Known formally as the ULT Tower Max, ULT Tower 7 and ULT Tower 5, the new upgright standing party speakers are designed for music lovers who want to feel every beat and combine deeper bass, higher sound pressure and deep party features to create an unforgettable experience.

First up is the ULT Tower Max which features three woofers – one in the rear and two front-facing – and delivers up to 2150 watts of output via its high-powered amplifier. There’s also four tweeters, mid-range speakers and rear woofer that all work together to deliver rich, room-filling sound with deep bass.

The ULT Tower 7, which slots in the middle, delivers powerful bass and sound pressure, with up to 420 watts of output, an IPX4 rating and up to 30 hours battery life.

Both the ULT Tower Max and ULT Tower 7 feature 360-degree Party Sound, which allows for projecting powerful audio all around the space so everyone can enjoy clear vocals and powerful bass from virtually any position around the speakers. Meanwhile there’s new, redesigned carry handles with a more comfortable grip and upgraded wheels with wider treads.

Meanwhile, the ULT Tower 5 delivers bass and sound pressure from a compact design, with up to 300 watts of output, new lighting modes and up to 20 hours of battery life.

At the heart of the new lineup is Sony’s new circular woofer design for the ULT Power Sound series lineup. The woofer works alongside the large cabinet volume and ULT Duct to, according to Sony, help each speaker reproduce deeper, more powerful bass.

Sony is yet to confirm pricing, but all three models; The ULT Tower Max, ULT Tower 7 and ULT Tower 5 will be available in South Africa from October 2026.

The Galaxy S26 FE launches on Friday, 11 September 2026 for R15 499 (128GB) and R17 999 (256GB).

In terms of style, the device borrows the same aesthetics from the standard Galaxy S26 with rounded edges and a triple camera setup at the rear and comes in a rage of colours; Blueberry, Graphite and Pistachio.

At a glance, and to get the technics out of the way, the Galaxy S26 FE is powered by the Exynos 2500 processor with Android 17 and One UI. It features a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X 120Hz and 1,900 nits display.

For content creation and memories that are sure to last there’s a 50MP Wide, 12MP Ultra-Wide, 8MP Telephoto (3x optical zoom) and 12MP Front camera setup. The battery capacity is rated at 4,900mAh with support for 45W wired and 15W wireless charging.

FAQ:

Q: What processor does the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE use?

A: Exynos 2500 (3nm)

Q: What is the battery life and charging speed of the Galaxy S26 FE?

A: The 4,900mAh battery provides 45W fast charging, allowing up to 65% charge in around 30 minutes. 

Q: Does the Galaxy S26 FE support wireless charging?

A: Yes. It has 15W Fast Wireless Charging – Limited to Samsung or other brand smartphones with Qi wireless charging.

Q: What Galaxy AI features are included in the Galaxy S26 FE?

A: The Galaxy S26 FE is powered by the latest One UI 9, bringing a range of intuitive, context-aware Galaxy AI features including Now Brief, Now Nudge, Circle to Search with Google and Gemini Live.

Q: When does the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE go on sale?

A: 11 September 2026

Q: How much does the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE cost in South Africa?

A: R15 499 (128GB) and R17 999 (256GB)

To get a better understanding of what these new devices mean for local consumers, we spoke directly with Zahir Cajee, Lead for Product and Commercials at Samsung South Africa. Watch the full interview video below for an in depth look at the strategy, technology, and local rollout plans. See the full interview below.

What is Samsung’s Strategy for the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Z Fold8 Ultra?

Samsung has split its book style foldable lineup into two separate models to cater to different user needs.

The standard Galaxy Z Fold8 features a wider 4:3 main display aspect ratio designed for reading and content consumption. It offers a more natural, tablet like feel in the hand without the narrow cover screen seen on older models.

The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is aimed at power users who want maximum performance. It features a larger 8.0 inch inner screen, a titanium frame, and a 200MP camera system identical to Samsung’s ultra flagship range.

How Does Agentic AI Work on the New Galaxy Devices?

Agentic AI on One UI goes beyond standard text generation or basic voice commands. It is built to perform multi step tasks across apps automatically.

When a user receives a text message with a proposed meeting date, time, and venue, the on screen assistant recognizes the details and suggests a scheduling prompt. Tapping the prompt opens the calendar side by side in split view and populates the details without forcing the user to switch back and forth between applications.

Will Samsung’s AI Features Work with Local South African Apps?

Global platforms like Uber and Expedia integrate directly with Samsung’s AI automation engine. Local service integrations are currently in progress.

Samsung South Africa is actively working to connect on device AI capabilities with local delivery, retail, and ride hailing platforms such as Checkers Sixty60, Woolies Dash, and local Uber services. The goal is to allow users to complete full tasks, such as ordering groceries or scheduling a ride, through direct AI prompts.

How Much Do the Galaxy Z Fold8, Z Flip8 and Z Fold8 Ultra Cost in South Africa?

Local pricing for the new range reflects its premium positioning, with options available through cash purchases and network contracts.

• Galaxy Fold8 Ultra 1TB – R60,999
• Galaxy Fold8 Ultra 512TB – R50,999
• Galaxy Fold8 512GB – R45,999
• Galaxy Fold8 256GB – R40,999
• Galaxy Flip8 256GB – R26,999

Pre orders include additional value bundles, such as an R1,500 accessory voucher, a six month trial of Google AI Pro, Samsung Care+ screen protection, and 24/7 emergency support via SOS Plus.

The partnership will support co-designed learning programmes, postgraduate research and industry mentorship with the aim to build a sustainable pipeline of AI talent equipped to develop practical solutions for business and society.

