The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8, unveiled by Samsung Electronics at the Unpacked event in London, UK, on the 22nd (local time), shown in its unfolded state. [Yonhap News] 

Its size and shape feel less like a smartphone and more like a passport. When held in the hand, it feels surprisingly thin and light, making one wonder if it really is a foldable phone.

When unfolded, the expansive screen immediately catches the eye.

Opening the notes app, the list sits neatly on the left, while the content fills the right side.

The first impression of the Galaxy Z Fold8, revealed by Samsung Electronics at the 'Galaxy Unpacked 2026' event held at Old Billingsgate in London, UK, on the 22nd (local time), is that it provides both a sense of refreshment and stability.

When folded, the screen size is 138.4 mm (5.5 inches) with a 10:16 aspect ratio; when unfolded, it is 193.2 mm (7.6 inches) with a 4:3 aspect ratio.

When playing videos in the unfolded state, the black bars at the top and bottom are noticeably smaller than on previous foldable models, making the screen feel even larger.

Rotating the phone to switch between portrait and landscape modes while viewing a magazine makes the photos and text fit the screen perfectly, creating an experience similar to reading an e-book reader.

The Galaxy Z Fold8, Fold8 Ultra, and Flip8 displayed at Old Billingsgate, London, during Samsung Electronics' Galaxy Unpacked event on the 22nd (local time). [Yonhap News] 

The screen crease where the phone folds has also been significantly reduced. It features 'Flex Titanium' technology. The hinge feels smoother, and the resistance when opening and closing the device is reportedly much lower than in previous foldable models.

Artificial Intelligence (AI), which has become an indispensable part of daily life, is woven throughout the new products.

Using the 'My Fancam' editing feature on a recorded video, I selected a performance of dancing partners; once I chose the male dancer, a new video appeared as if the camera had been tracking only him.

I thought this would be useful for fans editing solo clips of their favorite members from group performances, or for parents wanting to isolate clips of their children from event footage.

Next, I turned my attention to the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, which focuses on 'productivity'.

The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, unveiled by Samsung Electronics at the Galaxy Unpacked event on the 22nd (local time), showing a message app and map app simultaneously. [Yonhap News]

When I tapped a message from a friend saying, "Let's meet next Wednesday to talk," a 'split screen' button appeared next to the 'View Calendar' option. Pressing this button didn't just open the calendar app full-screen; instead, it arranged the message app on the left and the calendar app on the right in a split-screen view.

Similarly, for the message "Are there any good cafes near City Hall?", 'City Hall' and a split-screen button appeared, and tapping it immediately opened a multi-window view with the message app and map app.

It felt as though the strengths of a foldable phone, which excels at multi-tasking, perfectly align with the 'Now Nudge' feature that analyzes user context to suggest the next action.

When I picked up the compact Z Flip8 next to it, the words "It's really light" escaped my lips. It weighs only 180g, and it retains the design that female users prefer.

The Galaxy Z Flip8 smartphone, unveiled by Samsung Electronics at the Unpacked event in London on the 22nd (local time). [Yonhap News]

By pressing the power button twice while the Flip was closed, my face appeared on the cover screen, looking like a reflection in a mirror. This 'Mirror View' feature runs at 120 frames per second—much smoother than the standard 30-fps mode—making it feel like looking into an actual mirror. It is a new feature unique to the Flip8, absent in the Fold8 and Fold8 Ultra. It felt like a subtle yet useful detail for those who frequently use their phone as a mirror.

At the Unpacked event, Samsung Electronics also introduced its first smart glasses, 'Intelligent Eyewear'.

The collaboration model with Gentle Monster features a slim frame, and the lenses, speakers, and power buttons are so neatly integrated that they are barely noticeable, resembling standard glasses.

Picking them up, they felt heavier than regular glasses, though the weight seems manageable for prolonged daily wear. However, I was only able to handle and inspect them; no trial sessions were provided, so I could not judge the comfort of wearing them.

]The 'Intelligent Eyewear' smart glasses, a collaboration model with Gentle Monster, unveiled by Samsung Electronics at the Unpacked event in London on the 22nd (local time). [Yonhap News]