- Samsung built two new flagship foldables this time around, but the Z Fold 8 Ultra doesn't live up to its name.
- Senior reviewer Sam Rutherford explained that the ideal formula would've been a similar design to the new Galaxy Z Fold 8 with the increased performance of the Ultra model.
- Rutherford's issue with the Z Fold 8 Ultra is not about the device itself but about what the phone could have been.
- Dell responded quickly when Apple debuted the MacBook Neo earlier this year, but the new XPS 13 doesn't offer enough performance in its base configuration.
- Senior reviews writer Devindra Hardawar wouldn't recommend the 8GB XPS 13 for long-term use, but suggests the 16GB model will likely serve well.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra has been criticized for not living up to its name, with Engadget's senior reviewer Sam Rutherford expressing disappointment over its unrealized potential. He noted,123
"In the end, my issue with the Z Fold 8 Ultra doesn't really have anything to do with the device itself. Instead, my gripe is what the phone could have been."
This sentiment reflects a broader concern that while Samsung has introduced two new flagship foldables, they have not significantly advanced the technology or user experience.
On the other hand, Dell's XPS 13 base model has also come under scrutiny for its performance. Following Apple's launch of the MacBook Neo, Dell's response has been lukewarm, with the base configuration lacking sufficient power.4
Devindra Hardawar, a senior reviews writer, advised against purchasing the 8GB version, stating,5
"In its current iteration, I wouldn't recommend committing yourself to years of pain with an 8GB XPS 13, but if you can shell out for the 16GB model, it'll likely serve you well."
This highlights the ongoing challenge for manufacturers to balance performance and affordability in a competitive market.
“Sam Rutherford said the ideal foldable would pair the Z Fold 8's design with the Ultra's performance, but his gripe is what the phone could have been. Devindra Hardawar advises against the 8GB XPS 13, suggesting the 16GB model will likely serve well.”
