Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Z Fold8 last week — a new foldable whose dimensions and display give the clearest preview yet of what Apple’s rumored iPhone Ultra might look like. A videographer who tested the device notes that the wider, near-4:3 aspect ratio brings the experience closer to that of a small tablet, bolstering the plausibility of Apple’s rumored direction.
A faithful preview of the iPhone Ultra
The Z Fold8 adopts a wider “book” format than previous Samsung foldables: 5.5 inches when closed and 7.6 inches when unfolded — dimensions that match circulating rumors about the iPhone Ultra. That increased width makes the device behave more like an iPad mini in everyday use and offers a concrete sense of the ergonomics and use cases Apple may be aiming to replicate.
4:3 display: productivity and media consumption
Moving to a display with an aspect ratio close to 4:3 improves multi-window workflows and makes landscape video viewing more comfortable. The Galaxy Z Fold8 demonstrates potential productivity gains: the 5.5-inch external panel remains convenient for notifications and quick replies, while the larger internal screen better supports tasks that need more on-screen real estate. If Apple adopts a similar format for the iPhone Ultra, the device would likely emphasize day-to-day usefulness over pure pocketability.
Limitations of the book form factor and the software challenge
The “book” form factor has drawbacks: it’s not ideal for vertical video, and some apps still aren’t optimized for this in-between size that sits between phone and tablet. Test feedback highlights automatic app resizing as a key area where Apple could pull ahead — if iOS can leverage an iPad-like display more effectively. In practice, the experience will depend as much on software adaptation as on hardware design.
Photo, biometrics and hinge: where the compromises lie
The Z Fold8 ships with a modest two-lens camera setup and doesn’t include the latest sensor innovations — a profile that mirrors expectations for the iPhone Ultra, where a telephoto lens appears unlikely. That could leave a foldable alternative trailing the iPhone 18 Pro in photographic capability. Another notable expected change on Apple’s device is a return to Touch ID rather than Face ID, a significant shift in iPhone authentication. Mechanically, Samsung has updated the Z Fold8’s hinge to reduce the visible crease; the company says the fold is less pronounced, though it remains noticeable under certain lighting — a problem Apple will also need to address.
Competition, timing and price
The Z Fold8’s debut comes shortly before the expected release window for the iPhone Ultra. Despite Samsung’s head start in foldables, the timing suggests Apple’s leaks and design choices have influenced the broader product landscape: Samsung only recently moved to this wider format. On price, Samsung positions the Galaxy Z Fold8 at $1,900. Rumors putting the iPhone Ultra between $2,000 and $2,500 suggest a more premium positioning, though Apple is banking on new leasing options to soften the sticker shock.
The videographer’s hands-on takeaway is telling: this format is compelling enough to shift the impression of a niche experiment into the belief that an iPhone Ultra could find mainstream appeal despite its price.
Bottom line
The Galaxy Z Fold8 maps a clear hardware roadmap for the iPhone Ultra: a larger, tablet-like display, a 4:3-ish ergonomic approach, and expected trade-offs in camera and biometric choices. The competitive fight will hinge as much on build quality and hinge durability as on software optimization and perceived value for money.
