Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs. Galaxy Z Fold 6: Better in (almost) every way

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs. Galaxy Z Fold 6: Better in (almost) every way <article> <div class="featured_product_block featured_block_versus" data-id="97f4fae2-8ed2-11f1-8b37-2dc0c42ee212"> <div class='product-image-widthsetter'><p class='vanilla-image-block' data-bordeaux-image-check style='padding-top:100.00%';><img style="width: 100%" class="featured_image" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rCBmd7FCub8WMdCx6jFBqT.jpg" alt="Unofficial render of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra"></p></div> <div class="featured_product_details_wrapper"> <div class="featured_product_title_wrapper"> <div class='featured__brand'>Samsung</div> <div class="featured__title">Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra</div> </div> <div class="subtitle__description"> <p><p><em><strong>Thinner and lighter</strong></em></p><p>The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is a major leap over the Galaxy Z Fold 6, offering a svelte form factor, a new chip, a 5,000mAh silicon-carbon battery, and similar camera hardware to the Galaxy S26 Ultra.</p></p> </div> <div class="pro-con"><div class="list-pros-wrapper"><h4 class="list-pros-label">Pros</h4><ul class="list-pros"><li class='list-item list-item-pros'>Faster Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor</li><li class='list-item list-item-pros'>Silicon-carbon 5,000mAh battery</li><li class='list-item list-item-pros'>Only 8.9mm thick, weighs 215 grams</li><li class='list-item list-item-pros'>200MP main camera, 50MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto</li></ul></div><div class="list-cons-wrapper"><h4 class="list-cons-label">Cons</h4><ul class="list-cons"><li class='list-item list-item-cons'>No S Pen </li><li class='list-item list-item-cons'>More expensive</li><li class='list-item list-item-cons'>No Qi2 magnets or IP68</li></ul></div></div> </div> </div> <div class="featured_product_block featured_block_versus" data-id="97f4fc04-8ed2-11f1-be5f-d5415cfa9263"> <div class='product-image-widthsetter'><p class='vanilla-image-block' data-bordeaux-image-check style='padding-top:100.00%';><img style="width: 100%" class="featured_image" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kBS2j2Pcq5xNYFf9FWBeCi.jpg" alt="The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6"></p></div> <div class="featured_product_details_wrapper"> <div class="featured_product_title_wrapper"> <div class='featured__brand'>Samsung</div> <div class="featured__title">Galaxy Z Fold 6</div> </div> <div class="subtitle__description"> <p><p><em><strong>For the S Pen lovers</strong></em></p><p>The Galaxy Z Fold 6 doesn't have much that'll help it beat the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, but the one exception is its support of the S Pen. If you want a phone with a stylus, this is the Samsung foldable to get. Another perk is the price, which is about $500 refurbished.</p></p> </div> <div class="pro-con"><div class="list-pros-wrapper"><h4 class="list-pros-label">Pros</h4><ul class="list-pros"><li class='list-item list-item-pros'>Still has many years of upgrades left</li><li class='list-item list-item-pros'>Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy processor is still capable</li><li class='list-item list-item-pros'>Last Samsung foldable to support the S Pen</li><li class='list-item list-item-pros'>Excellent deals on used and refurbished Galaxy Z Fold 6 phones</li></ul></div><div class="list-cons-wrapper"><h4 class="list-cons-label">Cons</h4><ul class="list-cons"><li class='list-item list-item-cons'>Much thicker than Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra</li><li class='list-item list-item-cons'>Less comfortable display aspect ratios</li><li class='list-item list-item-cons'>Worse camera hardware; no 200MP main sensor</li><li class='list-item list-item-cons'>Smaller battery, slow charging, no Qi2 support of any kind. </li></ul></div></div> </div> </div><p>Samsung found a hit with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 last year, and the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra does even more to solidify its spot as the best North American foldable. It's the first Samsung foldable to bear the Ultra name, and for good reason.</p><p>The <a href="https://www.androidcentral.com/phones/samsung-galaxy/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-8-series-hands-on">Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra</a> proves to be a major upgrade over the <a href="https://www.androidcentral.com/phones/samsung-galaxy/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-6-one-year-later">Galaxy Z Fold 6</a> — in every way but one. The latter is the last Samsung foldable to support the S Pen. If you're a <a href="https://www.androidcentral.com/phones/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-6-review">Galaxy Z Fold 6</a> user wondering if it's time to upgrade, the answer is probably yes... unless you need the S Pen.</p><h2 id="samsung-galaxy-z-fold-8-vs-galaxy-z-fold-6-pricing-and-availability">Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 vs. Galaxy Z Fold 6: Pricing and availability</h2><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:2048px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="V8Y9MLHHMUjhvNXiUXx8pY" name="Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Fold-8-Ultra-all-colors-02" alt="Hands-on with all the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 colors" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/V8Y9MLHHMUjhvNXiUXx8pY.