Analysis: Z Fold8 is superior to Z Fold8 Ultra

I see many people just assume that anything with the word Ultra attached must be better, classier, and more delicious than the regular version. Specifically here is the story between Galaxy Z Fold8 and Z Fold8 Ultra. Many people think that spending a large amount of money to get the Ultra version is to upgrade the experience, but for me personally, after a period of monitoring and actual use, that judgment is completely wrong. In terms of practicality and comfort in daily experience, the Z Fold8 often surpasses the Ultra version in many core points.

The external screen is too narrow on the Ultra version when folded

The Ultra version essentially still follows the shape of an elongated vertical folding phone, a design that Samsung and some other brands have maintained since 2019 until now. Looking at previous lines like Honor Magic V5, V6 or Z Fold7, when folded, it seems really long and slender. However, when used in practice, the narrow horizontal external screen is a very serious minus point.

Because the width is too narrow compared to a standard bar-shaped smartphone, every time you surf the web, read the newspaper or view social networks, you will see the words shrink. The most annoying thing is when typing on the virtual keyboard, the keys are pressed close together so it's easy to press the wrong button and cause hand fatigue.

Meanwhile, the Z Fold8 has been redesigned to have a much wider external screen ratio, providing a comfortable typing and touching feeling just like holding a normal phone.

The square screen inside of the Z Fold8 Ultra is picky about content

Not only the external screen, the large screen that opens inside of a traditional folding line like the Z Fold8 Ultra also has major problems with aspect ratio. Its screen is almost square and this ratio is extremely picky about popular content today.

Compact weight of 201g and comfortable to hold

Another point that makes me lean towards the Z Fold8 is the feeling of holding and pocketing. This device weighs only about 201 grams, the lightest number in the world of folding phones today. Stuff it into your pocket and move around all day or hold it in your hand to read a book or type for a long time and you won't feel your hands become heavy or uncomfortable.

Naming guises and user psychological traps

In terms of configuration, these two machines are actually not much different. The Ultra version only has 200mAh more battery capacity, about 5000mAh compared to 4800mAh of the regular version, and the processor and core hardware are equivalent.

So why did Samsung name it Ultra and then push the price up? From my perspective, the company still wants to retain the old vertical bar shape from 2019 to serve a familiar customer group, and at the same time does not want to be known for rushing to follow the wide screen ratio of other competitors. So they labeled it Ultra to legitimize the high price, and the new spacious, convenient shape was kept in the standard version.

This story reminds me of the iPhone Pro and Pro Max series. Until now, I have never used the Pro Max version but always choose the compact Pro version. The two versions actually only differ in screen size and battery, but holding the Max version is very heavy and bulky. Many people just hear the word Max or Ultra and feel majestic and excited without carefully considering whether it is really convenient for daily activities or not. For me, those of you holding the Z Fold8 can be absolutely proud because you own a device that is lighter, has a more reasonable display, is more affordable and offers a far superior practical experience compared to the other Ultra.