IT General

I pay for Netflix and Amazon Prime, but I still spend most of my time watching free streaming services. We keep Netflix largely because my wife despises commercials, while I use the other benefits of Amazon Prime throughout the year and treat Prime Video as a bonus. The bottom line, however, is that when I’m choosing something for myself, I usually end up opening Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, or Tubi.

FREE AMAZON GIFT CARD: As of July 22, when you preorder one of Samsung's new 2026 foldable phones — the Galaxy Z Fold 8 or Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra — you'll get a free $350 Amazon gift card. The offer ends Aug. 6, the day before the phones are officially released.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 $1,899.99 at Amazon
+ free $350 Amazon gift card Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra $2,099.99 at Amazon
+ free $350 Amazon gift card Get Deal

Samsung's new foldables have arrived after weeks of anticipation. Announced at Samsung's July Galaxy Unpacked event, the 2026 foldable phones include the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra — both of which Mashable's tech editor says have "a cool factor the iPhone can't match." With an official launch date of Aug. 7, they're now up for preorder.

We recommend heading to Amazon instead of Samsung directly to preorder your new device, as you'll get a free gift card with your purchase. And when you see the prices of these phones, you'll want that free cash, trust me.

SEE ALSO: T-Mobile is giving away the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 for free — how to claim

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, the midrange option, features a 5.5-inch fold screen and 7.6-inch full-size screen. It's suspiciously similar to the rumored foldable iPhone. It can film in up to 8K at 30 fps, has a dual lens camera, and starts at 12GB of RAM. It comes in lavender, graphite, and cream at Amazon and starts at — brace yourselves — $1,899.99. By pre-ordering at Amazon, you'll get a free $350 gift card to spend later. Using girl math, that means you'll get the phone for $1,549.99.

The Z Fold 8 Ultra is the flagship Samsung foldable and successor of the Z Fold 7. It's the largest of the bunch, with a 6.5-inch fold screen and 8-inch full screen. It's also the only option with a three-lens camera (closer to the Galaxy S25 Ultra). It comes in cream, graphite, and violet shadow at Amazon and has a starting price of $2,099.99. Like the Fold 8, the Fold 8 Ultra comes with a free $350 gift card when you preorder at Amazon.

Amazon says you'll receive an email once your gift card is available and it won't be until after the product has shipped. Keep an eye out in your inbox so you don't miss out. Also note that your new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 or 8 Ultra device will be unlocked, so you can take it to any carrier you wish.

In London during Galaxy Unpacked 2026, Samsung debuted new foldable phones and a new generation of smartwatches. On those new watches, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2, there's a whole host of new health insights, including sleep apnea detection. But the new Vitals feature on Samsung Galaxy Watches knows when you're getting sick before you do.

Using five different biometric markers — heart rate, heart rate variability, respiratory rate, skin temperature, and blood oxygen saturation — Vitals creates a health baseline for users and detects when those baselines deviate. Users then get an alert that something's off, so you can note when you might be getting sick or need some extra recovery time.

Samsung's Vitals feature use five different health biometrics to detect for symptoms. Credit: Samsung

While this feature is new to Samsung Galaxy Watches, it's not new in the world of health trackers. Oura Ring, the leader in smart rings, has its own Vitals page, the hub for all your health biometrics. Within Vitals is Symptom Radar, a feature that tracks your biometrics, detects any signs of strain, and encourages you to make daily decisions based on how you feel.

Samsung's Vitals seems to be the brand's own version of Symptom Radar. The new batch of Galaxy Watches, including the Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2, comes with boosted battery life for round-the-clock wear. That means they'll always be monitoring your biometrics so that you can have deeper health insights and access to features like Vitals.

The new Samsung Galaxy Watches are now up for preorder and will be available on Aug. 7.

Large language models (LLMs) might be the most accessible and flexible technology we've ever had access to. By default, they're presented as chatbots—but that's just one way to interact with them. With the right prompts, you can transform an LLM into something that behaves like an entirely different app, complete with its own custom interface.

