Samsung unveils a diverse lineup for 2026, boasting new foldable devices and smartwatches tailored for productivity, portability, and outdoor use, with pre-orders soaring for the Fold8 models.
Samsung has widened its foldable and wearable strategy with the launch of five devices for 2026: the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8, Galaxy Z Flip8, Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9. Rather than presenting a single flagship theme, the company has split the range into distinct use cases, with one set of phones aimed at productivity, another at portability and a pair of watches built for either rugged outdoor use or everyday health tracking. Across the line-up, Samsung is leaning heavily on Galaxy AI and connected wellness tools.
The Galaxy Z Fold8 is the most balanced model in the new foldable range. Samsung says it weighs 201 grams, making it lighter than many expected for a book-style device with a large inner display. Its wider cover screen is designed to make short tasks, such as messaging and browsing, feel more like using a standard smartphone, while the main display opens to a 4:3 format that should suit reading, gaming and document work. Samsung has also added Gemini Notebook, which brings notes, recordings, images and files into one workspace, giving the device a clearer productivity focus without pushing it into the more expensive Ultra bracket.
The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is positioned as the premium option for users who want a larger canvas and more advanced camera hardware. Samsung says it has an 8-inch folding display, a 200-megapixel main camera and a new 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens for wider scenes and macro shots. The company has also fitted a 5,000 mAh battery, 45-watt charging and a larger graphite cooling structure, while keeping the device at 4.1 mm when unfolded and 215 grams in weight. Now Nudge, a context-aware feature, can suggest actions across supported apps, which Samsung appears to be pitching towards heavier mobile workflows.
The Galaxy Z Flip8 takes a different path, keeping the emphasis on compact size and self-expression. Samsung says its redesigned FlexWindow brings apps, personalised information and Gemini access to the outer display, reducing the need to unfold the phone for routine tasks. Now Brief adds schedule-based updates, while side-key activation and voice input are intended to make the cover screen more useful in daily use. The phone also keeps a 50-megapixel camera and Samsung’s ProVisual Engine, with Dual Recording and My FanCam aimed at users who shoot social content and moving subjects.
On the wrist, the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9 extend the same split between performance and everyday use. Samsung says the Ultra2 uses a 47 mm titanium case, an 800 mAh battery and brightness of up to 5,000 nits, with outdoor features including Trail Run mode and durability ratings that include IP69K, 10 ATM and EN 13319. The Watch9 comes in 40 mm and 44 mm sizes with an aluminium case and a display rated up to 3,000 nits. Its health suite includes Vitals, Heart Health Score, Daily Cardio Load, Fitness Index and hearing tools. Both watches run on the Snapdragon Wear Elite platform and support continuous health monitoring.
Samsung began selling the devices on August 7 through carriers, retailers, Samsung.com and Samsung Experience Stores in 106 markets, although prices, colours and configurations vary by region. According to Samsung, eligible Galaxy Z buyers receive a six-month Google AI Pro trial, while some watch customers may get trials for Strava and iFIT. Early market reaction, however, suggests the more conventional Fold8 may be the strongest draw: T3 reported that pre-orders for the 2026 foldable range were up 70% year on year, with 40% of orders going to the Fold8, which points to growing interest in a more practical foldable form factor.
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