The partnership brings industry, academia and cloud technology together to give students practical exposure to real-world AI challenges, which reflects Vodacom’s commitment to building a future-ready AI talent ecosystem.

This is was view of Shameel Joosub, Vodacom Group Chief Executive Officer, at the launch event.

“We are creating a direct pathway from university research to industry impact, where students work on real AI use cases and emerge ready to practise. It is about developing the next generation of AI professionals who can drive our business forward and help shape Africa’s digital future,” he said.

The Univerisity of Johannesburg’s Master’s students within the Centre for Applied Data Science are working on Vodacom-aligned research into autonomous AI systems that can help detect, analyse and respond to cyber threats across telecommunications networks.

Meanwhile Amazon Web Services plays a core role in enabling the collaboration by providing students and researchers with access to world-class cloud, data, and AI technologies such as Amazon Bedrock, Amazon Quick and Amazon Kiro.

Further research is exploring blockchain-based approaches to strengthen digital identity management and help prevent identity theft. According to Vodacom, these focus areas reflect the partnership’s ambition to tackle practical digital challenges while developing scarce AI skills.

At a recent exclusive Unpacked July 2026 briefing, Samsung South Africa unveiled its next-generation foldable ecosystem: the Galaxy Z Flip8, the Galaxy Z Fold8, and the debut Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, accompanied by the Galaxy Watch9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2.

To unpack the hardware innovations, pricing strategy, and the role of agentic AI in Mzansi, we sat down with Zahir Cajee, Lead for Product and Commercial at Samsung South Africa.

1. Galaxy Z Fold8 & Z Fold8 Ultra: Redefining Big-Screen Productivity

Samsung’s strategy for its book-style foldables introduces two distinct form factors designed around different user behaviors.

Comparison: Galaxy Z Fold8 vs. Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra

Key Engineering & Display Advances

• Content-Native Display Ratio: The Z Fold8 features a 4:3 inner aspect ratio (7.6 inches) paired with a 10:16 cover screen. This setup minimizes letterboxing for e-readers, video streams, and split-screen documents.
• FlexTitanium Protection: Both foldables integrate a high-strength titanium alloy film directly underneath the OLED panel, backed by a structural titanium support plate. This layer reinforces structural integrity and mitigates crease visibility over hundreds of thousands of fold cycles.
• ProVisual Engine & 8K Editing: The Z Fold8 Ultra leverages an upgraded NPU and Samsung’s ProVisual Engine. This pipeline supports enhanced nightography video and provides the processing overhead to record and edit 8K videos directly on the 8-inch canvas.

“The Fold8 Ultra is built for power users who want the top-tier 200MP camera system, a titanium frame, and zero specs sacrificed. Meanwhile, the standard Fold8 captures a new audience who found previous fold designs too narrow and want a portable, Kindle-like reading and browsing experience.”

— Zahir Cajee, Lead for Product & Commercial, Samsung SA

2. Galaxy Z Flip8: Pocketability Meets Pro Photography

Designed for creators and lifestyle users who prioritise compact portability, the Galaxy Z Flip8 delivers significant structural and thermal enhancements while remaining the entry point to the foldable lineup.

• Dimensions & Weight: Measures 6.1 mm thin when unfolded and weighs 180 grams—making it 13.1% thinner and nearly 4% lighter than its predecessor.
• Displays: Features a 6.9-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED inner panel (120Hz, 2,600 nits peak brightness) and a 4.1-inch Super AMOLED Flex Window cover screen wrapped in Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
• Dual 50MP Cameras: Equipped with dual 50MP sensors (wide and ultra-wide) supporting Dual Recording to capture front and rear video feeds simultaneously.
• Battery & Fast Charging: Houses a 4,800 mAh battery supporting up to 26 hours of video playback, 45W wired charging (0 to 63% in 30 minutes), and 10W wireless charging.
• South Africa Pricing: Starts at R26,999 for the 256GB model.

3. Beyond Simple Prompts: Agentic AI in Action

With One UI, Samsung introduces on-screen agentic task automation, extending across more than 40 system and third-party applications. Unlike basic text-generating AI, agentic AI actively interprets context and performs multi-step actions across apps without forcing you to switch screens.

Real-World Workflow: Multi-Step Automation via “Now Nudge”

Imagine a colleague sends you a chat message saying: “Can we meet this Thursday at 08:00 AM at the Sandton Convention Centre?”

Here is how the Galaxy Z Fold8 automates this workflow:

1. Context Detection: On-device AI recognizes the date, time, and location mentioned in the incoming text message.
2. Now Nudge Trigger: A subtle visual prompt appears on screen asking if you want to create a calendar entry.
3. Split-Screen Execution: Tapping the nudge opens your Calendar side-by-side with your chat app using the Fold’s split view.
4. Automated Entry: Event details are populated automatically into your schedule—allowing you to confirm and save without leaving the conversation.

How To Automate Travel and Booking Workflows

1. Spot Content: While browsing social media or web pages (e.g., viewing a reel of a travel destination), trigger the on-screen AI assistant.
2. Contextual Action: The system identifies destination details and offers direct booking prompts via integrated partner services.
3. Automated Transaction: Specify parameters (e.g., “Book for four adults in September”), and the agent handles flight queries, shuttle arrangements, and itinerary creation within a single interface.

Local Ecosystem Integration in South Africa

While global platforms like Expedia and Uber integrate directly with the agentic engine, Samsung South Africa is actively working to bring local service providers into the fold.

