Samsung Electronics is stepping up design competition with three new foldable smartphones. It differentiated features by model, from the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra aimed at both a large screen and portability to the Fold8 focused on content viewing and the pocket-sized Flip8.

On Oct. 11, online media outlet Gigazine looked at the devices' appearance and portability and introduced model-specific features.

Samsung's products released in August are the horizontally folding Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold8, and the vertically folding Galaxy Z Flip8. All three focus on improving usability of foldable smartphones with thinner bodies and updated exteriors.

The standout model is the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra. When unfolded, it measures 158.4 by 143.2 by 4.1 mm and has an 8-inch display. Screen resolution is 2504 by 2256, with an aspect ratio close to a square. It weighs 217 grams.

Gigazine assessed that when folded, the Fold8 Ultra offers a user experience similar to a typical bar-style smartphone. It said the device focuses on letting users take advantage of a large unfolded screen while offering an experience not very different from existing smartphones when folded. It also cited a narrow front bezel and a front camera positioned at the top right as features.

The Galaxy Z Fold8 seeks differentiation through its screen ratio. When unfolded, it measures 123.8 by 161.4 by 4.5 mm and supports a 7.6-inch display with 2448 by 1848 resolution. The aspect ratio is 4:3, making it closer to a rectangle than the Fold8 Ultra. It weighs 204 grams.

Gigazine reported that the Fold8's display gives the impression it is suitable for viewing content such as videos and photos. It also noted that when folded, the device has a relatively short vertical length. It assessed that it could be an option for consumers who prefer a shape that is easier to hold than long smartphones.

On the rear, both Fold models have a layout with the camera module and the external display. The camera bump on the Fold8 Ultra protrudes about 3 mm from the base, with the lens protruding an additional roughly 2 mm. The Fold8 has a bump in the 2 mm range from the base, with the lens protruding about 2 mm more. A Samsung logo is engraved on the hinge.

The Galaxy Z Flip8 places emphasis on portability. When unfolded, it has a form similar to a standard smartphone, and Gigazine assessed that the crease visible when folding and unfolding is not pronounced, giving an impression closer to a regular smartphone. At 182 grams, it is the lightest of the three.

At the top of the device are a vent and a microphone hole, and at the bottom is a USB Type-C port. On the right side are a power button that also serves as a fingerprint sensor and a volume button. On the upper rear are the camera and a secondary display. The secondary display can be used to check notifications or preview the screen when taking photos.

Gigazine assessed, however, that the secondary display is not suitable for playing games. It said the Flip8 targets consumers who value portability, citing its smaller size when folded and ease of putting it in a pocket.

The three products are characterized by an approach that divides use purposes for foldable smartphones. The Fold8 Ultra highlights an 8-inch large screen and thin thickness, while the Fold8 focuses on content viewing with a 4:3 aspect ratio. The Flip8 emphasizes portability and a simple user experience through its small folded size and secondary display.

This evaluation was a first check focused on appearance and portability, and Gigazine said it plans to additionally review the performance of the three products later.