Everything announced at Samsung Galaxy Unpacked July 2026

The news that Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event in London unveiled new foldable phones, watches, and software, including its first smart glasses, is music to the ears of tech enthusiasts. But beneath the hype lies a harsh reality: every device announced got more expensive this year. The ongoing memory chip shortage is cited by Samsung and several outlets as the reason, but is this really a surprise? The truth is that this price hike affects real people - consumers who have been waiting for these devices to upgrade their smartphones and stay connected. For those in the market for a new foldable phone, the price tag now starts at $1,899 for the Z Fold8 in the US and £1,699 in the UK.

The Galaxy Z Fold8 is Samsung's new mainstream Fold, and it's a departure from its predecessors in design. Shorter and wider than any Fold before it, the Fold8 has a more compact shape, resembling a passport when folded. Unfolded, the screen takes on a shape closer to that of a small tablet, making reading and watching video more comfortable. At 201g, it's the lightest Fold Samsung has made, but it's still a luxury item. With a price tag that starts at $1,899, the Fold8 is out of reach for many consumers., will the new design and features justify the high price for those willing to splurge?

The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is the true follow-up to last year's Z Fold 7, retaining the taller, narrower shape that fans have come to know. However, it's now Samsung's thinnest Fold ever at just 4.1mm when unfolded. A new hinge, called Armor FlexHinge, makes it easier to open, but at a cost. The Fold8 Ultra starts at $2,099 in the US and £1,899 in the UK, a $100 increase from the Z Fold 7's launch price. This price hike is a result of the ongoing memory chip shortage, but it's hard to ignore the fact that this device is still a luxury item, out of reach for many consumers.

The Galaxy Z Flip8 looks a lot like the Flip 7 from the outside, but it's now Samsung's slimmest and lightest Flip phone yet. However, its design is still a far cry from traditional smartphones. The Flip8's cameras, water and dust resistance, and foldable design make it an attractive option for those who value innovation, but its price tag starts at $1,499, making it a significant investment.

Samsung cites the ongoing memory chip shortage as the reason for the price hike across its lineup. While this may be a genuine reason, it's hard to ignore the fact that these devices are luxury items, and the price increase may be a reflection of the company's willingness to pass on the costs to consumers., will the new features and designs justify the high price for those willing to splurge?

As we look to the future of foldable phones, it's clear that Samsung is committed to innovation. However, the price hike may be a barrier for many consumers. I predict that we'll see a shift towards more affordable foldable options in the coming years, driven by consumer demand and competition from other tech companies. For now, the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Fold8 Ultra are luxury items that only a select few can afford.

The Galaxy Unpacked event may have been a success for Samsung, but the real story lies in the price hike. While the new designs and features are exciting, the high price tag makes these devices inaccessible to many consumers. As we move forward, it's clear that the future of foldable phones will be shaped by consumer demand and competition. For now, the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Fold8 Ultra are evidence of Samsung's commitment to innovation, but also a reminder that luxury items come with a price.