Digitnomics 
By Chinemerem Victor,
Samsung is preparing to unveil a significantly expanded foldable smartphone lineup at its Galaxy Unpacked event scheduled for July 22 in London, with reports indicating that the technology giant will introduce two book-style foldable smartphones alongside other flagship devices.
The upcoming event is expected to mark Samsung’s first summer Galaxy Unpacked showcase in the United Kingdom and comes at a critical time as competition in the premium foldable smartphone segment intensifies ahead of Apple’s anticipated entry into the market.
Industry reports suggest Samsung will launch the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, a premium successor to the Galaxy Z Fold 7, alongside the all-new Galaxy Z Fold 8, a redesigned foldable featuring a wider, tablet-inspired form factor.
The launch is expected to include the Galaxy Z Flip 8, the Galaxy Watch 9 series, and what could be Samsung’s first AI-powered smart glasses device.
Fold 8 Ultra Targets Power Users
According to leaked specifications, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra will retain Samsung’s traditional book-style foldable design while introducing notable upgrades in battery life, charging speeds, and camera performance.
The device is expected to feature an 8-inch inner OLED display and a 6.5-inch external screen, both supporting adaptive refresh rates of up to 120Hz.
Under the hood, the smartphone is expected to run on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor paired with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage.
One of the most significant upgrades is expected in the camera department. Reports indicate the Fold 8 Ultra will feature a 200-megapixel main camera, a new 50-megapixel ultra-wide sensor, and a 10-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
Battery capacity is also tipped to increase from 4,400mAh on previous generations to 5,000mAh, while wired charging speeds could rise from 25W to 45W.
Industry observers believe these upgrades are aimed at strengthening Samsung’s position among power users and mobile professionals who prioritise productivity and premium imaging capabilities.
New Fold 8 Brings Tablet-Like Experience
Perhaps the most intriguing announcement expected from Samsung is the Galaxy Z Fold 8, which introduces a completely new design philosophy.
Unlike previous Fold devices, the Fold 8 is expected to adopt a wider 4:3 aspect ratio, bringing its form factor closer to a compact tablet than a traditional smartphone.
The device is reported to feature a 7.6-inch internal display and a smaller external screen while weighing approximately 201 grams, making it one of the lightest large foldable smartphones on the market.
To achieve the slimmer and lighter design, Samsung is expected to scale back some camera specifications. The Fold 8 is tipped to feature a dual-camera setup comprising a 50-megapixel main sensor and a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens, without a dedicated telephoto camera.
The move suggests Samsung is positioning the Fold 8 as a productivity-focused device that prioritises portability and multitasking over advanced photography.
AI Takes Centre Stage
Both devices are expected to ship with Android 17 and Samsung’s One UI 9 software platform.
Samsung is also expected to deepen its artificial intelligence offerings through enhanced Galaxy AI features and the introduction of Gemini Intelligence, an AI assistant capable of automating complex tasks across multiple applications.
Analysts view AI integration as a key differentiator in the premium smartphone market as manufacturers seek to offer more intelligent and personalised user experiences.
Competition With Apple Looms
Samsung’s July launch arrives just weeks before Apple is widely expected to unveil its first foldable iPhone.
Reports from industry analysts suggest Apple’s foldable device could debut in September alongside the iPhone 18 series, with a starting price above $2,000.
By launching earlier, Samsung gains a strategic advantage, allowing the company to establish market momentum, secure early adopters, and strengthen its ecosystem before Apple’s entry into the category.
The move also reinforces Samsung’s position as the leading player in the foldable smartphone market, where it has spent several years refining both hardware and software experiences.
Pricing and Availability
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is expected to start at $1,999 for the base model, with higher storage variants reaching up to $2,499.
Pricing for the standard Galaxy Z Fold 8 remains uncertain, although industry estimates suggest it could launch at around $1,800.
Pre-orders are expected to open immediately following the July 22 announcement, with commercial availability anticipated in early August.
As the foldable smartphone market continues to mature, Samsung’s dual-device strategy signals a broader effort to cater to different user preferences while defending its leadership position ahead of increased competition from Apple and other global manufacturers.
