The Galaxy Fold Ultra leaks show Samsung is chasing the wrong foldable dream

I cringed when Samsung teased the Galaxy Fold Ultra. The company hinted that a new foldable device was on the way, featuring a larger display and an enhanced camera system. While I admit Samsung needed to improve several areas on its Galaxy Z Fold devices, I didn’t expect those two areas to top the list.

Samsung appears to be listening to vocal enthusiasts, who complained about spending a significant premium over traditional flagship phones only to receive “inferior” camera specs and smaller displays than offered on some overseas foldables. I get it, but that’s not why Samsung hasn’t sold more book-style foldables, and I fear the Galaxy Fold Ultra won’t turn the tide.

Samsung focused on the wrong things

I wasn’t lacking screen real estate

I’m disappointed Samsung is focusing on a larger display and better cameras for the Galaxy Fold Ultra. The company did need something new, and I admit that the expansive internal displays on some overseas foldables are impressive, but that doesn’t appeal to me. I barely use the extra space I have on the Galaxy Z Fold 6, and I’m often frustrated by the experience.

I’m getting the worst of both worlds with the Galaxy Z Fold 6. The external display experience isn’t as satisfying as using my Galaxy S25 Ultra, and I don’t see the point of the extra screen real estate of the internal display in its current setup. I initially thought such an expansive panel would be ideal for entertainment. Still, the aspect ratio isn’t correct, and black bars make the viewing area only slightly larger than on a traditional slab device.

Durability has improved over the last few generations, but you should still think twice before bringing one to the beach.

I also never complained about the photos I got from my Galaxy Z Fold 6. Although the camera system isn’t as versatile as that of other Samsung flagships, it consistently produces crisp, vibrant images. Adding a larger sensor or a proper telescoping lens would be interesting, but I worry about the impact on the price.

There’s a reason why more people don’t try foldables

Samsung is walking a fine line

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Clamshell foldables are more practical for us, but they’re also more affordable. A less expensive phone has a better chance of gaining wider adoption, especially when we don’t have to rethink the way we use our device. I can use my Motorola Razr 2025 exactly how I use any other phone when it’s unfolded, but we need to change our mindset with book-style folding phones. If you add that in with a high price, people will get turned off and revert to what they’re comfortable with.

These improved specs will likely drive up the price. However, let’s say Samsung tries to impress us and keeps an improved Galaxy Fold Ultra for around $2,000. That’s still a significant investment for people. Foldables need to become more affordable, and we’ve only seen Samsung move in one direction with the Galaxy Z Flip and Fold series. More than the price, there’s another reason people don’t buy large folding phones, and it has nothing to do with the display or the cameras.

I need to know why I’m paying such a high premium

Samsung needs to show us the way

Folding phones are impractical. Durability has improved over the last few generations, but you should still think twice before bringing one to the beach. If I’m being asked to pay a massive premium for a folding phone, I need to understand why I’m doing it. Software can go much further, proving that a folding phone is worth it, than any increase in display size or improvement to the cameras. I need Samsung to develop a separate version of One UI for folding phones and tablets. Android 12L was a promising start, but it’s been a few years, and we haven’t seen any significant advancements since then.

I also need more apps that utilize the additional screen real estate. If I can enjoy a custom experience for foldables, I might be tempted to spend more. I want to see the benefits for power users, such as a better UI for editing photos and videos, or improved multitasking, as seen on the OnePlus Open. If Samsung commits to changing its software mindset for large folding phones, then we can discuss improving specs and cameras.

I still think clamshells are the future

I love technology, and I’ll always enjoy testing out the latest folding phones, but clamshell devices like the Motorola Razr currently have my heart. I even give Samsung’s rumored trifolding phone a better chance at gaining traction, even though it will cost significantly more. A 16:9 aspect ratio gives app developers options, and you’ll see what the Snapdragon 8 Elite can really do. Until then, we’ll have to settle for devices like the Galaxy Fold Ultra — but at least you can take nicer photos.