Galaxy Z Fold 8 vs Galaxy S26 Ultra: Which Should You Get?

Quick summary: The Galaxy S26 Ultra is the best traditional phone Samsung makes all year, with 100x zoom, an S Pen and better speakers. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 matches it on most everyday camera shots and adds a big inner screen for multitasking and video. I love foldables, so I’d pick the Fold 8.

Cameras

Photos are very close. Oddly, I slightly prefer the Fold 8’s colors, which look a little richer and sometimes more natural. In video, the front cameras in low and normal light both look good: the S26 Ultra runs a bit warmer and the Fold 8 a bit cooler. With the rear cameras at 4K60, my dog looked more naturally colored on the S26 Ultra. Overall video was a toss-up. For mics, the S26 Ultra sounded fuller and the Fold 8 a bit clearer. I’d give the S26 Ultra the edge.

Comfort and weight

With cases on, the two are close in width, but the S26 Ultra is easier to hold. With an OhSnap grip (mounted upside down on the Fold 8), both are comfortable. The S26 Ultra is much taller. After living with the short Fold 8, tall phones feel weird to me. The Fold 8 feels lighter in hand.

Speakers

With both at max volume and Dolby Atmos on Auto, the S26 Ultra was louder and clearer.

S Pen

The Fold 8 has no S Pen. I never use mine on the S26 Ultra, but if you take notes or draw, the S26 Ultra is Samsung’s only phone with a pen right now.

Multitasking, keyboards and apps

• Multitasking: the Fold 8 shows more, and it can run three vertical windows versus two on the S26 Ultra. It’s the reason I choose foldables.
• Keyboards: in landscape, the S26 Ultra’s keyboard eats a lot of the screen. The Fold 8’s main display leaves much more room.
• Instagram: the S26 Ultra’s cover-screen-style view shows the top of Stories. TikTok matches up well on both.
• Websites: the Fold 8 shows far more side to side.

Specs that matter

• Same processor, RAM and storage, and the same 50MP ultra-wide.
• S26 Ultra: up to 100x zoom, 60W wired vs 45W, 5,000mAh vs 4,800mAh.
• Fold 8: a brighter display, 3,000 nits vs 2,600, though you won’t notice much in real life.
• Both last a full 12 to 15 hours.

Verdict

You’ll be happy with either. If you want a traditional phone with Samsung’s best cameras on paper, get the S26 Ultra. If you want to try something new, get the Galaxy Z Fold 8.

• Order the Galaxy Z Fold 8 from Samsung
• OhSnap SnapGrip Stand
• Benks case for the Galaxy Z Fold 8, code GREGGLESTV
• dbrand Grip case