TL;DR: Mattel and Hasbro revealed the $33 My Little Pony x Polly Pocket Compact at SDCC. The collectible combines Polly Pocket’s tiny playset style with classic Generation 1 My Little Pony details, including Firefly, Glory, and a mini Polly figure.

Mattel and Hasbro are joining forces for the first time, and the result is a tiny collectible packed with big nostalgia.

Announced at San Diego Comic-Con, the new My Little Pony x Polly Pocket Compact brings together Polly Pocket’s miniature world with the colorful charm of classic Generation 1 My Little Pony playsets. The collaboration is designed for longtime fans of both franchises while introducing the iconic toy brands to a new generation of collectors.

Priced at $33, the My Little Pony Polly Pocket Compact is more than just a display piece. The compact features Polly and Starshine on the outside and opens to reveal a pony-filled world inspired by the original My Little Pony playsets. Inside, collectors will find a fold-down waterfall and castle, a cozy stable for the ponies, and a rainbow ride where the characters can clip in for imaginative adventures.

Credit: Hasbro / Mattel Credit: Hasbro / Mattel

The set includes a micro Polly figure alongside My Little Pony favorites Firefly and Glory, both featuring brushable tails. Fans will also spot extra nostalgic details throughout the compact, including character artwork and a rainbow brush accessory.

The My Little Pony Polly x Pocket Compact is available now through Mattel for $33 and will also be showcased at both the Mattel and Hasbro booths during SDCC, giving attendees a closer look at the first-of-its-kind collaboration.

GET A FREE $200 GIFT CARD: Pre-order the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 for $1,199.99 at Amazon by August 6 and get a $200 gift card for free.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 Unlocked Cell Phone + $200 Gift Card, 256GB Graphite $1,199.99 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here at Amazon

Getting a new phone is almost never cheap. But if you're already planning to upgrade to Samsung's latest flip phone, you might as well get paid to do it.

SEE ALSO: T-Mobile is giving away the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 for free — how to claim

Right now, if you pre-order the 256GB Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 in Graphite at Amazon for $1,199.99, they'll throw in a $200 Amazon gift card. You just have to place your order by August 6 (its official release date is August 7).

The Z Flip8 features a 6.7-inch main screen and a 4.1-inch cover screen (which Samsung calls the FlexWindow). It lets you check notifications and send messages without opening your phone. As for the cameras, you get a 50MP wide lens and a 12MP ultrawide lens on the back, plus a 10MP front camera. Thanks to the folding design, you can set it down half-open on a table to take hands-free photos or shoot Super Steady video — no tripod required.

Considering a $200 gift card basically covers your screen protectors, a durable case, and a few other things in your cart, this is a pretty good pre-order bonus.

Where to preorder the new Samsung Galaxy Watches Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 $379.99 at Samsung Pre-Order Here Amazon Galaxy Watch 9 $379.99 at Amazon (get $50 Amazon gift card) Pre-Order Here Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 $699.99 at Samsung Pre-Order Here Amazon Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 $699.99 at Amazon Pre-Order Here

Over two years ago, Samsung announced the first Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra, and at this year's Galaxy Unpacked, we're getting the second generation. Plus, the standard Galaxy Watch is getting an upgrade, too.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2 are here, and as of July 22, available for preorder.

The new watches are dedicated to a new era of health tracking. Round-the-clock trackers like Oura Ring and Whoop are all the rage, and Samsung's Galaxy Watches are the brand's entry into the market (although, Samsung also has its own smart ring). To support 24/7 wear, these watches feature their largest batteries yet, in addition to the Snapdragon Wear Elite Platform.

Here's everything to know and where to preorder the new Samsung Galaxy Watches.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2: Price and availability

Two new watches are coming to the Samsung Galaxy lineup, and only one is getting a price increase from the previous generation. Here's a breakdown of the prices on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2:

• Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 (40mm and 44mm) — starts at $379.99 for Bluetooth and $429.99 for LTE models

• Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 (47mm) — starts at $699.99

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 currently costs $379.99, meaning its successor isn't getting a price increase. The Ultra 2, on the other hand, is $50 more than its predecessor.

Both watches are available for preorder as of July 22 and will be available on Aug. 7. Both are available for preorder at Samsung, among other retailers.