“The AI capability is ready, but full agentic execution depends on local integration. We are actively working toward connecting on-device AI with local delivery, retail, and ride-hailing services like Checkers Sixty60, Woolies Dash, and Uber SA so users can complete end-to-end tasks like restocking a fridge or ordering a ride, straight from an AI prompt.”

— Zahir Cajee

4. Galaxy Watch9 & Watch Ultra 2: Next-Gen Wearables

Alongside the smartphone lineup, Samsung unveiled two updated smartwatches running on the Snapdragon Wear Elite processor and focused on holistic wellness metrics.

5. Local Availability, Pre-Orders, and Value Offers

Color Palette Options

• Universal Colors: Cream, Graphite
• Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra: Violet Shadow
• Galaxy Z Fold8: Lavender, Pistachio
• Galaxy Z Flip8: Pink, Mint

Exclusive Pre-Order Packages in South Africa

For South African consumers purchasing at launch, Samsung has bundled several promotional offers:

• R1,500 Accessory Voucher: Redoable in-store or online for protective cases, chargers, or official accessories.
• Google AI Pro Trial: 6 months of complimentary access to Google’s premium AI tier (valued at R2,500).
• Samsung Care+ Coverage: Options including screen repair and battery replacement coverage.
• SOS Plus Integration: 24/7 medical and emergency response support included with flagship purchases.

The lineup also includes Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, which brings Galaxy’s renowned Ultra standard to foldables with maximum productivity and content creation in a larger workspace.

Galaxy Z Flip8 — the sleekest one yet — was built for expression and quick interaction on the go. 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.

Galaxy AI has been optimised for each of these form factors. Across the lineup, every insight feels more actionable and every action feels more connected. Multitasking is easier on the larger screens of Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, while Galaxy Z Flip8’s AI-native FlexWindow keeps relevant information and shortcuts within reach. And with partner artificial intelligence (AI) experiences such as Gemini Intelligence , Galaxy gives users even more ways to get things done in fewer steps — with transparency, privacy and user control built in.

“As AI becomes more agentic, mobile devices will become the most personal entry point to experiences that understand and adapt to each user,” said TM Roh, Chief Executive Officer, President and Head of the Device eXperience (DX) Division at Samsung Electronics. “By setting a new standard for foldables, we are once again advancing the premium mobile experience and opening the next era of intelligence to more people.”

The All-New Galaxy Z Fold8: A New Galaxy Fold Experience for Everyday Immersion

Galaxy Z Fold8 is reimagined for users who want a foldable that feels natural in the moments when curiosity turns into deeper discovery. Galaxy Z Fold8 introduces a form factor designed to move easily from quick interactions on the cover screen to deeper viewing, reading and gaming on the main display. With intuitive display ratios and long-lasting performance, Galaxy Z Fold8 makes it easier to get the most out of the content, stories and ideas that matter.

Built for Discovery

Galaxy Z Fold8’s display ratios are designed around the way people naturally consume content throughout the day. By adapting the screen to the content, Galaxy Z Fold8 creates a more immersive experience whether users are browsing, watching, reading or gaming. At just 201 g, Galaxy Fold8 is Samsung’s lightest Galaxy Z Fold yet. Despite its lightweight design, it combines the Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy with a larger 4,800mAh battery , delivering smooth, responsive performance and lasting power so users can stay immersed longer.

• When folded, the 10:16 cover screen5 feels familiar and comfortable for the short moments people return to most often, such as messaging, social updates, browsing and short-form video.
• When unfolded, the 4:3 main display creates a larger canvas that helps users lose themselves in games and films.
• When rotated, the same display ratio becomes naturally suited to reading, giving users a more comfortable way to settle into articles, e-books and long-form content without carrying another device.
• Together, these display ratios are designed around the way people naturally consume content, helping Galaxy Z Fold8 feel more immersive whether users are quickly checking in or settling in for longer sessions.

A Display Engineered from the Inside Out

Across the new Galaxy Z series, Samsung’s display engineering expertise serves as the foundation for a more refined foldable experience, supporting slimmer designs, greater durability and more seamless viewing.

• Samsung’s new Flex Titanium technology introduces a titanium-based display structure designed to help make foldables thinner while maintaining durability. Combining a titanium-alloy film with an enhanced titanium plate, Flex Titanium helps strengthen display support, absorb pressure and impact, and reduce crease visibility over time. This structure also refines the way the device opens, balancing hinge mechanics, display tension and magnetic force to make unfolding feel smoother, lighter and more natural.
• With up to 3,000 nits of brightness, Vision Booster and a low-reflection display finish, the main screen stays vivid and easy to see even in outdoor settings.

A Clear and Versatile Camera Experience

Galaxy Z Fold8 is designed to help users capture and share the moments that catch their attention. Whether it’s a sweeping landscape, a group shot or a spontaneous moment on the move, Galaxy Z Fold8 makes everyday photography and video feel easier to capture, edit and share.

• Dual 50 MP cameras deliver consistent high-resolution detail across wide and ultra-wide perspectives, helping preserve image quality across different scenes and shooting conditions.
• Dual Recording lets users capture both sides of the moment while previewing themselves through the cover screen, making reactions and shared experiences easier to frame.
• My FanCam automatically tracks a selected subject and reframes footage into a preferred aspect ratio, turning dynamic scenes into social-ready videos with less manual editing.

Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra: The Ultra Foldable Built for Maximum Productivity

Ultra represents Galaxy’s highest standard for performance, capability and innovation. With Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, that standard meets Samsung’s most advanced foldable design. Its expansive 8-inch main display opens up a productive workspace for multitasking, while its advanced camera system and long-lasting battery help users create throughout the day. All of this comes in Galaxy’s slimmest Z Fold design yet — measuring just 4.1 mm when unfolded and weighs 215 g,1 it pushes the standard for productivity on the go.

