Deals: Galaxy Z Fold8, Z Fold8 Ultra and Z Flip8 Go on Pre-Order
Samsung’s latest foldable lineup has officially landed, and the pre-order period is already shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. The Galaxy Z Fold8, Z Fold8 Ultra, and Z Flip8 are now available for pre-order ahead of their August 7 open sale date, and the deals are turning heads.
This year’s release is particularly significant because the Z Fold8 marks Samsung’s first dedicated large foldable for the US market, joining the Ultra variant that succeeds the Z Fold7 and the more compact Flip8. Alongside the phones, Samsung has also refreshed its smartwatch lineup with the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and a new standard Galaxy Watch.
Samsung’s Pre-Order Offers
Samsung US has shifted its pre-order strategy this year. Instead of the free storage upgrades we’ve seen in previous generations, the company is offering direct discounts that effectively cover most or all of the difference between base and upgraded storage tiers. Here’s the breakdown:
- Galaxy Z Fold8 and Z Fold8 Ultra: $200 off, making the jump from 256GB to 512GB essentially free
- Galaxy Z Flip8: $150 off the purchase price
- PayPal bonus: An additional $100 off both Fold models when you complete the purchase through PayPal using code PAYPAL100
These discounts stack without requiring a trade-in, making them accessible to anyone. For those upgrading from an older device, Samsung is offering up to $1,200 in trade-in credit for the Fold models and up to $600 for the Flip8.
Amazon’s Alternative Approach
Amazon is taking a different route, offering gift cards instead of direct discounts. Buyers can receive $350 in gift cards with either Fold model and $200 with the Flip8, plus trade-in bonuses on top of the value of your old device. This approach may appeal to Amazon regulars who value the flexibility of store credit.
How the Competition Stacks Up
The foldable market is getting crowded, and Samsung faces serious competition from several angles. Google’s Pixel 10 Pro Fold offers a 6.4-inch cover display and 8.0-inch inner display powered by the Tensor G5 with a 5,015mAh battery. Its 48MP main camera and 5x periscope zoom are competitive, and the IP68 rating gives it an edge in durability.
Motorola has entered the book-style foldable space for the first time with the Moto Razr Fold, featuring a massive 6,000mAh battery with 80W wired charging and a 50MP periscope camera with 3x optical zoom. However, its IP48 rating means dust protection is more limited than what Samsung and Google offer.
In the flip phone segment, Motorola’s Razr Ultra 2025 remains a compelling alternative at $400 less than the Z Flip8, offering a 4-inch cover display, 7-inch inner display, and Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. The standard Razr 2025 is an even more budget-friendly option with its Dimensity 7400X chipset.
Smartwatch Options Worth Considering
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch Ultra2 brings an 800mAh battery and the new Snapdragon Wear Elite chipset, while the standard Galaxy Watch offers a more affordable entry point. Google’s Pixel Watch 4, currently available with a $100 discount, offers satellite SOS—a feature even the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 doesn’t include. For Apple users, the Watch Ultra 3 remains the premium choice with diving capabilities and satellite connectivity, though it carries a significantly higher price tag.
Should You Pre-Order or Wait?
The pre-order period offers the best combination of discounts and trade-in values, but it’s worth considering your options. The Galaxy S26 Ultra, for instance, shares the same 200MP camera and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor as the Z Fold8 Ultra but in a thinner, lighter package with IP68 dust resistance—and it costs less than the Z Flip8. If you don’t need a foldable form factor, the traditional flagship might offer better value.
For foldable enthusiasts, though, the Z Fold8 and Z Flip8 represent Samsung’s most refined vision yet. The pre-order deals make the early adopter premium more palatable, and the August 7 launch date means you won’t be waiting long to get your hands on the latest foldable technology.
