Samsung’s latest foldable smartphones, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8, have officially gone on sale worldwide following a strong pre-order phase, with retailers and mobile carriers introducing attractive discounts, trade-in offers and bundled deals for early buyers.
In the United States, Samsung is offering trade-in rebates of up to $1,000 on eligible devices through its official online store. Customers who choose not to trade in a phone can still receive Samsung credit worth up to $200, depending on the selected model and promotion.
T-Mobile has unveiled one of the most generous launch offers, allowing eligible customers to save up to $1,900 on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 through qualifying trade-ins and mobile plan additions, making it one of the biggest discounts currently available for Samsung’s new foldable lineup.
In the United Kingdom, Samsung is providing trade-in savings of up to £752 on eligible devices, along with additional discounts on higher-storage variants. Some buyers may also qualify for free promotional accessories when purchasing selected devices with network plans.
Leading UK carriers, including Vodafone and O2, are also offering competitive trade-in incentives, while Sky Mobile is bundling selected Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8 purchases with a free Samsung Galaxy Watch 9.
With the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8 now available in stores, consumers in both the US and UK can take advantage of multiple launch promotions, trade-in deals and bundled offers to reduce the overall cost of Samsung’s newest foldable smartphones.
Galaxy Watch9 lineup expands AI ecosystem
Alongside its new smartphones, Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Watch9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra2, positioning both devices as AI-powered health and fitness companions.
The Galaxy Watch9, priced from Dh1,449, offers a brighter display, lighter design and improved health tracking for everyday users.
Meanwhile, the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 starts at Dh2,669 and targets athletes and outdoor enthusiasts with a larger battery, rugged construction and advanced workout and recovery tools.
Samsung said both smartwatches introduce AI-powered wellness features, including more personalised heart monitoring, sleep analysis and fitness insights, while strengthening integration across its Galaxy ecosystem.
Samsung prepares for foldable competition
The launch comes as industry speculation continues over Apple’s expected entry into the foldable smartphone market later this year.
Samsung, which pioneered the modern foldable category with the first Galaxy Fold in 2019, remains the market leader. Analysts, however, believe Apple’s arrival could significantly expand consumer interest in foldable devices.
IDC analyst Francisco Jeronimo told AFP that Apple could help bring foldable smartphones into the mainstream, prompting Samsung to broaden its portfolio with three foldable models catering to different user needs.
Foldable market expected to grow
Although foldable smartphones account for only a small share of global smartphone sales, analysts expect the segment to expand rapidly.
According to IDC, foldable smartphone shipments are projected to increase by around 20% in 2026 despite an expected 14% decline in the broader smartphone market.
Samsung hopes its expanded foldable lineup, combined with thinner designs, larger displays and AI-powered features, will strengthen its position in the growing premium smartphone segment, even as prices for top-tier models approach or exceed $2,000.
Also read: Samsung set to unveil world’s first-ever rollable-screen smartphone