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="2048" height="1152" attribution="" endorsement="" class="inline"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra launched in July 2026 at a Galaxy Unpacked event. It hits store shelves Aug. 7, 2026. The new foldable retails for $2,099.99 with 256GB of storage. You can optionally upgrade to 512GB and 1TB of storage for an additional cost. Out of all the <a href="https://www.androidcentral.com/phones/samsung-galaxy/which-samsung-galaxy-z-fold-8-ultra-color-should-you-buy">Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra colors</a>, Green Shadow is exclusive to Samsung's online store. </p><p>The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 was released on July 10, 2024, for $1,899. It was available in Pink, Navy, Silver Shadow, Crafted Black, and White colorways. Now, the phone is mostly unavailable in new condition, but refurbished and used models are enticing — they'll only run you about $500. </p><h2 id="samsung-galaxy-z-fold-8-vs-galaxy-z-fold-6-design-and-display">Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 vs. Galaxy Z Fold 6: Design and display</h2><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:2048px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="6GCFYDgPchu6RpWwQtkyi3" name="Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Fold-8-Ultra-display-crease-home-screen-01" alt="Looking at the reduced display crease on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6GCFYDgPchu6RpWwQtkyi3.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="2048" height="1152" attribution="" endorsement="" class="inline"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra keeps the same general design language as the <a href="https://www.androidcentral.com/phones/samsung-galaxy/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-7-review">Galaxy Z Fold 7</a>, but it has a different chamfer that makes it easier to open. Compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 6, though, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is considerably thinner and lighter. The new model measures 4.1mm thick opened and 8.9mm closed. That's quite the jump from the Galaxy Z Fold 6, which is 12.1mm folded and 5.6mm unfolded. </p><p>The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is also heavier than the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, with the older foldable measuring 239 grams versus 215 grams. The thinner and lighter form factor makes the Fold 8 Ultra feel like a regular phone that happens to unfold, rather than two phones stuck together.</p><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:2048px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.35%;"><img id="V542e3d8XE6pnuayyneDpk" name="Galaxy Z Fold 6" alt="Galaxy Z Fold 6 against colorful background" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/V542e3d8XE6pnuayyneDpk.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="2048" height="1154" attribution="" endorsement="" class="inline"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra has an 8-inch main screen with a 120Hz refresh rate. Compared to newer models, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 has a more visible crease. </p><p>The older foldable's main screen is only 7.6 inches, but it supports the same 120Hz refresh rate and uses identical OLED technology. The outer screen is narrower than the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, as Samsung has finally settled on a slightly wider cover-screen aspect ratio. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 features a 6.3-inch outer screen, while the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra comes with a 6.5-inch cover screen. </p><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:2048px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="hkMDJbZRgSd4nDaH7q73j3" name="Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Fold-8-Ultra-display-crease-home-screen-03" alt="Looking at the reduced display crease on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hkMDJbZRgSd4nDaH7q73j3.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="2048" height="1152" attribution="" endorsement="" class="inline"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)</span></figcaption></figure><p>Both devices are covered by an IP48 water and dust resistance rating, despite higher levels of protection from other foldables. However, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra adds anti-reflective properties to the folding display cover. </p><h2 id="samsung-galaxy-z-fold-8-vs-galaxy-z-fold-6-hardware-and-specs">Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 vs. Galaxy Z Fold 6: Hardware and specs</h2><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:2048px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="QXtFU9qQG23MRRQs7cRJYQ" name="samsung-galaxy-z-fold-8-ultra-watch-9-watch-9-ultra-01" alt="Hands-on with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, Watch 9, and Watch Ultra 2" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/QXtFU9qQG23MRRQs7cRJYQ.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="2048" height="1152" attribution="" endorsement="" class="inline"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Shruti Shekar / Android Central)</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is still supported with Android OS upgrades and has a capable <a href="https://www.androidcentral.com/phones/snapdragon-8-gen-3-vs-8-gen-2-vs-a17-pro-benchmarks">Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3</a> for Galaxy processor with 12GB of memory. However, the latest Qualcomm chips are major leaps over older Snapdragon platforms. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is faster and more capable than the Galaxy Z Fold 6, thanks to the <a href="https://www.androidcentral.com/phones/i-compared-the-snapdragon-8-elite-gen-5-to-the-snapdragon-8-elite-tensor-g5-and-dimensity-9500">Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5</a> for Galaxy chipset. </p><div ><table><caption>Specs</caption><thead><tr><th class="firstcol " ><p>Category</p></th><th ><p>Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra</p></th><th ><p>Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6</p></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td class="firstcol " ><p>Operating System</p></td><td ><p>One UI 9 (Android 17)</p></td><td ><p>One UI 6.1.1 (Android 14) [upgradeable]</p></td></tr><tr><td class="firstcol " ><p>Display</p></td><td ><p>Inner: 8-inch LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, reduced crease</p><p>Outer: 6.5-inch, LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz</p></td><td ><p>Inner: 7.6-inch LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, 2160 x 1856 resolution, 20.9:18 aspect ratio, 374 ppi, 2600 nits peak brightness</p><p>Outer: 6.3-inch, LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, 2376 x 968 resolution, 22.1:9 aspect ratio, 410 ppi, 2600 nits peak brightness</p><p></p></td></tr><tr><td class="firstcol " ><p>Stylus support</p></td><td ><p>No</p></td><td ><p>Yes</p></td></tr><tr><td class="firstcol " ><p>Processor</p></td><td ><p>Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy</p></td><td ><p>Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy</p></td></tr><tr><td class="firstcol " ><p>RAM</p></td><td ><p>12GB (16GB with 1TB variant)</p></td><td ><p>12GB</p></td></tr><tr><td class="firstcol " ><p>Storage</p></td><td ><p>256GB, 512GB, 1TB</p></td><td ><p>256GB, 512GB, 1TB</p></td></tr><tr><td class="firstcol " ><p>Rear cameras</p></td><td ><p>200MP wide camera, 50MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto 3x zoom</p></td><td ><p>50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto (3x optical zoom)</p></td></tr><tr><td class="firstcol " ><p>Front camera</p></td><td ><p>10MP (cover display) + 10MP (folding display)</p></td><td ><p>10MP (cover display) + 4MP (folding display)</p></td></tr><tr><td class="firstcol " ><p>Battery</p></td><td ><p>5,000mAh</p></td><td ><p>4,400mAh</p></td></tr><tr><td class="firstcol " ><p>Charging</p></td><td ><p>45W wired</p></td><td ><p>25W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, 4.5 reverse wireless</p></td></tr><tr><td class="firstcol " ><p>IP rating</p></td><td ><p>IP48</p></td><td ><p>IP48</p></td></tr><tr><td class="firstcol " ><p>Weight</p></td><td ><p>215g</p></td><td ><p>239g</p></td></tr><tr><td class="firstcol " ><p>Dimensions</p></td><td ><p>Unfolded: 158.4 x 143.2 x 4.1 mm </p><p>Folded: 158.4 x 72.8 x 8.9 mm</p></td><td ><p>Unfolded: 132.6 x 153.5 x 5.6 mm</p><p>Folded: Folded 68.1 x 153.5 x 12.1 mm</p></td></tr><tr><td class="firstcol " ><p>Colors</p></td><td ><p>Violet Shadow, Graphite, Cream, Green Shadow (online)</p></td><td ><p>Silver, Shadow, Pink, Navy</p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>Samsung upgraded the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra's battery by increasing the capacity to 5,000mAh and using silicon-carbon battery tech. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 has a 4,400mAh capacity, which is the same as the Galaxy Z Fold 7. It also has slower charging, supporting 25W speeds over a cable and 15W wirelessly. </p><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:2048px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.35%;"><img id="qR6YUKHdpafoXahqh8jEhk" name="Galaxy Z Fold 6" alt="Galaxy Z Fold 6 against colorful background" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/qR6YUKHdpafoXahqh8jEhk.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="2048" height="1154" attribution="" endorsement="" class="inline"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Galaxy Z Fold 6's camera system is already behind the curve. It offers a 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultrawide sensor, and a 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom capabilities. By comparison, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra's primary camera is a 200MP sensor. Even the secondary lenses are better, with a 50MP ultrawide camera and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.</p><h2 id="samsung-galaxy-z-fold-8-vs-galaxy-z-fold-6-which-should-you-buy">Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 vs. Galaxy Z Fold 6: Which should you buy?</h2><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:2048px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="VCFsrVo8bKbZH4zDyJ5DvY" name="Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Fold-8-Ultra-all-colors-04" alt="Hands-on with all the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 colors" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/VCFsrVo8bKbZH4zDyJ5DvY.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="2048" height="1152" attribution="" endorsement="" class="inline"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is quite capable for 2026, even though its form factor might feel outdated as foldables chase thinner and lighter designs. The thicker build makes the Fold 6 feel more premium and lets its hinge stay open at more angles without tipping over. The S Pen support is an added bonus, since the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra ships without it.</p><p>Meanwhile, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra builds upon the upgrades already introduced with the Fold 7. That means you get great performance, a thin and light design, a superb camera system, and excellent software. It may be tough — if not impossible — to justify spending $2,000 on a new foldable if you already shelled out for the Galaxy Z Fold 6 two years ago. </p><p>That said, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is tempting. Almost everything is better, and if you get a good trade-in deal, the upgrade could be worthwhile.</p> </article>