Everything announced at Galaxy Unpacked 2026: Can Samsung compete with the rumored foldable iPhone?

2026-07-25 · Source: News and Advice on the World's Latest Innovations | ZDNET · Field: Technology & Digital — Emerging Technologies & Innovation, Internet of Things (IoT) & Connected Devices · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, medium

Summary

Samsung's 2026 Galaxy Unpacked event in London introduced three new foldable phones and two smartwatches, aiming to compete with a rumored foldable iPhone. The Galaxy Z Fold 8, with its unique passport-sized form factor, 7.6-inch AMOLED inner screen, 4:3 aspect ratio, 4,800mAh battery, and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chipset, utilizes "flex titanium" to reduce the display crease. The Z Fold 8 Ultra offers an 8-inch inner screen, 5,000mAh battery with 45W wired charging, and a 200MP main camera. The Z Flip 8 is a slimmer flip-style foldable with a 6.9-inch display, redesigned "FlexWindow," 4,300mAh battery, and Exynos 2600 processor. Additionally, Samsung launched the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, featuring a 5,000-nit display, 800mAh battery, IP69K rating, and AI-powered health tracking, alongside the Galaxy Watch 9 with a 390mAh battery. Smart glasses with nine hours of battery life and Gemini Intelligence integration were also teased. All new devices are on pre-order, shipping August 7, 2026.

Key takeaway

For consumers considering new mobile devices or smartwatches, Samsung's latest Galaxy Unpacked lineup offers compelling options, especially if you prioritize foldable technology or advanced health tracking. If you seek a unique foldable form factor with reduced crease, the Z Fold 8 is notable. For robust health monitoring and extreme durability, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 presents a strong choice. Evaluate these new devices against upcoming competitors like the rumored foldable iPhone to align with your specific needs.

Key insights

Samsung's 2026 Unpacked event showcased advanced foldable phone engineering and expanded wearable tech, including AI-powered health features.

Principles

• Iterative design refines foldable displays.
• High-end wearables integrate advanced health AI.
• Ecosystem integration enhances device utility.

In practice

• Consider Z Fold 8 for unique aspect ratio.
• Evaluate Watch Ultra 2 for extreme durability.
• Explore smart glasses for hands-free AI.

Topics

• Foldable Phones
• Samsung Galaxy Devices
• Smartwatches
• AI Health Tracking
• Mobile Processors
• Smart Glasses

Best for: General Interest, Tech Journalist, Domain Expert

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• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 series leak reveals camera upgrades — Samsung's 2026 Galaxy Z Foldable series will feature targeted camera upgrades, particularly for the Fold8 Ultra and Fold8 models.

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by News and Advice on the World's Latest Innovations | ZDNET.