Samsung unpacks Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8 and wearables in London
As expected, Samsung’s latest foldable devices, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8, were unveiled this afternoon in London, and are considerably more expensive than the previous models due to the huge demand for memory modules.
As expected, Samsung’s latest foldable devices, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8, which were unveiled this afternoon in London, are considerably more expensive than the previous models due to the huge demand for memory modules.
Smartphone manufacturers, including Apple and Google, are currently facing a shortage of memory chips (especially DRAM and NAND flash) caused by a combination of supply-and-demand factors.
There is explosive demand for AI hardware. Manufacturers of AI servers, such as those for data centres, are purchasing large quantities of advanced memory, particularly HBM (High Bandwidth Memory). Memory producers like Samsung, SK hynix and Micron are prioritising that, as the margins are much higher than for smartphone memory.
Because a larger share of the factories is focused on HBM and other AI-related products, there is less capacity available for LPDDR memory (RAM for smartphones) and UFS storage.
In recent years, memory manufacturers have scaled back their production to stabilise prices after a period of oversupply. Now that demand is picking up again, it takes some time before production is fully ramped up.
The line-up consists of the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and Galaxy Z Flip 8. The devices get a refreshed design, more powerful hardware and new AI features.
According to Samsung, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is thinner and wider than its predecessor, making the outer screen more usable. The device features a Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chip, a larger display and improved battery life. In addition, various AI features have been added for, among other things, multitasking, summarising documents and photo editing.
Samsung is asking €2,049 for the Fold 8 with 256GB of storage. The version with 512GB of storage even costs €2,249. The most expensive model with 1TB of storage costs €2,659.
New is the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, which is aimed at users who want the most fully featured version. This model distinguishes itself, among other things, with support for the S Pen, extra workspace on the large foldable screen and a larger battery.
Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra starts at €2,259 for 256GB; €2,459 for 512GB, and €2,869 for 1TB of storage.
The Galaxy Z Flip 8 has also been updated. Samsung has further expanded the cover screen, allowing more apps and widgets to be used directly from the outside. In addition, the cameras have been improved and the device now also supports Samsung DeX, so it can be used as a desktop environment on an external display.
The Flip retail will go on sale in 256GB and 512GB models at €1,339 and €1,539 respectively.
Timing is everything
Alongside a smart pair of glasses and new foldable smartphones, Samsung also launched the Galaxy Watch Ultra2, which the company calls the most powerful and advanced Samsung Galaxy Watch to date. It is intended for “adventurers, outdoor athletes and performance-driven users who find themselves in the most extreme conditions and need to be able to rely on robustness, accurate tracking and continuous health monitoring”.
With an IP69K rating, water resistance up to 10 ATM and EN13319 certification, this smartwatch is not only resistant to water and dust, but even suitable for diving. As soon as the user enters the water, the smartwatch records all kinds of important dive data in real time, such as depth, dive time and water temperature. Later this year, the capabilities will be further expanded with the Ultra2 Diving app, developed in collaboration with Mares. Among other things, the app provides insight into ascent and descent speeds and helps users stay within safe diving limits.
The recommended retail price for the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 is €749. The recommended retail price for the Galaxy Watch9 40mm Bluetooth is €409, and €459 for the 40mm LTE. The recommended retail price for the Galaxy Watch9 44mm Bluetooth is €439, and €489 for the 44mm LTE.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and the also Galaxy Watch9 will be available from 7 August.
Smart glasses make appearance
Samsung also unveiled its first smart glasses. The device was developed in collaboration with eyewear brands Gentle Monster and Warby Parker and builds on the AI developments already presented earlier this year at the Google I/O developers’ conference. With this introduction, Samsung is further expanding the Galaxy ecosystem into wearables.
The smart glasses are intended for everyday use and feature a lightweight frame with a slim design. According to Samsung, the glasses offer the wearing comfort of ordinary spectacles, while giving users hands-free access to AI features on the go, at work or during other activities.
Through the built-in AI, the glasses can display information that matches what the user is seeing. Operation is hands-free and Samsung says it has built in various security measures to keep use safe.
According to Samsung, the battery lasts up to nine hours on a single charge. With the supplied charging case, the glasses can then be fully recharged up to seven more times.
The smart glasses have a built-in camera that supplies the AI with visual information. Computing power is provided by the Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 platform. Touch controls, wireless connections and cooling are integrated into the frame.
Samsung developed the glasses together with Google, meaning the Gemini AI assistant is available straight away. The glasses function as an extension of Galaxy devices and are designed to support users without them having to use their smartphones constantly.
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