About the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 The Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 provides actionable insights including monitoring for Sleep Apnea. Credit: Joseph Maldonado / CNET Group

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 is both a smartwatch and a fitness tracker. With a new 390mAh battery, it's designed for round-the-clock wear, so it can track both your activity and sleep. It comes with a lightweight but durable aluminum casing with Samsung's signature cushion silhouette. Both new watches come with the Snapdragon Wear Elite platform, boosting the speed and efficiency of the watch. It comes with an FDA-backed Sleep Apnea feature to detect breathing disruptions as well as a Heart Health Score to assess cardiovascular wellness.

The watch starts at $379.99 and comes with a 40mm or 44mm case. The 40mm case comes in either cream or graphite, while the 44mm case comes in graphite or silver.

Galaxy Watch 9 $379.99 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here at Amazon Pre-order Here at Best Buy Pre-order Here at Samsung About the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 The battery on the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 now has a 35% increase in capacity over its predecessor. Credit: Joseph Maldonado / CNET Group

For a more powerful watch, designed for those seeking extreme outdoor adventures, there's the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, which is getting its first update in two years. The Ultra 2 comes packed with features made for endurance athletes, like Trail Run, which tracks detailed elevation and terrain impact. Plus, it has Nutrition Alerts, which build off the existing Sweat Loss feature, which sends reminders to hydrate based on your sweat loss.

It now comes with an 800 mAh battery, a 35 percent increase in capacity. Plus, it has a brightness of 5,000 nits, for superior brightness even in sunlight.

Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 $699.99 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here at Amazon Pre-order Here at Best Buy Pre-order Here at Samsung

Samsung didn't bring back all of its Galaxy Watch models for 2026, but it did just reveal two new ones.

At its Galaxy Unpacked showcase on Wednesday, Samsung announced the new Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. And it turns out pre-show rumors of no new Galaxy Watch Classic this year were correct.

The Galaxy Watch 9 starts at $379.99 for Bluetooth and $429.99 for the LTE model. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 starts at a substantially more expensive $699.99.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2 specs Watch out. Credit: Joseph Maldonado / CNET Group

The Galaxy Watch 9, Samsung's successor to the Galaxy Watch 8, will come in 40mm and 44mm models, while the Ultra 2 is sized at 47mm.

Samsung upgraded the battery in the larger Watch 9 this year, giving it a 445mAh cell, but the 40mm variant only has a 390mAh cell in it. The biggest battery improvement comes on the Watch Ultra 2, which will come with a whopping 800mAh cell and a 60-hour charge, the company announced during Galaxy Unpacked.

Other specs include:

• Watch 9: 2GB memory

• Watch Ultra 2: 2GB memory

• Watch 9: 32GB storage

• Watch Ultra 2: 64GB storage

• Both watches: Snapdragon Wear Elite chip

The Ultra 2 also comes with a very bright 5,000-nit display, making it ideal for outdoor use. On the Watch 9, you get just 3,000 nits, which should still be good enough for most occasions.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 $379.99 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here at Amazon Pre-order Here at Best Buy Pre-order Here at Samsung Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2 key features The key to all the tracking. Credit: Joseph Maldonado / CNET Group

On the software side, Samsung has packed in a bunch of outdoor sports tracking features in the Ultra 2. Trail Run will track stats like terrain impact and elevation for hiking, while Nutrition Alert adds onto the old Sweat Loss tracker to tell you when to hydrate, and by how much.

The Ultra 2 is also water-resistant enough to be worn while diving, and Samsung says detailed dive tracking will arrive with a Diving app later this year. During Wednesday's Galaxy Unpacked event, Samsung revealed that the watch is EN13319-certified, meaning it accurately detects diving depth and time and has passed pressure chamber testing. The Ultra 2 will have exclusive diving features through a partnership with scuba equipment manufacturer, Mares.

Credit: Screenshot: Mashable

Another selling point for the watches: a slew of new AI health features, available on both devices. They will use on-board trackers to deliver personalized insights — such as breathing disruptions during sleep, deviations in your vitals, daily recommended cardio load, and alerts for dangerously loud noise levels to protect your hearing.