Professional-Grade Creativity with an Ultra-Level Camera System

Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is built to give creators more freedom from capture to edit, with an Ultra-level camera system and creative tools that make high-quality content easier to produce from one device.

• The 200 MP main camera system captures rich, detailed photos with greater clarity, and is now enhanced with High Dynamic Range (HDR) capability in 200 MP mode for more true-to-life images7.
• A new 50 MP ultra-wide camera brings greater detail and clarity to wider scenes and macro shots, giving users more flexibility when capturing landscapes, interiors, group shots and close-up details
• Improved Nightography7 helps photos and videos look brighter and clearer in low light, so users can capture standout moments even in challenging lighting conditions.
• For advanced creators, 8K video recording through the new APV codec gives users greater flexibility and quality for editing and production workflows, while Cine LUT adds cinematic colour and tone control directly from a mobile device.

Power, Battery and Cooling Built for All-Day Productivity

Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is engineered to stay fast, responsive and reliable through the most demanding workloads, from heavier multitasking and content creation to AI-powered workflows.

• With Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy3 at its core, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra delivers the performance users need to switch between apps, work across a larger screen and keep demanding tasks moving smoothly.
• A larger 5,000 mAh battery helps users stay productive for longer, supporting a full day of work, creation and entertainment in a slimmer foldable design.
• Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra introduces a new dual-path charging architecture with 45 W fast charging, helping distribute power more efficiently across the battery system for faster, more stable and reliable charging throughout the day.
• Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra uses an expanded graphite cooling structure engineered for improved thermal conductivity, helping dissipate heat more effectively and keep the device responsive during demanding tasks .

Galaxy Z Flip8: Samsung’s Sleekest, Most Expressive AI-Native Flip Experience

Galaxy Z Flip8 is built for users who want their phone to feel as dynamic as they are. Designed around quick interactions, personal expression and AI-native experiences, Galaxy Z Flip8 brings the power of Galaxy AI closer to everyday moments through a reimagined FlexWindow and uniquely flexible Flip form factor. Weighing just 180 g1 and with a thickness of only 6.1 mm, Samsung’s slimmest and lightest Flip brings information, actions and creativity closer to everyday moments.

A Smarter, More Intuitive FlexWindow Experience

Galaxy Z Flip8 reimagines the FlexWindow as an AI-native everyday interface, bringing information, actions and assistance closer to the moments when users need them most.

• The new FlexWindow brings apps, insights and actions directly to the cover screen, helping users access information, AI-powered features and connected tasks in fewer steps.
• Now Brief on FlexWindow home brings timely insights and next steps, helping users move from glanceable information to action at the right moment.
• Galaxy Z Flip8 also makes automation through Gemini Intelligence easier to access from the FlexWindow,10 allowing users to complete connected actions through side-key activation or natural voice requests.

FlexCam Unlocks a More Expressive Flip Selfie Experience

Galaxy Z Flip8 enhances Samsung’s signature Flip camera experience, turning everyday moments into more expressive content through flexible shooting angles, real-time previews and Flip-only creative experiences. From hands-free shooting and real-time preview to cover-screen selfie videos and Flip-only mirror selfies, Galaxy Z Flip8 helps users create, check and share polished moments without setting up extra equipment.

• A 50 MP camera with ProVisual Engine delivers Galaxy Z Flip’s most advanced selfie experience, helping users capture detailed portraits and everyday shots with natural skin tones, dynamic bokeh effects and standout detail.
• Flex Mode makes hands-free shooting easy from a wide range of angles, while Camcorder Grip with Zoom Rocker provides a more comfortable, stable hold when capturing dynamic shots on the move.
• Super Steady — now with a Horizontal Lock option — helps keep footage smooth and consistently framed, whether filming action-filled moments or on-the-go selfie videos.
• FlipShot lets users personalise the FlexWindow and capture more expressive mirror selfies, while Mirror view gives users a realistic mirror-like view for quick look checks before taking a photo or heading out .

A New Class of Agentic Experiences Optimised for Foldables

As the most personal device people carry, the phone has become the primary entry point where AI meets users — and the new Galaxy Z series sets the tone for the next generation of Samsung’s mobile AI experiences. Galaxy AI now works across more apps and services, with experiences optimised for foldable form factors. By understanding what matters to each user and helping turn insights into action, Galaxy AI becomes more personal, proactive and useful throughout the day.

• Now Brief helps users stay informed with personalised insights tailored to their routines, interests and daily needs through expanded scenarios, customisable briefing cards and personalised recommendations. It now also surfaces security and privacy insights, helping users stay on top of potential risks and protective actions.
• Now Nudge helps turn insights into action. When plans begin to take shape in a conversation, AI can surface relevant next steps such as checking a schedule, finding a place or saving a location. On foldables, users can continue the conversation side by side on larger displays.
• Gemini Intelligence helps users move from request to result with fewer steps. Users can simply describe what they need or even add screen or image context. App automation can now work across 40+ supported apps and services, with capabilities ranging from looking up tickets to finding a nearby restaurant and making a reservation. With Gemini Notebook, users can bring together notes, images, recordings, files and documents in one persistent workspace to collect, organise and develop their ideas. Drag-and-drop support in Split view makes the workflow even more intuitive, allowing users to easily add multiple files and images and turn their content into audio overviews, infographics, reports, meeting recaps, visual summaries, documents and more.
• AI experiences become more connected and contextual when the new Galaxy Z series is connected with Galaxy Watch Ultra2, Galaxy Watch9 series and even upcoming Intelligent Eyewear. From wellness insights to daily routines and connected actions, Galaxy AI helps users move more seamlessly between devices with timely personalised support throughout the day.

