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Samsung Launches Galaxy Z Fold8 Series and Watch9 in India After Record Pre-Orders

Samsung has officially released its newest generation of foldable smartphones and smartwatches across Indian retail and digital platforms. Early demand suggests high interest in the premium segment, with the company reporting 270,000 pre-orders within the first three days of the announcement.

· 2 min read

Key takeaways

  • Samsung recorded 2.7 lakh pre-orders for the new foldable series within 72 hours of the product unveiling.
  • The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra debuts as the slimmest foldable in the lineup, featuring an 8-inch screen and 200MP camera.
  • Pricing for the new foldable smartphones in India starts at Rs 1,24,999 for the Z Flip8 and reaches Rs 2,59,999 for the top-tier Z Fold8 Ultra.
  • New wearables include the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 for outdoor sports and the fitness-focused Galaxy Watch9 with Snapdragon Elite chips.
  • Launch offers include upgrade bonuses, bank cashback, and multi-buy discounts on smartwatches up to Rs 9,500.
The new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra and Galaxy Watch Ultra2 displayed on a clean surface showing the thin profile.
The new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra and Galaxy Watch Ultra2 displayed on a clean surface showing the thin profile.

Market Entry and Consumer Reception

Samsung initiated the general sale of its Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8, Galaxy Z Flip8, Galaxy Watch Ultra2, and Galaxy Watch9 today. These devices are now stocked at Samsung.com, Amazon, Flipkart, and physical retail outlets nationwide. Initial market momentum appears significant; the manufacturer confirmed receiving 270,000 pre-orders within 72 hours of the initial unveiling. This figure indicates sustained demand for high-end foldable technology despite the flagship price points.

Hardware Specifications and Pricing

The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra leads the lineup as Samsung’s thinnest foldable to date, measuring 4.1 mm when open. It integrates an 8-inch primary screen, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chipset, and a 200MP main camera sensor. Power is supplied by a 5,000mAh battery supporting 45W charging. Prices for the Ultra model range from Rs 1,99,999 for the 256GB version to Rs 2,59,999 for the 1TB variant.

Focusing on ergonomics, the standard Galaxy Z Fold8 weighs 201 grams and features a Flex Titanium display structure designed to minimize screen creases. This model offers 3,000 nits of peak brightness and a 4,800mAh battery, with prices starting at Rs 1,79,999. The compact Galaxy Z Flip8, priced from Rs 1,24,999, weighs 180 grams and includes a 50MP camera alongside software features like FlipShot and Cover Screen Mirror.

Wearable Technology Expansion

The Galaxy Watch Ultra2, retailing at Rs 64,999 for the LTE edition, targets the outdoor market with specialized Trail Run tracking and diving capabilities. The more accessible Galaxy Watch9 begins at Rs 37,999 for the 40 mm Bluetooth model. Both wearable series utilize updated Qualcomm Snapdragon Elite processors and offer enhanced display brightness compared to previous generations.

Key Facts

  • The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra features a new 50MP ultrawide camera to complement its 200MP primary sensor.
  • Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip8 is available in 256GB and 512GB storage options, both featuring 12GB of RAM.
  • Launch incentives include multi-buy discounts reaching Rs 9,500 for the Watch Ultra2 and Rs 6,500 for the Watch9.
  • The Galaxy Z Fold8 is marketed as a lighter alternative to the Ultra, prioritizing a 'creaseless' viewing experience.

Why It Matters

As the premium smartphone market becomes increasingly crowded with entries from Google, OPPO, and Vivo, Samsung is leveraging hardware refinement to maintain its dominant position. The introduction of the Ultra tier into the Fold family represents a strategic move to capture the highest end of the luxury mobile segment while addressing long-standing consumer requests for thinner profiles and reduced display creases.

Source: 91Mobiles

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