitive interaction in daily life, as noted by Choi Jae-in, executive vice president of Samsung's mobile experience division.