Together, these experiences show how Galaxy AI is becoming a more capable and proactive companion, helping users accomplish more with less effort. Across the lineup, foldable form factors make these experiences easier to access throughout the day.

Security and Privacy Built Into the Experience

As AI becomes more personal and agentic, trust continues to be a critical foundation of the experience. Users need to know how their data is used, understand what AI is doing on their behalf and stay in control of the choices that shape their experience. With the new Galaxy Z series, Samsung builds that trust into the device from the start, helping users keep personal data secure while giving them transparency, choice and control over how their information is used.

Samsung Knox protects every Galaxy device from the chip up, with a multi-layered approach that includes on-device personalisation and user-controlled cloud processing, as well as future-ready protections such as ecosystem-wide protection through Samsung Knox Matrix. For on-device AI, Personal Data Engine (PDE) enables context-aware, personalised AI experiences. To protect PDE, Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP) creates encrypted, app-specific storage environments, while Knox Vault adds a tamper-resistant physical layer for sensitive information . These system-level protections work together with Advanced Intelligence settings and Personal Data Intelligence to help users control how AI features manage and use personal data.

One UI 9.0 also introduces a new AI Assistant Activity dashboard, giving users a centralised view of AI automations running on their behalf. Instead of moving across multiple apps and services to understand what happened, users can review AI actions in one place and navigate directly to the relevant agent for additional context and settings. The Z8 series also brings enhanced Privacy Alerts that proactively notify users about potential privacy risks, including unnecessary attempts to access background permissions, helping them respond before those risks become invisible.

These updates build on Galaxy’s existing security and privacy portfolio which includes Auto Blocker, Theft Protection, Private Sharing, Secure Wi-Fi and more. Together, these advancements help users take a more active role in managing personal data and AI activities, with transparency, clearer choices and stronger protections at the core of their experience — helping ensure that more personal AI experiences remain grounded in trust.

Getting Started with the New Galaxy Z Series

Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Fold8 and Flip8 are available for pre-order in select markets starting today. All models are available in Graphite and Cream, with Violet Shadow exclusive to Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Lavender to Galaxy Z Fold8 and Pink to Galaxy Z Flip8. Colours available online only include Green Shadow for Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Pistachio for Galaxy Z Fold8 and Mint for Galaxy Z Flip8.

The new Galaxy Z series will bring the benefits of advanced AI closer to users’ daily lives by providing a 6-month free trial of Google AI Pro , including 5 TB of cloud storage — equivalent to $19.99 per month. With the expanded access to Google’s most capable AI models, users can boost their productivity and creativity on the foldable screen anytime they want.

Switching to Galaxy is now easier than ever, thanks to a more seamless migration experience across a wider range of devices . With the updated Smart Switch, iOS users can scan a QR code on their current devices and wirelessly transfer data without downloading additional apps. Smart Switch can also bring over additional types of data including password and passkeys, call history, accessibility settings, eSIM data and more, helping reduce the time needed to set up a new device. And with Quick Share’s new compatibility with AirDrop , sharing files between iOS and Galaxy devices is now seamless in both directions.

To give users peace of mind after upgrading, Samsung Care+ offers comprehensive protection with fast repairs for accidental damage, extended warranty coverage and certified expert support at home and abroad, making it easier to stay covered wherever life takes them. Customers who purchase a new Galaxy foldable on Samsung.com and enroll in a monthly Samsung Care+ plan can save up to 25% on their monthly premiums . With One UI 9, the new Warranty and care settings hub also makes it easy to enroll in, access and manage Samsung Care+, alongside warranty information, self-diagnostics, repair requests and remote support — all from one convenient place on the device.

Pricing for the New Galaxy Z8 Series

The Galaxy Z8 series is available for pre-order from 22 July to 12 August 2026, at these recommended retail prices ;

Galaxy Fold8 Ultra 1TB – R60,999
Galaxy Fold8 Ultra 512TB – R50,999
Galaxy Fold8 512GB – R45,999
Galaxy Fold8 256GB – R40,999
Galaxy Flip8 256GB – R26,999

Pre-order now and get free accessories worth up to R1,500 , free Samsung SOS+ access for 12 months , as well as six months of Google AI Pro for free (worth over R2,500)

What I’m really getting to is that the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is an unapologetic powerhouse. Let’s get into why.

Let’s start with the looks. Samsung has gone back to an aluminium body for the Galaxy S26 range. It may read like a step backward on paper, but once you hold it in your hands, only then will you realise that it isn’t. There are benefits for the tech too. Firstly, aluminium dissipates heat a lot quicker than titanium and, when paired with the vapor chamber, prevents the device from getting heated under stress. Secondly, it handles anodization better compared to the PVD coating titanium needs. And it shows in the way its colours pop.

Speaking of colours, you get a range of them too. There’s Cobalt Violet (the one I tested), Sky Blue, White, Black and two other Samsung online exclusive tones; Pink Gold and Silve Shadow.

Earlier I mentioned the feel of the device in your hands. Here, Samsung has finally fixed those sharp, palm-digging corners I used to hate. The rounded edges are a subtle change, but they change how the phone feels entirely. The hand feel is much thinner and easier to manage in one hand. It feels nice and confident and after just one week of using the device (without a cover, I might add), it feels so natural.

The camera array around the back still sticks out and causes the phone to rock a bit when lying flat on a table or any surface. It’s worth a mention, but that’s one ergonomic compromise that’s been around for years, even with other branded devices.

