Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra vs. Z Fold7: A Comprehensive Comparison
So, you’re eyeing a new Samsung foldable but would prefer to stick with the more traditional form factor than opt for the new Z Fold8. In that case, the phone you’re looking for is now called the Z Fold8 Ultra. Unlike the Z Fold8, which genuinely brings a new shape with few direct alternatives on the market, the Z Fold8 Ultra doesn’t represent a significant departure from its predecessor.
The Z Fold8 Ultra shares many similarities with last year’s Z Fold7. While the Z Fold8 Ultra might sound like the obvious choice for those ready to invest in a new device, the question remains: is it truly worth the upgrade or investment compared to its older counterpart? This comparison aims to explore that dilemma in detail.
Table of Contents:
- Size Comparison
- Display Comparison
- Battery Life
- Charging Speed
- Speaker Test
- Performance
- Camera Comparison
- Verdict
Size Comparison
As previously mentioned, the Fold form factor is well established, and Samsung has not reinvented it with the new device. Both the Z Fold8 Ultra and Z Fold7 share incredibly similar physical attributes. The Z Fold8 Ultra is slightly thinner, but the difference is negligible, with both devices weighing the same. Neither is particularly lightweight.
Samsung hasn’t publicly announced any major changes to the hinge mechanism. However, it has improved upon the previous flexible Titanium plate supporting the foldable display by incorporating another flexible titanium-alloy sheet inside the panel itself, termed “Flex Titanium” technology. This enhancement aims to make the panel more resilient to pressure and impact while allowing for a thinner overall assembly.
Display Comparison
Both devices feature an internal display that remains at 8 inches, similar to its predecessor. Nothing has changed in terms of size, but Samsung has upgraded the flexible 120Hz LTPO OLED panel in various ways. The resolution has notably improved from 1968 x 2184 pixels on the Z Fold7 to 2256 x 2504 pixels on the Z Fold8 Ultra. While HDR10+ video support persists, Dolby Vision is still absent.
Samsung touts a brighter display for the Z Fold8 Ultra compared to the Z Fold7. The new Flex Titanium construction and anti-reflective coating significantly enhance outdoor legibility, although it may still fall behind competitors like the Magic V6. The cover display remains unchanged, sporting a 6.5-inch LTPO OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 1080 x 2520 pixels.
Battery Life
The Z Fold8 Ultra offers a meaningful upgrade in battery capacity, now at 5,000mAh compared to 4,400mAh on the Z Fold7. Although this increase may not seem substantial, our tests indicate a notable improvement in overall Active Use Score, including web browsing and video streaming. The better battery life is especially evident when using the cover displays on both phones.
Charging Speed
Charging capabilities have also received an upgrade on the Z Fold8 Ultra, allowing for 45W wired charging and a bump from 15W to 20W for wireless charging. This upgrade significantly reduces the time it takes to fully charge the device, shaving off approximately half an hour compared to the Z Fold7. This makes the Z Fold8 Ultra considerably more convenient for users.
Speaker Test
Interestingly, while the Z Fold8 Ultra has made several improvements, it falls short in the speaker department compared to the Z Fold7. Users have reported that the newer model is quieter and offers a muddier sound profile, particularly in the bass range. The Z Fold7 arguably delivers a cleaner and louder audio experience.
Performance
Performance-wise, both devices showcase top-tier Qualcomm chips — Snapdragon 8 Elite for the Z Fold7 and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for the Z Fold8 Ultra. While the latter offers slightly higher clock speeds and enhancements, real-world usage indicates that the Z Fold7 remains extremely capable and may even throttle less aggressively during prolonged use.
Camera Comparison
The camera setups on both phones are largely unchanged, aside from a new ultrawide camera on the Z Fold8 Ultra featuring a Tetrapixel sensor. The triple rear setups still include a main 200MP camera and a modest 3x telephoto lens, producing 12MP photos. When comparing image quality, daylight shots remain excellent on both devices, with the Z Fold8 Ultra showing marginal improvements in sharpness.
Verdict
The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is undeniably the superior device between the two but not to the extent that the name and price might imply. Samsung has made several key improvements, particularly in battery performance, charging speed, and display quality. However, the fundamental Fold experience is remarkably similar across both models. If budget is a concern, the Z Fold7 remains an excellent alternative, offering much of the same functionality for a lower price point.
In summary, while the Z Fold8 Ultra excels in various categories, existing Z Fold7 users may not feel compelled to upgrade immediately. The Z Fold8 Ultra stands as a refined take on the foldable smartphone without drastically altering the established experience.
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Image Credit: www.gsmarena.com