Neither of these watches is exactly reinventing the wheel (or the Squircle). Still, the hardware upgrades, along with AI upgrades, should make them effective health trackers for the target audience.

Both watches offer a variety of band options, including sport and everyday styles. The Ultra 2 also has band options specifically for water.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 $699.99 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here at Amazon Pre-order Here at Best Buy Pre-order Here at Samsung

SAVE $250: As of July 22, get the Eufy X10 Pro Omni robot vacuum and mop for $449.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $699.99. That's a discount of 36%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Eufy X10 Pro Omni robot vacuum and mop $449.99 at Amazon
$699.99 Save $250   Get Deal

If you're spending more time cleaning your floors than kicking back and relaxing at home, you might want to invest in a good robot vacuum. The best make it so that you don't have to lift a finger to get things done around the house. And these days, you don't have to worry about breaking the bank either, especially with this particular model that's on sale at an excellent price.

As of July 22, get the Eufy X10 Pro Omni robot vacuum and mop for $449.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $699.99. That's $250 off and a discount of 36%.

SEE ALSO: T-Mobile is offering a free Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 — here's how this preorder deal works

This full-featured robot vacuum and mop combo offers strong suction paired with efficient hard floor cleaning. It has a 2.5L dust bag that you only need to replace every 2 months, with a 3L clean water tank that can clean up to 2,000 sq ft multiple times before you need to switch out the reservoir. When it dries your floor it does so with 45-degree Celsis heated air for sanitary purposes, all without you having to do anything at all.

It uses a sophisticated self-cleaning roller brush to cut through hair and tangles with powerful 8,000 Pa of suction to eliminate even hidden dirt and debris you may be missing. It's great for deep-cleaning or casual tidying, whatever is on the menu for the day, and it uses AI to detect and avoid over 100 objects so you don't have to manually map out your home.

If you're ready to offload your daily cleaning schedule to the robots, this one is an excellent pick, especially thanks to its budget price made even better with this sale.

TL;DR: Pantalones Tequila and Tipsy Scoop teamed up on a Peaches & Cream Margarita Ice Cream flavor made with Pantalones Organic Reposado Tequila. The limited-edition flavor launches July 22 and will be available at Tipsy Scoop locations through August, with nationwide shipping available through Goldbelly.

Opens in a new window Credit: Pantalones Tequila / Tipsy Scoop Peaches & Cream Margarita Ice Cream $109.95 at Goldbelly
  Shop Now

Matthew McConaughey’s Pantalones Tequila is giving margarita lovers a new way to enjoy their favorite summer drink — with a spoon.

The tequila brand co-founded by Matthew and Camila McConaughey has teamed up with Tipsy Scoop to turn the classic cocktail into a frozen dessert just in time for National Tequila Day.

The collaboration brings two margarita-inspired treats to the menu, including a limited-edition Peaches & Cream Margarita Ice Cream flavor launching on July 22. Made with fresh peach ice cream, Pantalones Organic Reposado Tequila, and a hint of tangy lime, the flavor is designed to taste like a frozen version of the summer cocktail.

The boozy ice cream will be available through August at all Tipsy Scoop Barlours for $8.50 per scoop or $16 per pint. Fans who aren’t near a location can also order it nationwide through Goldbelly in a four-pint pack for $109.95.

Credit: Pantalones Tequila / Tipsy Scoop

Later this summer, the partnership will expand with the Pantalones Dallas Margarita Sorbet, a dairy-free, vegan treat inspired by the classic Texas Margarita. Made with Pantalones Organic Reposado Tequila, orange liqueur, and fresh lime juice, it will debut at Tipsy Scoop's new Dallas Barlour as a permanent menu item for $8.50 per scoop or $16 per pint.

“Most margaritas are served on the rocks. This summer, we’re deciding to serve ours by the scoop,” said Persia Tatar, CMO of Pantalones Organic Tequila. With margarita season in full swing, this collaboration brings happy hour to dessert — no cocktail shaker required.

Not near a Tipsy Scoop? Grab the Peaches & Cream Margarita Boozy Ice Cream 4-pack online for $109.95.

