I Spent a Premium Price on the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra. After a Month, Here’s What I Miss.

When I decided to purchase the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, I knew it wouldn’t be a perfect smartphone. In fact, achieving perfection is a tall order for any device attempting to seamlessly blend the functionalities of a phone and a small tablet. However, after a month of daily use, I can confidently say one thing: this is the first smartphone in years that has genuinely filled me with joy and excitement during its discovery, even with its imperfections.

There are certainly aspects that, during everyday use, remind me that the manufacturer still had to make certain compromises. But before delving into what I feel is lacking, let’s first explore the features that have made the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra a pleasure to use, even after thirty days.

A Month with the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra – What I Love

The Expansive Screen Transforms the Smartphone Experience

The most significant and undeniable advantage of the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra remains its internal, foldable display. Nearly every user of this device will appreciate the vast working space available when unfolded, which is surprisingly comfortable to hold even with one hand.

For weekend trips or train journeys, I’ve stopped bringing my laptop, which I used to rely on for writing articles. Now, I do it all on the go with the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, either typing on the large on-screen keyboard or using voice dictation (and then easily correcting it on the larger display). This shift in workflow has been transformative.

Tasks like writing documents, reviewing financial reports, analyzing stock charts, or simply reading lengthy articles are considerably more comfortable. This expansive screen is truly what elevates the smartphone to the status of a genuine pocket-sized computer, blurring the lines between traditional mobile and desktop experiences.

Sleek Design: No Longer an Experiment

A few years ago, when I used an earlier generation of foldables (specifically the Galaxy Z Fold4), I always felt like I was handling a technological curiosity. Every firmer press on the screen or suspicious sound from the hinge would spark a degree of apprehension.

My past experiences with the Galaxy Z Fold4 only solidified this skepticism. Early foldable devices were often thick, heavy, and highly susceptible to damage – especially the hinge and the inner screen, which could be scratched even with a fingernail. It felt like a delicate prototype rather than a robust everyday device.

With the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, I truly appreciate the monumental leap towards normalcy. After a month with the latest model, I no longer have the feeling of constantly interacting with a fragile gadget. Opening and closing the device has become an automatic action, one I perform without a second thought or concern. I don’t fear damaging the hinge, which (so far) operates flawlessly. I’m also less worried about the internal screen, which feels durable; I even had the chance to use it on the beach several times where fine sand particles were carried by the wind.

When folded, the device no longer feels like a “brick” in my pocket. While it’s still larger than most traditional phones, the difference is far less noticeable than it was a few generations ago. Furthermore, I primarily use the outer display throughout the day and don’t feel any need to adjust to its size. Its dimensions are perfectly adequate for my needs – I’d even say almost ideal.

The initial durability tests the device has undergone in real-world conditions have, in my opinion, been passed with flying colors. This improved design and perceived robustness are crucial for user confidence and daily usability.

Multitasking and One UI 9 – Unparalleled

Over the past month, I’ve repeatedly confirmed that no classic smartphone can offer the same level of work convenience and feature consumption as a foldable running One UI 9. I even wrote an article about it, noting that One UI 9 on a regular phone doesn’t impress as much; its magic truly shines here. I stand by that statement with even greater certainty now.

Having a spreadsheet open next to a web browser, a messenger app running in a floating window, and notes constantly accessible on the screen is my daily reality with this device. I simply cannot imagine returning to a standard smartphone that lacks the adequate screen real estate for such seamless multitasking. With the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, daily tasks take less time, and switching between applications is a breeze.

What I Significantly Miss in the Device

I Still Long for a Truly Exceptional Camera

If I had to pinpoint one thing I miss the most, it would be a superior camera system. The absence of a periscope telephoto lens is, in my opinion, a significant drawback. This conviction grew stronger as I started taking photos and frequently relied on the zoom feature. Zoom up to 3x is decent, but anything beyond that leaves much to be desired. For example, the Polferries ferry captured at 5x zoom in the original article showed a noticeable drop in quality.

The quality at higher zoom levels is simply not impressive. The original article featured a photo of the “Polsca Bursztyn” ferry at 30x zoom, which appeared as a mere gray blur. In contrast, my old, trusty Galaxy S23 Ultra could capture truly usable photographs at similar magnifications. This comparison highlights a significant gap.

Admittedly, the current camera setup performs well for photos without zoom and delivers very good results in most standard situations. However, the problem arises when I consider the premium price of this device and compare it to the best flagships available on the market. In such moments, it’s hard not to feel that foldable models still have to make certain concessions in camera technology. This is an area where I hope to see substantial improvements in future iterations, especially considering the rumored Galaxy Z Fold8 specifications and the competitive landscape.

A Larger Battery Would Be a Welcome Improvement

Another aspect I find somewhat lacking is a more capacious battery. With a 5000 mAh battery and energy-efficient components, the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra performs adequately, and on most days, it comfortably lasts until evening without needing a charger. The issue, however, is that foldables, by their very nature, encourage much more intensive device usage.

Since I have an expansive screen at my disposal, I find myself watching videos more often, browsing documents for longer periods, frequently working with multiple applications simultaneously, and less often reaching for other devices. Consequently, the battery is subjected to heavier use than in traditional smartphones. Sometimes, I find myself needing to top it up during the day, which is something I prefer to avoid. I eagerly await the moment when Samsung utilizes the next generation of battery cells to significantly increase capacity without adding to the device’s thickness.

After a Month, I Still Wouldn’t Go Back to a Regular Smartphone

My conclusion after a month of using the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra isn’t about a specific feature. Instead, it’s about a fundamental shift in habits and expectations. If I were to switch back to a classic smartphone, even an excellent flagship, I would almost immediately miss the expansive workspace, the convenience of multitasking, and the ability to unfold the device into a small tablet. The productivity and entertainment benefits offered by the larger screen are simply too compelling to give up.

The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is not yet a perfect device. However, it is the first foldable smartphone in a long time that has made me stop questioning whether this form factor makes sense. After a month, I now know that it absolutely does. Despite a few shortcomings, I still believe that foldables represent the future of the premium smartphone segment.

Source: Own work.
Opening photo: Adam Lulek

About Post Author

Sankesh Verma

Sankkesh Verma is a technical guy who brings a unique combination of strategic, creative, and technical expertise to identify elements that constitute success, propose solutions, and help build them. He is the founder of “Webbpearl” which is a highly-acclaimed web development agency that offers web design and development, mobile app development, and digital marketing. More importantly, he is the admin of Techtiper.

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