I Went Hands-On With Everything Samsung Announced at Galaxy Unpacked 2026
Newsweek · C · trust 44/100
0 Share Newsweek is a Trust Project member See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. Samsung has revealed its 2026 mobile and wearables lineup, and from my extensive hands-on, it seems the future is fashion.
As detailed in London's Galaxy Unpacked showcase on Monday, July 20th, three sleek new hinge-based phones are set for release later this year, alongside two new smartwatches, and two new smart glasses.
Samsung calls the lineup “its most complete yet, designed to expand foldables to a wider audience…Built on seven generations of foldable innovation and consumer insight, the new Galaxy Z series gives users more choice than ever, with three distinct experiences engineered to fit different needs.”
In the phone category sit the Galaxy Z Fold8, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, and Galaxy Z Flip8. The first two open sideways to reveal larger landscape screens, while the latter opens vertically into a more sizable portrait view. The keywords this year are ‘thinner, brighter, durable’.
Watch-wise we have the Galaxy Watch Ultra2, and Galaxy Watch9, both boasting superior batteries and more advanced health monitoring technology.
And lastly are two stylish smart glasses collaborations between Samsung and leading eyewear brands Warby Parker and Gentle Monster.
After one-to-one time with all devices, the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra stands out most. It’s noticeably slimmer while simultaneously feeling more robust in-hand. Built for the first time using new Flex Titanium material, it now has a flatter, more uniform surface. That means it can better withstand repeat folding.
From screen to form factor, it looks and handles better than ever. Saying that, there still is an ever-so-subtle crease running down the middle that’s highlighted in certain lighting conditions.
The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra houses an impressive 200 MP main camera , and a 10mp telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. While not a significant leap over last year’s model, which also has a 200 MP camera, Improved Nightography7 and the ability to easily edit at 8K resolution with a more flexible APV codec is a definite strength.
My time with the Flip8, meanwhile, benefitted from a direct comparison with the previous Flip7 model - my current phone. Not only is it significantly lighter and thinner, but you can do more with the cover screen courtesy of Samsung’s redesigned FlexWindow Home.
For example, while flipped down, there’s a more expansive app tray. As a result, you can book a taxi, browse reminders, and even access your health hub, all without opening the device. That's a major selling point.
Then there are the smartwatches. The Galaxy Watch Ultra2 is the most improved device of the entire lineup, with a 35% better battery than the previous version for multi-day performance. It has, according to Samsung, the brightest smartwatch on the market, with a larger display and 12% thinner casing.
These devices deliver “a new era of effortless health, where users can unlock in-depth, meaningful health insights simply by wearing these devices,” Samsung said in a press release. “Serving as the ultimate gateway to AI-driven health intelligence, this groundbreaking premium lineup transforms complex biometric data into personalized, actionable guidance across the full spectrum of user health.”
Health insights include hydration monitoring for pro trail runners, which measures how much you sweat and advises on liquid intake. Divers, meanwhile, can see their depth, time, and water temp.
For that, however, it’ll cost you. At $699.99, the price is indicative of its audience: pro athletes.
If you’re not in that camp, the Galaxy Watch9 is a great alternative, especially if you’re health-conscious. Its suite of innovations let you manage your health more easily than ever. For example, the Heart Health Score tracks BMI, vascular load, activity, and sleep time before offering tips on how to improve overall heart health.
There’s also a fitness index that measures body composition, flexibility, and cardio, and gives you one unified score which you can compare with other users. These preventive health features, turning signals into personalized insights, are pretty much unmatched.
Samsung collaborated with eyewear giants Gentle Monster and Warby Parker for their 2026 lineup of smart glasses.
“As agentic AI reshapes mobile experiences, the next step is to make those experiences more intuitive and responsive to each user’s context,” said Won-Joon Choi, Chief Operating Officer of the Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics. “Intelligent eyewear creates a new point of interaction, bringing more personalized AI assistance naturally into the moments that make up everyday life.”
Visually, they're among the most street-ready smart glasses you can buy, although its features were not available to test out.
Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Fold8 and Flip8 are available for pre-order in select markets starting July 22, 2026. It is expected to release in early August, 2026.
Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9 are available for pre-order in select markets starting July 22, 2026 with general availability starting Aug. 7, 2026
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