Standby mode is both a blessing and a curse. Fast startup times and background processes are convenient, but have you ever stopped to ask how much these services are worth to you per year?

Partway through today's Samsung Galaxy Unpacked, a familiar face swung through: Spider-Man.

Ahead of the release of Spider-Man: Brand New Day at the end of July, Samsung played a video of all the phones the superhero breaks while trying to save New York City. But, thankfully, the new Samsung foldable phone is apparently much more durable.

SEE ALSO: I tried Samsung's new foldables. They have a cool factor the iPhone can't match.

During the video, however, Spider-Man is suspiciously silent, leading viewers to think that the company couldn't get actor Tom Holland to appear. But no matter, his friend Ned Leeds (Jacob Batalon) was able to show off the new phone in his stead. Jacob Batalon even made an appearance on the Unpacked Stage in London to show off the phone.

Credit: Mashable

And Spider-Man (OK, some guy in a Spider-Man suit) even popped in to close out the segment.

TL;DR: T-Mobile is celebrating Samsung Unpacked by offering the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 for free — saving you $379.99 (100% off) via 24 monthly bill credits when you add a qualifying wearable line.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 Free via 24 monthly bill credits when you add a qualifying wearable line. Shop Now

Carrier launch windows are historically the only time you can score 100% off a newly-announced flagship smartwatch without trading in an older device. With Samsung Unpacked officially underway, T-Mobile is attempting to lock in subscribers by wiping away the entire $379.99 retail cost of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9.

If you've been holding out on adding a cellular smartwatch to your wrist setup, this is the lowest upfront price you will see all year.

Credit: Joseph Maldonado / CNET Group

As savvy consumers, you should know that carrier bill credits always come with strings attached. While wiping out the Galaxy Watch 9's $379.99 sticker price upfront sounds like a steal, you aren't walking away without spending anything.

To get this new smartwatch for $0, T-Mobile requires you to add a new paired wearable line to your monthly account. Assuming you have AutoPay turned on, that service line will run you around $12 to $15 per month. Add in T-Mobile's standard one-time $35 connection charge at checkout, and your actual out-of-pocket cost over the 24-month contract cycle comes to roughly $323 (plus tax).

If you genuinely want true, phone-free independence, paying around $323 over two years for a top-tier $380 smartwatch plus two full years of standalone cellular data is a genuinely great deal. However, if you just want a simple Bluetooth watch to check text notifications and track your daily sleep, you are better off skipping T-Mobile entirely and buying directly from Samsung.

For a long time, if you've wanted a laptop built to last, there's been a single easy-to-remember bit of advice: buy a ThinkPad. These laptops have long been designed with business customers in mind, so they're made to be durable and repairable. Yet there's now a better brand if you want a laptop that's not only repairable—but upgradeable.

TL;DR: Pre-order the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 for free when you trade in an eligible device on Experience Beyond and Go5G Next plans with T-Mobile.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Free via 24 monthly bill credits with an eligible trade-in on Experience Beyond and Go5G Next plans at T-Mobile. Shop Now

Samsung Unpacked has officially unveiled the Galaxy Z Fold 8, and it carries a hefty $1,899.99 retail price tag. Buying it outright is a massive investment, but there is a crafty hack you should know about.

Carrier pre-order windows are traditionally the single best time to bypass upfront hardware costs. T-Mobile's opening promotion offers up to $1,900 in bill credits over 24 months. If you have an eligible flagship to trade in, this completely cancels out the phone's list price — making it the most aggressive launch offer we've seen for a book-style foldable to date.

How to get the Galaxy Z Fold 8 for free

Getting the maximum trade-in value on the Fold 8 requires some simple steps:

• Trade in: To unlock the full $1,900 credit ceiling, you must trade in an eligible high-end device (such as a Galaxy Z Fold 6/7, S25 Ultra, or recent iPhone Pro Max) in good condition.

• Select a plan: You must be on, or switch to, T-Mobile’s Experience Beyond or Go5G Next plans.

You will still need to pay local state sales tax on the full $1,899.99 retail price upfront at checkout, plus T-Mobile’s standard $35 connection charge.