The screen up front gets a Corning Gorilla Armor 2 layer mixed with ceramic for better protection and glare reduction. The rear also gets Gorilla Glass Victus 2.  As drop tests usually go, I fortunately didn’t have the stomach to deliberately drop the phone, but it picked up exactly zero micro-scratches over the two months of accompanying me on a rugged off-road adventure from Johannesburg to Durban, the Midlands, Sani Pass, Lesotho, Barckley East, Graaff Reinet and Gqeberha. My backpack had everything in it. And I mean everything from keys, charging cables, snacks, a charging brick, cameras and tripods.

In Lesotho we were lucky enough to come across snow. The Galaxy S26 Ultra holds its IP68 rating, which greenlights it for accidental dops in 1.5m of water for 30 minutes. The reassurance came in handy in these conditions.

Then there’s the S Pen which lives in the bottom left corner inside of the device. It feels much thinner and more comfortable with a curved end that sits flush against the new body. Functionality on the pen hasn’t changed much but it’s still the best stylus on any phone by far. You can use it to scribble, draw, edit pictures and make notes on the fly.

The screen itself is a gorgeous 6.9-inch flat Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2x panel with QHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. Even when I spent my days outside, the Peak HDR brightness bumped up to 2500 nits and I never had to squint when sun was too bright.

The one standout feature is the Privacy Display built straight into the hardware rather than the aftermarket films you’d find elsewhere. It allowed me to hide the screen from whoever was sitting right next to me. I’ve used it countless times when I’m on a flight and even at events when I really need to do something urgent and sensitive. Sometimes when I had to open my X app because you never know what the timeline will surprise you with.

Samsung built the Privacy Display at the sub-pixel level by combining wide-view OLED pixels with narrow-beam pixel arrays. When you switch it on, the wide-view pixels turn off. Anyone looking at the screen from an angle of more than 45 degrees sees a dim, near-black display, while the person viewing it head-on can still see everything clearly. But Samsung didn’t stop there. Privacy Display has a bunch of granular controls too that allow you to either leave it on at all time or set it to specific apps or notifications.

When I first heard of the feature at launch, I was very sceptical. That’s until I got to use it and got surprised looks from the people around me.

Let’s talk about that camera array. Here you get a quad-camera layout that looks heavily familiar. I spent most of my time testing it our properly during our cross-province trek where the aperture and processing changes add up to the real gains. The main 200-megapixel main sensor does the heavy work. It features a new f/1.4 aperture, up from f/1.7 seen on last year’s Galaxy S device. The wider aperture pulls in more light which comes in handy when capturing content at night or in any low-light environment like a restaurant, really.

Samsung has gotten me used to saying the word Nightography more than I should have. It sticks, to be honest. Not just in the saying, but because that f/1.4 main lens produces impressive results in terms of colour realism and surface details.  I used it quite extensively at night during the trip, and before that I’d use it at the balcony at work when I’m working late nights. What I see from up here is the beautiful Sandton skyline with Hotel Sky and The Leonardo taking centre stage. The image comes out cleaner with the bright points of distant neon lights and windows staying crisp.

That doesn’t mean it doesn’t perform during daylight. The very same 200-megapixel sensor defaults to a 12-megapixel shot that’s incredibly clean, crisp and detailed. You can still switch over to the 200-megapixel setup though, which gives off even more detailed results that you can crop into with ease. What I did notice though is that the 200-megapixel results carry a little bit of noise.

If you want to take things further, the two telephoto lenses are where the fun is at. Here you get the 3x lens which works wonders in portraits and quick shots for social media use. The 5x telephoto lens is the masterpiece as it pushes its aperture wider. Elsewhere there’s 100x Space Zoom and it’s the part trick that really gets things going. It works fine for reading far-off signage and bringing objects closer that the naked eye wouldn’t normally see. In front the camera gets a wider frame which makes it easy to squeeze in three friends into a frame. Or in my case, a vehicle in my background. The details are good and the skin tones are handled with immense clarity too.

Then there’s the Horizon Lock video mode which genuinely impresses. At one press of a button, your video picture and subject matter remains in focus regardless of whatever sudden movements or shakes your hands make.

Underneath all that glass and aluminium you’ll find the highly customized Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5  for Galaxy silicon which handles everything you throw at it whether its AI through Gemini, capturing 8K content on the go, with buttery smooth agility without a stutter. For those into specifics, you get fast UFS 4.0 storage and either 12 GB or 16 GB of RAM to go with it. All of that allows apps to snap open at the tap and the camera to open up instantly ready to capture in 8K.  

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra ships running Android 16 with One UI 8.5 baked on top. With it comes Google’s seven years of major OS and security updates, which means your phone is covered for the long haul. The UI itself genuinely isn’t bad. It’s most probably one of the only Android UI’s that I really like. I do hope Samsung updates this over time.

The battery remains the trusted 5000 mAh, the same capacity as previous Ultra models. On paper, that may seem modest, but in everyday use it delivers solid performance. On a heavy day of countless emails, document editing, picture and video editing, 5G use and maps, I averaged between 6 and 7 hours of screen-on time and I’d only charge it at night.  The welcome addition of 60W wired charging also reduces the wait when you need to top it up before heading out. To put it into perspective, it would take me about 50 minutes to charge the device from near dead to full. Meanwhile, wireless charging has been bumped up to 25W on the Qi 2.2 standard. Magsafe doesn’t come standard here and you’d have to buy a specific magnet-equipped case which is a bit a let-down.

