Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs Fold 8: Really That Different?

Quick summary: I’m sticking with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra mostly because apps fit its screen better. But outside of the displays, in day-to-day use the Fold 8 and 8 Ultra feel much closer than the spec sheet suggests.

Why I’m on the Ultra: apps

On the regular Fold 8, some apps, mostly social media, look a little truncated. Sometimes it’s hard to find the button you need or see what you’re doing. On the Ultra they just look and work better.

On paper, the Ultra is the better phone

• A higher-megapixel main camera plus an extra telephoto lens.
• A slightly bigger battery: 5,000mAh vs 4,800mAh.
• It’s a little thinner, but the Fold 8 is about 14 grams lighter.
• Same processor, same brightness and the same RAM, though the 1TB Ultra gets 16GB.

Cameras

In everyday photos and videos, I honestly don’t notice a difference. I’ve done side-by-side comparisons, and I’ve never thought “my Fold 8 couldn’t do that.” With a million shots I might find small differences, but nothing sticks out.

Thinness and weight

You can feel that the Ultra is thinner. It’s narrower too, so it’s a little more comfortable to hold and easier to grip. I don’t notice the weight difference. The Fold 8 fits in a pocket better. Both of mine are in Benks clear cases with OhSnap grip stands.

Battery life

Despite the bigger battery, I don’t notice better battery life on the Ultra. If I wake up at 7 AM, I need to charge by about 4 or 5 PM. That would cover a normal 9-to-5 workday.

Performance

Performance and smoothness feel the same, and I haven’t noticed one running warmer than the other.

Verdict

The real difference is display size and what you personally want. Both are great phones. I’m staying on the Ultra for now, at least until I try the iPhone Duo.

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