Credit: Joseph Maldonado / CNET Group

If you are already on (or planning to switch to) T-Mobile's top-tier unlimited plans, taking advantage of a $1,900 trade-in credit to get a brand-new $1,899 flagship for free is an absolute no-brainer. Just remember that you are locking into a 24-month service commitment. If you cancel your line early, the remaining unpaid hardware balance becomes due immediately.

TL;DR: Kylian Mbappé is the cover athlete for EA Sports FC 27: Ultimate Edition. The soccer star returns to the franchise cover for the first time in four years ahead of the game's gameplay reveal on July 23.

Kylian Mbappé is returning to the cover of EA’s football franchise. Electronic Arts has revealed the French superstar as the cover athlete for EA Sports FC 27 Ultimate Edition, marking his first time as an EA Sports FC cover star and his return to the franchise cover after four years.

Mbappé will also appear as the new cover athlete for EA Sports FC Mobile, continuing his long-running relationship with the football gaming franchise.

The Real Madrid forward earned the cover spot after another standout season on the pitch. Since joining Real Madrid in 2024, Mbappé has finished as La Liga top scorer in both of his seasons in Spain and claimed the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League Golden Boot after scoring 15 goals in the competition.

He has also continued to make history with the French national team, becoming the World Cup’s all-time leading goalscorer and the first player to win the Golden Boot twice.

SEE ALSO: English footballer Wayne Rooney's blunt reaction to World Cup halftime show goes viral

“To be featured on the cover of an EA Sports FC title for the first time is a very special moment for me,” Mbappé said. “It's an honor to continue my long-term relationship with the franchise in its latest chapter, alongside the players who have shaped its history. I can't wait for everyone to experience FC 27.”

The cover reveal kicks off a week of EA Sports FC 27 news, with EA sharing more details before the official gameplay trailer drops on Thursday, July 23, at 9 a.m. PT / 12 p.m. ET.

TL;DR: Samsung is opening The Fold Inn, a limited-time Galaxy Fold-inspired pop-up pub in London, on July 24-25. The venue will feature a fold-themed bar, custom drinks inspired by Samsung's latest Galaxy Z devices, and hands-on experiences with the company's newest foldable phones.

If you're in London this month, Samsung wants to treat you to a foldable-inspired pub experience.

The tech giant has announced The Fold Inn, a limited-time pop-up pub in London inspired by its Galaxy Fold lineup. Blending classic British pub culture with Samsung's foldable design language, the immersive space offers visitors a fresh way to experience the company's latest Galaxy Z devices.

What is The Fold Inn?

The Fold Inn isn't just a themed bar — it's part product showcase, part pub experience.

Credit: Samsung

At the center of the venue is a fold-inspired bar that takes its design cues from Samsung's Galaxy Fold devices. Visitors can also order from a custom drinks menu, with each beverage created to reflect the personality and features of Samsung's newest Galaxy Z lineup.

Samsung says the pop-up is meant to showcase the next generation of its foldable phones in a setting that's both unexpected and unmistakably London.

When and where can you visit?

The Fold Inn will be open for two days only:

• Friday, July 24: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. BST

• Saturday, July 25: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. BST

You'll find the pub here:

The Fold Inn
15 Bateman Street
London, W1D 4AQ
UK

Whether you're curious about Samsung's latest foldables or simply looking for one of London's more unusual pop-ups, The Fold Inn promises a pub experience that's anything but ordinary.

The new Samsung Galaxy foldables are about to debut July 22 at Galaxy Unpacked. We're excited to stress-test them properly later, but here are my thoughts after playing around with the new Galaxy foldable smartphones ahead of time.

We've already covered the launch of the three new foldables — the Galaxy Z Flip 8, the Galaxy Z Fold 8, and the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra — but let's talk about what it's like holding these new phones in your hand.

Credit: Joseph Maldonado / CNET Group

My first impressions have been very positive, albeit in the absence of testing processor benchmarks, battery rundowns, or photography. But I did have a lot of fun playing around with these foldables, and that's more than I can say about a lot of regular smartphones.

Meet the new Samsung Galaxy foldables Credit: Joseph Maldonado / Mashable

Here's how to distinguish between the three members of the Galaxy Z 8 lineup.