The big question remains, should you buy yourself the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?  In the grand scheme of things, Samsung has establish the Ultra formula and given us a device that’s been improved year-on-year without fail. You get an improved aluminium frame, a faster chipset and clever baked-in tech like that Privacy Display and AI features that push the envelope even further. And after spending months with the phone, I can confidently say if you want a device that does everything, this is definitely the one to get.

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is priced from R30 999.

Now entering its eighth edition in South Africa, the Summit will once again be presented in collaboration with headline sponsor Old Mutual, alongside metaverse partner UBU. Following the success of the 2025 Summit, which attracted more than 2 000 attendees, from over 600 of local and global leading companies, and widespread acclaim from delegates, the 2026 Summit aims to push the conversation even further, exploring how rapidly advancing technologies are reshaping industries, societies and human potential itself.

With two immersive stages, an interactive expo, workshops and networking experiences, the Summit will once again create a space where business leaders, entrepreneurs, investors and innovators can engage with the ideas shaping the future.

The 2026 programme will unpack the accelerating impact of artificial intelligence, 3D printing, digital identity, quantum computing, crypto economies, human optimisation and Africa’s evolving technology infrastructure. From the rise of AI factories and agentic AI to the future of emotional intelligence in machines, this year’s line-up reflects the breadth of disruption already transforming the world around us.

Celiwe Ross of Old Mutual says this Summit allows for the advocacy of human-centred AI adoption, where technology enhances rather than replaces human capability.“Innovation is often spoken about in terms of technology, but its real impact is felt through people. The question for business is not only what new tools we adopt, but how we equip people to grow, respond, and lead in an environment that is constantly changing. For Old Mutual, future readiness is about building the confidence, capability, and culture needed to move forward responsibly,” Ross said.

The Summit’s metaverse experience will also return in partnership with UBU, offering attendees across the continent access to immersive digital experiences, interactive sessions, workshops and networking opportunities within Africa’s growing virtual ecosystem.

“Every year, the pace of technological change becomes harder to ignore,” said Shayne Mann, co-CEO of Singularity South Africa. “What makes this Summit exciting is not only the calibre of the conversations, but the people in the room. It is where Africa’s business, technology and creative leaders come together to engage with what is coming next and, more importantly, what role the continent can play in shaping it.”

“The conversations around AI, digital infrastructure and exponential technologies have shifted dramatically over the past year,” added Mic Mann, co-CEO of Singularity South Africa. “There is now far greater urgency around how these technologies are implemented, governed and scaled responsibly. This Summit is designed to give delegates direct access to the people building the future, while creating meaningful discussions around prosperity, opportunity and innovation in an African context.”

The industry is moving toward autonomous AI agents capable of independent decision-making, planning, and execution. For Africa, a continent characterised by a young demographic and a history of bypassing legacy technologies, this transition presents a distinct opportunity to leapfrog traditional economic structures once again.

To understand the implications for African businesses and consumers, it is necessary to contrast the current state of AI with what is currently being engineered in global tech hubs:

Generative AI (The Prompt Era) operates on a linear input-output model. A human user provides a specific prompt (e.g., “Write an email” or “Analyze this spreadsheet”), and the AI generates a static response based on its training data. The system remains passive until the next instruction.

Meanwhile, the Agentic AI (The Objective Era) operates on goal-oriented autonomy. Instead of executing isolated tasks, a user assigns a broad objective—such as optimising customer onboarding, resolving complex regulatory compliance bottlenecks, or detecting sophisticated fraud patterns. The AI agent then independently determines the necessary steps, accesses required software tools, prioritises sub-tasks, and self-corrects if its initial approach encounters an error, all with minimal human intervention.

Historically, major technological transitions have widened the divide between the Global North and South. The nations and conglomerates that build foundational infrastructure – such as massive data centres, specialised silicon chips, and large language models – accumulate disproportionate economic power.

Late adopters often default to being downstream consumers of technologies designed with Western or Asian contexts in mind.

Idesoh notes there is a distinct risk that AI could mimic this extractive pattern if African institutions remain passive. However, Africa’s digital history suggests the continent rarely follows a linear development path.

Africa’s modern technology ecosystem was forged by turning institutional gaps into structural advantages. The rapid expansion of mobile money and fintech over the past decade occurred precisely because large segments of the population were excluded from traditional brick-and-mortar banking. Because the legacy infrastructure did not exist, there was no resistance to adopting completely new, mobile-first financial habits.

This same environment, combined with accelerating smartphone penetration and the world’s youngest population, positions Africa uniquely for Agentic AI. Because many administrative, financial, and logistical systems across the continent are still being built or digitised, autonomous AI agents can be integrated directly into the foundational layer of these new systems, rather than trying to retroactively fit them into centuries-old legacy software architectures.

For Agentic AI to become a driver of domestic growth rather than an economic drain, the focus must shift toward solving localised, practical challenges. Idesoh highlights several critical areas where autonomous agents can be deployed immediately to deliver measurable value:

1. Financial Inclusion: Developing autonomous credit-scoring agents that look beyond traditional bank statements to assess informal economic activity, enabling small businesses to access capital.
2. Fraud Prevention: Deploying real-time agents that adapt dynamically to evolving localized cyber threats and mobile money scams, protecting vulnerable consumers.
3. Cross-Sector Coordination: Building secure, trusted frameworks where banks, telecommunications operators, and regulators use interconnected AI agents to streamline identity verification and cross-border trade.

Ultimately, the success of the agentic era in Africa will depend on digital sovereignty. The continent must transition from being a consumer of global software to a developer of local applications. By investing early in localised data sets, practical governance frameworks, and technical education, African enterprises can ensure that autonomous systems are engineered to expand human and economic possibility across the continent.

