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The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is the stronger battery-life choice in the available comparison: it lasted 14 hours 33 minutes in Tom’s Guide’s 2026 5G web-surfing test, versus 12 hours 19 minutes for the Galaxy Z Fold8. Samsung also claims one more hour of local video playback for the Ultra, though that is a different test and not a promise of everyday runtime. The Fold8 may still suit you better if its wider, 4:3 inner screen fits your reading and document work.
Which Fold8 lasts longer?
In Tom’s Guide’s 2026 5G web-surfing test, the Fold8 Ultra ran for 14 hours 33 minutes and the Fold8 for 12 hours 19 minutes. That is a 2-hour-14-minute advantage for the Ultra in that specific test. For context, the same outlet measured 10 hours 44 minutes for the Galaxy Z Fold7. These are test results, not guaranteed runtimes: your screen brightness, signal strength, apps, settings and battery condition can change how long either phone lasts. Tom’s Guide’s Galaxy Z Fold8 review
What Samsung’s battery figures mean
Samsung lists two capacity measures. Typical capacity is the figure commonly used to describe a battery; rated capacity is the minimum capacity established under the relevant specifications. For these models, Samsung’s battery-specific information gives the following figures:
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →| Model | Typical capacity | Rated capacity | Samsung video-playback claim |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra | 5,000 mAh | 4,854 mAh | Up to 27 hours |
| Galaxy Z Fold8 | 4,800 mAh | 4,660 mAh | Up to 26 hours |
The playback figures are Samsung’s estimates, not the same kind of measurement as Tom’s Guide’s web-surfing results. Samsung says its video estimate used a pre-release device with default settings, Bluetooth earphones and LTE, playing locally stored 720p video on the main screen. Actual playback varies with factors such as brightness, network use, file format, settings and battery condition. Samsung’s global announcement and technical notes and Samsung Netherlands’ battery support page
#1 Best Overall
- CREATED FOR YOUR CONTENT: Any way you turn it, the new Galaxy Z Fold8 gives you a fuller viewing experience. Designed with your content in mind, this foldable phone is the perfect size to make your movies, books and more incredibly immersive.
- WORLD’S LIGHTEST FOLD¹: Galaxy Z Fold8 is the newest foldable phone for content on the go. Unfolded, it fits movies and books for an immersive experience. Folded, it delivers comfortable texting and everyday use — all on the world’s lightest fold.¹
- THE BRIGHTEST DISPLAY ON A GALAXY PHONE: Our brightest smartphone display² provides you with a comfortable view, whether you’re inside or outside. Watch movies, play games and scroll with ease no matter where you are.
- RECORD. REFRAME. READY FOR SOCIAL³: Record content on Galaxy Z Fold8 and then use My FanCam³ to keep your subject center stage. The result is a social-ready video that focuses on the part of the action you really want.
- UNTETHER YOUR ENTERTAINMENT: The long-lasting battery of Galaxy Z Fold8 is built to power hours of entertainment. And when you do need to recharge, Super Fast Charging 2.0⁴ gets you back to what you love quickly.
A note on conflicting Fold8 capacity listings
Samsung Business Insights lists the base Fold8 at 5,000 mAh, but Samsung’s battery-specific support page gives 4,800 mAh typical capacity, and Samsung’s technical notes state 4,660 mAh rated capacity. The battery-specific and technical figures are the more useful basis for this comparison; the Business Insights entry conflicts with them. Samsung Business Insights’ model comparison
How quickly do they charge?
Both phones support 45 W fast charging. Samsung Netherlands says a compatible Samsung 45 W adapter can charge the Ultra to up to 65% and the Fold8 to up to 63% in around 30 minutes. Samsung notes that the adapter is sold separately. Those are Samsung’s stated figures, not the same as Tom’s Guide’s review measurements: in its setup, Tom’s Guide measured 76% for the Ultra and 70% for the Fold8 after 30 minutes. Different equipment and conditions mean the results should not be treated as directly interchangeable. Samsung Netherlands’ battery support page; Tom’s Guide’s review
Rank #2
- CREATED FOR YOUR CONTENT: Any way you turn it, the new Galaxy Z Fold8 gives you a fuller viewing experience. Designed with your content in mind, this foldable phone is the perfect size to make your movies, books and more incredibly immersive.
- WORLD’S LIGHTEST FOLD¹: Galaxy Z Fold8 is the newest foldable phone for content on the go. Unfolded, it fits movies and books for an immersive experience. Folded, it delivers comfortable texting and everyday use — all on the world’s lightest fold.¹
- THE BRIGHTEST DISPLAY ON A GALAXY PHONE: Our brightest smartphone display² provides you with a comfortable view, whether you’re inside or outside. Watch movies, play games and scroll with ease no matter where you are.
- RECORD. REFRAME. READY FOR SOCIAL³: Record content on Galaxy Z Fold8 and then use My FanCam³ to keep your subject center stage. The result is a social-ready video that focuses on the part of the action you really want.