The Galaxy Z Flip 8 is the trendy, flip phone-style device that fits in your pocket, with a $1,199.99 starting price.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is a new, wider 4:3 form factor introduced this year. It has a similar size and design to the highly anticipated iPhone Fold Ultra, Apple's rumored foldable we hope to see unveiled in September.

Finally, the Z Fold 8 Ultra is the true flagship of the bunch, with a camera array that comes closer to matching the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra released in the spring.

The Z Fold 8 is a more mid-range option, with a starting price of $1,899.99, while the Z Fold 8 Ultra has an intimidating $2,199.99 starting price.

When unfolded and powered on, you won't see the crease in the folding display. Credit: Joseph Maldonado / Mashable

Bottom line: These phones feel great in your hand. Samsung says the Galaxy Z Flip 8 is the lightest and thinnest flip foldable ever, and I can believe it. Unfolded, all three phones feel razor-thin but not flimsy.

And no, you don't need to be worried about a visible crease in the display. Starting in 2025, the crease has disappeared into the display, and you won't notice it this year either.

Crucially, and this is especially true with the colorful Z Flip 8, these phones feel cool in a way that other smartphones don't. Samsung has been introducing interesting innovations in the mobile space lately (see also: Privacy Display and the Galaxy Z Trifold), and the Flip family is no exception.

They have a slick design with great color options, and if you use these phones out in the real world, people will stop you and ask about them.

Also, there's just something infinitely satisfying about snapping a foldable closed.

Credit: Joseph Maldonado / CNET Group

Let's talk about the elephant in the room: These phones are pricey.

Thank RAMageddon for higher prices

The ongoing global memory crisis (which, experts say, will get worse before it gets better) has wreaked havoc on the consumer tech world. Everything is getting more expensive. Not only did Samsung eliminate long-standing pre-order deals, but the Z Flip 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra are $100 more expensive than last year's models.

There's no way around it: That sucks. And it makes it harder to justify taking the plunge and buying your first foldable, or switching from an iPhone, even as Samsung makes it easier for iOS users to migrate.

My advice? Take advantage of trade-in offers and pre-order deals from mobile carriers like T-Mobile and Verizon, which have decent deals on the new foldables.

Still, we know from Counterpoint Research data that shoppers in the U.S. and China are buying fewer smartphones this year, and it's hard to blame them.

The Galaxy Z Flip 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra have some key upgrades Credit: Joseph Maldonado / CNET Group

Last year, we praised Samsung's foldables for their ultra-thin design and their lightweight feel, and they're noticeably thinner and lighter this year. But there are some important upgrades under the hood as well.

Contrary to rumors that the Z Flip 8 would have an Exynos processor, all three phones are equipped with the same chipset, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy. The Z Fold 8 Ultra also has a true 5,000 mAh battery, and even the smaller Z Fold 8 has a 4,800 mAh power cell. The Folds also offer faster 45W wired charging and 20W wireless charging.

In addition, the Z Fold 8 has a 200MP main camera, necessary for people like me who need to take videos and photos for work. The Ultra's camera array isn't quite up to par with the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra or iPhone 17 Pro Max, but it's getting close.

Credit: Joseph Maldonado / CNET Group

Ultimately, I'm excited to put these new phones through their paces — and just wish everything wasn't so expensive in 2026.

The clamshell foldable phone market is a crowded space these days, thanks in part to the efforts of Motorola and Samsung.

Motorola released its Razr Ultra earlier this year, while Samsung is set to reveal the Z Flip 8 at its Galaxy Unpacked event on July 22. We'll do our best to compare and contrast.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 vs. Motorola Razr Ultra: Price

The Razr Ultra retails for $1,499. While we don't know the price for the Z Flip 8 yet, the Z Flip 7 launched at $1,099 last year. Given the price-rising RAMageddon in the tech world right now, a price increase of some kind seems likely.

The Z Flip 8 may still come in below $1,499, but you can pretty much guarantee it won't be below $1,099.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 vs. Motorola Razr Ultra: Design The Razr Ultra and Z Flip 8 will almost certainly look pretty similar at a glance. Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

In terms of physical design, both of these phones are very similar. They're both clamshell-style foldables with a small outer display and a larger inner display that you use while unfolded.