This move comes at a critical time for the South African logistics sector, where fuel prices have seen extreme surges – increasing by approximately 68% in just over a month following the record hikes in April and May 2026. By fixing the rate, Fastway aims to eliminate the “monthly surprise” on invoices, allowing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to forecast their delivery costs with total certainty.

Usually, in the South African courier market, it is standard practice to apply a variable fuel surcharge that fluctuates based on the monthly petrol price. These surcharges currently range from roughly 18% to as high as 52.68% at some major providers.

The logistics provider’s strategy is specifically tailored to home-based businesses and e-commerce retailers who may not have the financial infrastructure to manage complex, shifting surcharge tables.

According to Fastway’s Financial Director, Damian Velayadum, fuel accounts for between 20% and 40% of total operating costs. He notes that for a small business, the unpredictability of a fluctuating surcharge is often more damaging than the increase itself. The fixed 5% rate allows these businesses to set their own product pricing and shipping fees with the confidence that their margins won’t be eroded by a sudden mid-month fuel price spike.

To ensure the model remains transparent, the company has confirmed that if fuel prices return to pre-April levels, the rates will be adjusted downwards accordingly.

This pricing strategy is now active across Fastway’s national network.

By pairing an approximately 66.8-megapixel fully-stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor with a new BIONZ XR2 processing engine, Sony has effectively transformed its studio and landscape specialist into a high-speed action machine capable of blackout-free continuous shooting at up to 30 frames per second.

The core advancement of the Alpha 7R VI is its sensor readout speed, which is roughly 5.6 times faster than its predecessor. This massive increase in data throughput enables the camera to perform up to 60 autofocus and auto-exposure calculations per second. To manage this speed, the integrated AI processing unit utilises Real-time Recognition AF+ featuring skeletal-based human pose estimation. This allows the system to accurately track athletes, wildlife, and rapidly moving subjects even when they are temporarily obscured or facing away from the lens.

Handheld shooting sees a notable upgrade too with a revised 5-axis optical image stabilisation system that delivers up to 8.5 stops of correction at the centre and 7.0 stops at the periphery. For composition, the camera features a 9.44-million-dot OLED viewfinder that matches the DCI-P3 colour gamut and supports 10-bit HDR, offering three times the maximum brightness of conventional models for easier operation in direct sunlight.

Physical usability has also been updated with a newly designed, deeper handgrip and illuminated rear buttons to aid low-light and astrophotography workflows. Additionally, the camera body includes dual USB Type-C ports to allow simultaneous data transfer and power delivery, alongside integrated support for Sony’s Camera Authenticity Solution to verify metadata and combat AI-generated image falsification.

On the video front, the Alpha 7R VI records 8K video at 30p via 8.2K oversampling for up to 120 minutes without thermal shutdown. It also supports full-frame 4K recording at 60p and 120p without a sensor crop. The camera introduces a Dual Gain Shooting mode to maximize dynamic range and minimize shadow noise during high-contrast scenes.

In tandem with the camera launch, Sony introduced the XLR-A4 XLR adaptor, which mounts via the Multi Interface Shoe to enable 4-channel digital audio capture. The adaptor features dual analog-to-digital converters and supports 96kHz 32-bit float internal recording. This audio format records a wide dynamic range that prevents clipping at the input stage, eliminating the need for precise gain adjustments on location.

To power these high-bandwidth components, Sony has transitioned to a new high-capacity NP-SA100 battery (2670 mAh), which provides roughly 1.3 times the capacity of the older Z-series batteries.

This allows the camera to achieve a CIPA rating of up to 710 images when using the LCD monitor. Because of the new battery dimensions and physical alignment, the camera requires a new ecosystem of accessories, including the VG-C6 Vertical Glow Grip and the BC-SAD1 dual battery charger.

The Sony Alpha 7R VI and the XLR-A4 adaptor are scheduled to arrive in South Africa in mid-July 2026, with a recommended retail price starting at R99,999.00.

The solution effectively eliminates the need for traditional point-of-sale (POS) hardware, dongles, or separate card machines, allowing businesses to transact using technology they already own.

The service utilizes the Near Field Communication (NFC) chip within the iPhone to securely read contactless payment methods. To process a sale, a merchant simply enters the amount into the iStore Pay app and prompts the customer to tap their contactless card, iPhone, Apple Watch, or other digital wallet against the back of the merchant’s device.

This system requires an iPhone XS or later running iOS 18 or later. It accepts all contactless Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cards, along with Apple Pay and other major digital wallets. Security is built on Apple’s Secure Element technology, ensuring that card numbers and transaction data are encrypted and never stored on the device or Apple’s servers.

iStore Pay introduces a “pay-as-you-transact” model, positioning itself as a flexible alternative to traditional merchant services that often carry high monthly rentals. The transaction fees start from 2.5% per sale, and there is no hardware cost since the system utilises the user’s existing iPhone.

There are no standard monthly fees, though a R20 monthly charge applies only if turnover falls below R2,000 per month starting in August 2026. Elsewhere, payouts carry a flat fee of R2.99, although iStore is offering free daily payouts as a launch promotion until 31 July 2026.

The solution is managed through a standalone app that serves as a central hub for business operations. Beyond just accepting payments, the app allows entrepreneurs to monitor sales history and transaction records instantly through real-time tracking. It also provides tools to manage funds, allowing merchants to view pending payouts and process refunds directly from the interface.

Furthermore, the app provides business insights and data visualisations to help owners understand their sales performance and identify scaling opportunities.