Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Watch 9 launching next week: Design, specs, expected India price and more

Samsung is expected to launch its next-generation foldables, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8 next week with a new Ultra model tagging along. Now a new leak has allegedly showcased images of the new Samsung foldables, along with Galaxy Watch 9 and Watch 2 Ultra.

In Short

• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Fold 8 Ultra, and Z Flip 8 leaked
• Renders of Galaxy Watch 2 and Galaxy Watch 9 also surface online
• Samsung likely to launch these devices on July 22

Samsung’s next Galaxy Unpacked event is just a week away, on July 22. From teasers, it is likely that Samsung will launch its next-generation of foldables at this event, including the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Flip 8, and an Ultra model. And now, a leak has allegedly shown us what the new Samsung foldables look like, along with images of the purported Galaxy Watch 9 and Watch 2 Ultra.

To give you some context, Samsung usually launches its foldable devices in the middle of the year, a timeframe that was earlier reserved for the Galaxy Note series.

But before we begin to delve into each and every device you can expect to see on July 22, do note that Samsung has already announced Flex Titanium display technology for its next Galaxy foldables, which will likely allow for better durability of the inner screen and a slimmer crease.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra

The leaked images from AndroidHeadlines confirm previous reports of Samsung launching two Galaxy Z Fold devices this year. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is expected to come in a new passport-style form factor, something we may also see from Apple’s iPhone Fold. While the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra will likely come with a similar layout to the Galaxy Z Fold 7 from last year, and sit above the wide foldable.

The leaked renders of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 show a wide-style foldable, which will likely come with a 5.5-inch outer display, and a 7.6-inch inner screen. When put beside the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, we can see that the regular Galaxy Z Fold 8 is shorter and wider.

Reported physical specifications suggest the Galaxy Z Fold 8 may have a thickness of 9.7mm when folded, and 4.5mm when unfolded. It is expected to weigh around 200 grams.

The images show that the Galaxy Z Fold 8 will likely come with only two cameras on the rear – as opposed to three last year. As per reports, the two sensors will likely be 50-megapixel units, paired with two 10-megapixel selfie shooters – one for each display.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is expected to use the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chip, paired with 12GB of RAM, up to 1TB of storage, a 4,800mAh battery and 25W charging.

On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, carries a similar design to the Z Fold 7, with three cameras on the back – a 200-megapixel main, a new 50-megapixel ultrawide, and a 10-megapixel 3x telephoto. You can expect the device to have the same chipset as its wider sibling, but potentially with a larger battery.

In pricing leaks, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 has been tipped to start at $1,899 (roughly Rs 1,82,000) for the 256GB model in the US, while the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra could start at $2,099 (roughly Rs 2,00,000). Prices for India will likely be different.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8

Samsung’s upcoming clamshell foldable, the Galaxy Z Flip 8, has also been leaked, albeit with not as significant changes. Leaked images suggest a similar design to the Z Flip 7, including a 4.1-inch outer screen. The inner display will likely be a 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate. 4.1-inch external cover screen, also 120Hz.

You can expect upgrades under the hood. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 will likely use the Qualcomm Snapdragon Elite Gen 5 chipset, though some markets may get the Exynos 2600 SoC. The Galaxy Z Flip 8 will likely have two cameras on the back – a 50-megapixel main and a 12-megapixel ultrawide – same as last year. On the front, you can expect a 10-megapixel sensor.

When it comes to battery life, the Galaxy Z Flip 8 is tipped to have a 4,300mAh cell with 25W fast charging support.

On pricing, a leaked European figure has placed the 256GB model at €1,299 (Roughly Rs 1,42,000). However, India pricing is expected to be different.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 and Watch Ultra 2

But it is not just foldables that will get a revamp, Samsung is also planning upgrades for the Galaxy Watch line-up with the Galaxy Watch 9 and the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2.

Both devices get squircle cases with circular watch faces. As per reports, Samsung will be bringing new AI features amongst other upgrades. It is likely that the company will switch from its in-house Exynos chips to the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear Elite, specifically the SW6100. Depending on the model, the chip may be paired with 2GB of RAM and either 32GB or 64GB of internal storage.

We can also see bumps in battery life. The Galaxy Watch 9 in the 44mm size may get a 445mAh battery, up from 435mAh in the Galaxy Watch 8. Though the 40mm dial size will likely retain the 325mAh unit.

The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is likely to get bigger battery upgrades. Samsung may bump the battery capacity from 590mAh in the previous Watch Ultra 2 to 800mAh. The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 will likely have a titanium case with a water resistance rating of up to 100 metres, while the standard Watch 9 models will reportedly use aluminium cases.

The watches will reportedly run Wear OS with Samsung's new One UI Watch 9.0.

As for pricing, the Galaxy Watch 9 may start at 409 euros (around Rs 45,000) for the 40mm dial, with the 44mm model may set you back by 439 euros (roughly Rs 48,350). The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 could be priced n at 749 euros (roughly Rs 82,500). As stated previously, Indian pricing will likely differ.

In case you want to watch the launch as it happens, Samsung will be livestreaming the event on July 22 from 2 pm BST (6:30 pm IST). You can tune in live via Samsung’s website and YouTube channel.

- Ends