Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is rumored to introduce several major upgrades, including the return of S Pen support. However, recent leaks suggest there is an important limitation. The S Pen may only be available on the premium Ultra model, leaving the standard Galaxy Z Fold 8 without one. Although Samsung has not officially confirmed these details, the latest rumors indicate that the Fold 8 Ultra could become one of the company’s biggest foldable upgrades in recent years.
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is expected to feature a much sharper inner display with a pixel density of around 500 ppi. This would be a significant improvement over the previous model and would bring the foldable closer to the display quality of the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Many Fold users have been waiting for this level of screen sharpness for several generations.
Battery performance is also expected to improve. According to leaks, the Fold 8 Ultra could receive a 5,000 mAh battery, replacing the 4,400 mAh battery found in both the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Fold 7. Charging speed may also increase from 25W to 45W, allowing users to recharge the device much faster.
Samsung is also rumored to make the phone slightly thinner. The unfolded thickness could decrease from 4.2 mm to 4.1 mm, while keeping the weight at 215 grams. In addition, the display crease is expected to become less noticeable, improving the overall folding experience.
One of the biggest rumored changes is the return of S Pen support, which was missing from the Galaxy Z Fold 7. However, leaks suggest that Samsung will reserve this feature exclusively for the Fold 8 Ultra. The same strategy may apply to the camera system. Reports indicate that only the Ultra model will include the improved 50 MP ultrawide camera, while the regular Fold 8 will use a less advanced setup. This could create a noticeable gap between Samsung’s two foldable models. Customers purchasing the standard Fold 8 would still be paying a flagship price but may miss out on some of Samsung’s most attractive features.
Samsung’s strategy comes at a time when competition in the foldable smartphone market is increasing. Chinese brands such as Honor and Oppo already offer thinner designs and faster charging technology. At the same time, Apple is widely rumored to be preparing its first foldable iPhone, adding even more pressure to Samsung.
For current Galaxy Z Fold 7 owners, the larger battery, faster charging, thinner design, and sharper display may be enough reasons to consider upgrading. However, anyone who wants S Pen functionality or the best camera experience may have no choice but to purchase the more expensive Ultra model.
If these leaks prove accurate, Samsung appears to have addressed several long-standing complaints about battery life, charging speed, and display quality. Nevertheless, restricting premium features such as the S Pen and advanced camera to the Ultra version may disappoint many loyal Fold users. Whether this strategy succeeds could depend on how Samsung’s foldable lineup compares with Apple’s expected foldable iPhone when both devices finally reach the market.
