Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs Fold 8: I'm So Torn

Quick summary: I used the Galaxy Z Fold 8 full-time from launch, then switched to the Fold 8 Ultra for almost a week. Two differences keep standing out, and I’m honestly torn. The cameras are different on paper, but I don’t notice much difference.

1. The Fold 8’s cover screen is way better

I almost live on the Fold 8’s cover screen. It’s wide, easy to use one-handed and easier to see. Videos are great too: at 16:10, 16:9 videos have barely any black bars, and pinch-to-zoom doesn’t crop much. The Ultra’s cover screen is too skinny, so I barely use it. If you love living on the cover screen, get the Fold 8.

2. Apps fit the Ultra’s inner screen better

On the Ultra, I’m back to my Fold 7 habits: almost never the cover screen, always the big inner screen. Multitasking is probably a little better on the wider Fold 8, but apps are formatted correctly on the Ultra’s inner display, and that’s made it more enjoyable lately. If the Ultra’s inner screen were a tad wider, I’d be pretty happy. That would mean a taller Fold 8, which basically isn’t going to happen, though an extra-large wide model, almost TriFold-sized, would be cool.

Where I’m landing

The Fold 8 feels small, compact and great. I’d be fine going back, but after almost a week on the Ultra, I don’t know if I will. I’ll have to compare both against the iPhone Duo soon anyway. If I had to choose right now, I might stick with the Ultra because of app optimization. But I’m really torn.

• Buy the Galaxy Z Fold 8 or 8 Ultra from Samsung
• Benks Crystal Case for the Galaxy Z Fold 8, code GREGGLESTV
• Benks Crystal Case for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, code GREGGLESTV
• OhSnap SnapGrip Stand