- UNTETHER YOUR ENTERTAINMENT: The long-lasting battery of Galaxy Z Fold8 is built to power hours of entertainment. And when you do need to recharge, Super Fast Charging 2.0⁴ gets you back to what you love quickly.
Battery life is not the only buying difference
The Fold8 and Ultra also serve different screen priorities. Samsung Business Insights positions the base Fold8’s wider, shorter body and 4:3 inner display for reading and document work. The Ultra is positioned around a larger workspace. If you often read or work with documents and prefer the Fold8’s layout, that may matter more than the Ultra’s longer result in one web test. If you value the larger workspace and the best cited connected-use endurance, the Ultra is the better fit. Samsung Business Insights’ comparison
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Which one should you buy?
- Choose the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra if battery endurance is your priority. It has the higher Samsung-listed capacity, the longer Samsung video-playback estimate and the longer result in Tom’s Guide’s 5G web test.
- Choose the Galaxy Z Fold8 if its wider 4:3 inner display better suits how you read or work with documents, and you are comfortable with its shorter result in the cited web-surfing test.
Samsung announced both models in 2026 and said they would be available through Samsung.com and other retailers; availability can differ by market. Samsung Newsroom U.K.’s launch and availability notice
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Full Body Hinge Protection: Equipped with an innovative, smooth-gliding semi-automatic hinge cover that protects the most fragile part of your Samsung Z Fold 8. It offers continuous 360° coverage during every fold and unfold, shielding against dust, scratches, and impacts without adding awkward bulk
- Screen & Camera Raised Edges: Features an integrated premium front screen protector that saves you the hassle of buying extra tempered glass. It defends your outer display from scratches, cracks, and daily wear while maintaining flawless touch response and crystal-clear clarity. The tiny design of 2.5 mm lips over the camera, 1.5 mm bezels over the screen, and 0.5 mm raised corner lips on the back provides extra and comprehensive protection, can minimize and reduce scratches
- Strong Magnetic Attraction: This Galaxy Z Fold 8 case has built-in 38 super N52 magnets, Its magnetic attraction reaches 2400 gf, it won't come off no matter how it shakes while charging. Suitable for wireless chargers, car mounts, etc
- 10FT Military Grade Protection: Passed Military Drop Tested up to 10FT. This case is made with rigid polycarbonate and flexible shockproof TPU around the edge and features built-in corner Airbags, keeps the phone safe from bumps and scratches
- Compatibility & Professional Support: Only compatible for Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Phones(7.6 inch). We have enough confidence to provide you with quality products and services. Any concerns or questions about Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Phone Case, please feel free to contact us
Rank #4
- CREATED FOR YOUR CONTENT: Any way you turn it, the new Galaxy Z Fold8 gives you a fuller viewing experience. Designed with your content in mind, this foldable phone is the perfect size to make your movies, books and more incredibly immersive.
- WORLD’S LIGHTEST FOLD¹: Galaxy Z Fold8 is the newest foldable phone for content on the go. Unfolded, it fits movies and books for an immersive experience. Folded, it delivers comfortable texting and everyday use — all on the world’s lightest fold.¹
- THE BRIGHTEST DISPLAY ON A GALAXY PHONE: Our brightest smartphone display² provides you with a comfortable view, whether you’re inside or outside. Watch movies, play games and scroll with ease no matter where you are.
- RECORD. REFRAME. READY FOR SOCIAL³: Record content on Galaxy Z Fold8 and then use My FanCam³ to keep your subject center stage. The result is a social-ready video that focuses on the part of the action you really want.
- UNTETHER YOUR ENTERTAINMENT: The long-lasting battery of Galaxy Z Fold8 is built to power hours of entertainment. And when you do need to recharge, Super Fast Charging 2.0⁴ gets you back to what you love quickly.
Rank #3
- SPLIT THE VIEW. MULTITASK¹ TO THE MAX: Productivity never felt this powerful. Use up to three apps¹ at once on the expansive inner screen of Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra. You’ll enjoy plenty of space to work, play, connect and more.
- MULTITASKING MADE SMARTER WITH AI: Stay one step ahead with AI² that suggests which apps you might need next. Then view those multiple windows side by side on the large screen of your Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra.
- ANY SHOT, ALL THE DETAILS: Dive into the details of any image with our best camera on a foldable smartphone. Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra boasts a 200MP camera — and an upgraded 50MP Ultra Wide lens — for both stunning wide shots and extreme close-ups.
- ELITE CHIPSET. FLUID GRAPHICS: Experience what’s possible with our most advanced Galaxy Z Series processor. From immersive gaming and speedy multitasking to the latest Galaxy AI³ features, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 keeps everything running seamlessly.
- THE BATTERY YOU’VE BEEN WAITING FOR: It’s the battery you’ve been wanting in a foldable cell phone. Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra packs a powerful ultra-sized⁴ battery in an ultra-slim design. Plus, with Super Fast Charging 2.0⁵, charge up faster than ever before.
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