Galaxy Z Fold 9 Ultra: Time for a Change?

Quick summary: After a few days back on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, I’ve been thinking about what comes next. Early rumors say the Galaxy Z Fold 9 and Z Fold 9 Ultra will keep basically the same cameras. Here’s why I think that’s a missed opportunity, and the changes I’d actually love to see, especially with the iPhone Duo now in the picture.

Key takeaways

• Current rumors: the Z Fold 9 keeps two rear cameras with no telephoto, and the Z Fold 9 Ultra keeps the same setup as the Fold 8 Ultra.
• I’d call that less of a flaw and more of a missed opportunity to beat the iPhone Duo on cameras.
• My wish list: a slightly taller display, a wider option, and pen support.
• An under-display camera might come back, but the current punch-hole doesn’t bother me.

What the rumors say so far

Every year people say it’ll be a boring upgrade or that Samsung didn’t fix the last model’s biggest flaw. Right now, the rumors say these phones will keep the same camera systems. The Z Fold 9 would have more or less the same cameras as the Z Fold 8: just two, with no telephoto. The Z Fold 9 Ultra would match the Z Fold 8 Ultra.

I wouldn’t call that a huge flaw. But it is a missed opportunity. If Samsung gave the Z Fold 9 a better camera system, it could honestly say it beats the iPhone Duo there. That’s another leg up on the competition that it’s leaving on the table.

Design wish #1: a slightly taller display

On my Z Fold 9 wish list, I’d want a slightly taller display. I love the current form factor, but give me a little more height. I know that doesn’t sound like a big deal, but I think it would make a difference.

Design wish #2: a wider Fold

I’d also love a version with more width. If you add width, you could potentially make the phone even skinnier and maybe even lighter. It’s already light, so that would be awesome. I still don’t love the outside display on the narrower model. It’s usable in some ways, but it’s not much fun.

My ideal Fold lineup

Take the best of both phones and put them together: a wide, taller phone with three cameras and everything else people want. I’d even be fine with that same idea in an Ultra-style model that’s both wide and tall.

Pen support has to come back

I think Samsung has to add pen support. A lot of people want it. I’m personally not one of them, but I get it. If you’re walking into a store to buy a foldable flagship, your choices in a lot of places are mostly Samsung or Apple. Motorola makes a great fold, and you get Oppo in other parts of the world, but for most people it’s the iPhone Duo or the Galaxy Z Fold. Samsung can’t skip the pen.

Will the under-display camera return?

Some people are going to say: if you add the pen, bring back the under-display camera too. There are rumors that might happen. I’m not a fan of it myself, because the current camera works well and doesn’t bother me at all. But I understand why people want it, mostly for looks.

Why I still prefer Galaxy Z Fold

Even if Samsung needs to catch up to the iPhone Duo in some areas, Galaxy Z Fold phones are still better for me. They’re thinner and lighter, the software is optimized in every way for how I use it, and I love the notification system and the unlocking. That will be different for everyone, but that’s where I land.

What would make you upgrade?

What does the Z Fold 9 or Z Fold 9 Ultra need for you to upgrade from your current phone, or to not even think about the iPhone Duo? With nothing concrete yet, I’m curious what you think. Let me know in the comments on the video.

Links from the video

• Buy the current Galaxy Z Fold 8 / 8 Ultra at Samsung
• Mint Mobile: $15 unlimited data, talk and text