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Samsung Unveils Z Fold 8, Prices Jump Amid Chip Shortage

5/23/2026

39 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Samsung Unveils ZFold8

Samsung will unveil the Galaxy Z Fold 8 at an Unpacked event in London on July 22, 2026.
The Z Fold 8 includes a 5,000 mAh battery, 45 W charging, an 8-inch LTPO OLED inner display, a 50 MP ultrawide camera, and Gemini Intelligence that automates multi-app tasks.
Samsung says a memory chip shortage that lifted DRAM costs 107 % YoY and camera module costs 15 % drives launch prices of $1,999 (256 GB), $2,199-$2,400 (512 GB) and $2,499-$2,700 (1 TB).

Summary

Samsung Deploys OneUI

Samsung began deploying One UI 8.5 to its oldest phones at the end of the week, following an earlier rollout to the Galaxy S25 series, Z Fold 7, S24 and Z Fold 6.
The Galaxy S23 series, followed by the Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5, are next.
Verizon’s update page lists the One UI 8.5 changelog, which mentions AirDrop support for the Fold 5 and Flip 5 despite not being originally promised.

Summary

Apple Challenges Samsung

Critics attribute Samsung’s switch to BOE OLED panels and the loss of its Privacy Display to memory shortages.
Chinese foldable manufacturers are gaining market share as Samsung cuts features while Apple readies its iPhone Fold.
A poll shows 100 % of “Yes” voters would pick the iPhone Fold over Samsung’s offering.
Analysts predict Apple’s liquid-metal hinge and 5,800 mAh battery could capture roughly half of the U.S. foldable market.

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Samsung Unveils ZFold8

Samsung will unveil the Galaxy Z Fold 8 at an Unpacked event in London on July 22, 2026.
The Z Fold 8 includes a 5,000 mAh battery, 45 W charging, an 8-inch LTPO OLED inner display, a 50 MP ultrawide camera, and Gemini Intelligence that automates multi-app tasks.
Samsung says a memory chip shortage that lifted DRAM costs 107 % YoY and camera module costs 15 % drives launch prices of $1,999 (256 GB), $2,199-$2,400 (512 GB) and $2,499-$2,700 (1 TB).

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