The Razr Ultra has a 7-inch inner display and a 4-inch outer display, while leaks indicate the Flip 8's displays will be 6.9-inches and 4.1-inches, respectively, meaning the difference in display size between these two phones is nearly nonexistent.

Size is where Samsung might have an advantage. Here are the dimensions of the Razr Ultra:

• Folded: 88.12 × 73.99 × 15.69 mm

• Unfolded: 171.48 × 73.99 × 7.19 mm

• Weight: 199g

We don't have an official spec sheet for the Z Flip 8 yet, but all reports suggest it will have a similar build to the Z Flip 7, possibly with a small amount of slimming down. Here are the Z Flip 7's dimensions:

• Folded: 85.5 x 75.2 x 13.7 mm

• Unfolded: 166.7 x 75.2 x 6.5 mm

• 188g

In other words, Samsung's phone last year was already smaller and lighter, and Samsung has a habit of making its phones a little smaller every year recently.

There's a good chance the Z Flip 8 will be even smaller than the Z Flip 7, thus also beating the Razr Ultra.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 vs. Motorola Razr Ultra: Specs This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Let's start with the specs we know. The Razr Ultra's details:

• Snapdragon 8 Elite mobile platform chipset

• 16GB RAM

• 512GB storage

• 5,000mAh battery

As for the Z Flip 8, rumored specs are as follows:

• Exynos 2600 chipset OR Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

• 12GB RAM

• 256GB/512GB storage

• 4,300mAh battery

Different rumors point to different chipsets in the Z Flip 8, which might come down to which market you buy the phone in. Other than that, the Z Flip 8 looks to possibly have less RAM, smaller starting storage, and a much smaller battery.

The size of a battery cell isn't the only thing that decides how long a battery lasts, so the two could ultimately be comparable — but it's not looking good for Samsung on that front.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 vs. Motorola Razr Ultra: Cameras Razr Ultra can snap some nice pics for your social feeds, at least. Credit: Timothy Werth/Mashable

Clamshell foldables are not the phones to buy if you want the best cameras. They just aren't meant to be used for professional-grade photography the way a regular flagship might be.

The basic camera specs for the Motorola Razr Ultra:

• 50MP wide

• 50MP ultrawide

• 50MP inner camera

And here are the (reported) specs for the Z Flip 8:

• 50MP wide

• 12MP ultrawide

• 10MP inner camera

Judging purely by the numbers, Motorola wins — but it's not that simple. Megapixel counts alone don't tell you how good a camera is, and until we test the Z Flip 8, we can't say for sure whether or not it takes better photos than the Razr Ultra.

While neither of these phones are going to shine on raw camera specs, they are both clamshell foldables — which means you can pull unusual and useful camera stunts such as taking a selfie with the outer camera and see a preview of the results on the exterior display before snapping the photo.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 vs. Motorola Razr Ultra: Software features

These phones should provide a somewhat similar experience in terms of software features, given that they are both clamshell foldables that run Android. Both can access some features of apps or look at notifications on the exterior display without opening the phone. Both split the inner display in two so you can look at multiple apps at the same time.

The Razr Ultra has access to a ton of AI features. Gemini, Perplexity, Copilot, and more are supported alongside the built-in Moto AI features. If you want a phone that does a little bit of everything AI, you could do a lot worse than the Razr Ultra.

We also expect the Z Flip 8 to come packed with AI features, similar to the Z Flip 7. Samsung's Galaxy AI suite can help edit photos and videos, use on-screen context to suggest actions to the user, screen phone calls, summarize recordings, and lots more.

New Galaxy AI features are set to be announced at Unpacked later this month.

For years, buying Samsung’s book-style foldable was simple—you picked the Galaxy Z Fold. That's changing this time. The company has overhauled its foldable lineup with a new member and naming scheme that might trip up even loyal fans. The standard Galaxy Z Fold 8 debuts Samsung’s brand-new wider design, while the usual tall and narrow foldable now carries the ‘Ultra’ badge.