Z Fold 8 Ultra is actually a foldable as you know it. Samsung named the truly new one differently

Samsung is playing an unusual game with its foldable lineup this year. Instead of giving the top-tier Ultra designation to a radically new format, it will apply it to the traditional narrow design that the company has been making for several generations. Conversely — the new wider Galaxy Z Fold 8, which is this year’s main design innovation, will go on sale without the premium moniker. Understanding such logic is not exactly easy, but according to a leak from Ice Universe, this is exactly the scenario that will unfold.

In the published image, two dummy units are side by side, and the difference is clearly visible. The left mockup represents the Z Fold 8, which is significantly wider and, when unfolded, its proportions are closer to a tablet. The right mockup is the Z Fold 8 Ultra in its current narrow form, as we have been accustomed to from Samsung since the first generation. This is not the first comparison to appear online, but it is the most illustrative yet — and it confirms that Samsung does not intend to replace one format with another, but rather to offer both simultaneously.

The reason why the Koreans are opting for a wider design is not hard to guess. According to recent reports, Apple is preparing its own foldable iPhone Ultra, which is set to go in exactly the same direction — a shorter and wider design, which so far has mainly been pushed by Chinese manufacturers in foldables. Samsung thus wants to have an answer ready even before Apple can build a lead. The question of why Samsung did not give the radically new model the Ultra designation remains unanswered. The only reasonable explanation is marketing — the Ultra brand at Samsung is associated with conservative, top-tier execution; the company prefers to let the new path grow under the pure name Z Fold 8.

From behind-the-scenes information, it’s also worth noting what can be expected inside. Further leaks indicate that the new generation is set to bring a significantly less visible display crease and larger batteries. The premiere is scheduled for July 22, so we won’t have to wait long for details.

For customers, this means only one thing — Samsung will offer a choice this year for the first time, not just evolution. Which of the two versions will ultimately catch on more will only be revealed by sales.

Would you prefer the classic narrow foldable or the new wider format?

Source: 9to5Google