Audio Showdown: Z Fold8 Ultra Wins on Stereo Separation Despite Slim Build

Independent tests reveal a clear advantage for the audio system in Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra over its standard counterpart, thanks to a clever engineering layout that enhances user experience in viewing and gaming.

Powerful Sound Defying Thinness

Samsung has successfully integrated an advanced speaker system within the remarkably thin Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, which measures just 4.1 millimeters thick, delivering exceptional performance that even surpasses the Galaxy S26 Ultra in pink noise metrics. The system features a balanced frequency response across the audible range, noticeable capability in producing low-frequency bass, and a maximum volume level exceeding 87 decibels, sufficient to fill a small room.

Tests indicate that both models offer robust audio, with the standard Galaxy Z Fold8 showing a slight edge in the super-high frequency range due to less drop-off in that part of the spectrum. Nevertheless, overall performance remains excellent for both devices, reflecting significant technological progress in acoustic engineering for modern foldable phones.

Design Dictates Experience

The crucial difference lies in the listening experience when using the phone horizontally, as the Galaxy Z Fold8 relies on a wider design that clusters stereo speakers on the left side only when opened. This centralization leads to a noticeable sound bias toward the left, making effective channel separation difficult and negatively impacting movie or game viewing, although wide bezels already make it less ideal for watching. Conversely, Samsung maintained traditional distribution in the Ultra model by placing speaker grilles on both sides, granting users a true stereo effect and precise sound separation.

Smartphone companies continue to strive to improve multimedia experiences on foldable devices, where speaker distribution gains increasing importance as these phones become a common alternative to small tablets for daily entertainment consumption.