Is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra Good for Digital Art and Creative Work?

 By Vaibhav Jain on November 07, 2026       

This post is sponsored by Samsung.

If you're looking for a tablet for digital art, drawing, editing, studying, or even replacing part of your laptop setup, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra is worth looking at. Its biggest highlight is the massive 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, which gives you plenty of room to work on detailed projects. Add the included S Pen, powerful hardware, Galaxy AI, and Samsung DeX, and you get a tablet designed for much more than watching videos or browsing the internet.

With the holiday shopping season coming up, it could also be an interesting option for anyone planning to upgrade their creative setup or looking for a premium tech gift. Here's what makes the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra worth considering.

Shop the Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra - HERE

Is the 14.6-inch display good for digital art and drawing?

The display is one of the biggest reasons to consider the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra. It features a 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with a resolution of 2960 × 1848 pixels and a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. It also supports peak brightness of up to 1,600 nits.

For digital artists and creators, having a large display makes a real difference. You get more room for your canvas, tools, layers, and editing controls without constantly switching between menus. This can be useful when working on detailed illustrations, editing images, sketching ideas, or reviewing creative projects.

The large screen also makes the tablet useful beyond creative work. Watching movies, reading documents, browsing websites, and playing games should feel more immersive because you have considerably more screen space to work with.

Does the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra include an S Pen?

Yes, the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra comes with an S Pen included in the box. This is an important addition, especially for people who want to draw, take handwritten notes, or make precise edits.

The S Pen gives users a more natural way to interact with the tablet than using their fingers for everything. Students can use it to write notes and mark up documents, while artists can use it for sketching and developing illustrations. It can also be useful for annotating PDFs, making quick diagrams, and editing content where precise input matters.

Having the S Pen included also means you don't have to purchase a separate stylus just to get started with these features. For anyone planning to use a tablet for both productivity and creative work, that makes the overall package more convenient.

Can the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra handle demanding creative apps and games?

The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 processor built on a 3nm process. Samsung positions it as a tablet capable of handling demanding apps, games, and AI-powered tasks.

It is available with different memory and storage configurations, including 12GB RAM with 256GB or 512GB storage, and a 16GB RAM option with 1TB storage. Availability may vary depending on the market.

This hardware gives the tablet a strong foundation for demanding everyday tasks, creative applications, multitasking, and entertainment. If you regularly work with large projects or keep several applications open, the higher-memory configuration may be worth considering.

Can Samsung DeX turn the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra into a laptop-like setup?

One of the more interesting features of the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra is Samsung DeX. It provides a desktop-style workspace on the tablet, making it more suitable for people who want to get work done without always carrying a laptop.

For example, you could use the large display to work across multiple applications, manage documents, browse the web, and handle different tasks in a more desktop-like environment. This can be useful for students, professionals, and creators who need more flexibility when working away from their desks.

The 14.6-inch display gives you plenty of room for this kind of setup, while the included S Pen adds another way to interact with your work. If your daily tasks are mostly document editing, browsing, note-taking, and light productivity, a tablet with a desktop-style mode can make a lot of sense.

It won't automatically replace every laptop workflow, especially if you depend on specific desktop applications. But for people whose work fits within the available Android apps and DeX experience, it offers another way to stay productive.

How useful is Galaxy AI on the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra?

Galaxy AI is another part of the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra experience. Samsung includes it alongside the tablet's powerful hardware and large display, giving users AI features as part of their creative and productivity workflow.

A large tablet screen can make AI-assisted tasks more comfortable because you have more space to view your content while working. Combined with the S Pen, it gives the tablet a setup that makes sense for people who want to develop ideas, work on creative projects, and manage their everyday tasks from one device.

For students and professionals, AI features can be useful additions to a broader productivity setup. However, the exact experience will depend on the supported Galaxy AI features, software version, and compatible applications.

Is the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra portable enough to carry around?

Yes. Despite having a massive 14.6-inch display, the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra is just 5.1mm thin. It also features an Enhanced Armor Aluminum build and an IP68 rating.

That combination is important because a large tablet needs to be practical enough to carry around. You can use it at your desk, take it to a class, bring it to a meeting, or use it while travelling. Its slim design helps keep the overall setup manageable, even with such a large display.

The IP68 rating also adds protection against dust and water under the conditions defined by the rating. It is still worth taking normal precautions around water and avoiding unnecessary exposure.

How long does the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra battery last?

Samsung lists an 11,600mAh typical battery for the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra, with up to 23 hours of video playback. It also supports 45W Super Fast Charging 2.0, although the 45W power adapter is sold separately.

A large battery is important for a tablet designed around creative work and productivity. Whether you're taking notes, working on illustrations, watching videos, or switching between applications, you don't want to be constantly looking for a charger.

The advertised video playback figure gives an idea of the battery capacity, although actual battery life will vary depending on brightness, applications, network connection, and usage. The 45W charging support should also make it easier to get back to work when the battery runs low.

Is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra worth considering this holiday season?

The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra is aimed at people who want a premium tablet with a large display and features that go beyond basic entertainment. Its 14.6-inch AMOLED display, included S Pen, Dimensity 9500 processor, Galaxy AI, and Samsung DeX make it relevant for digital artists, students, professionals, and people who enjoy working on a larger screen.

It could also make a great holiday gift for someone who enjoys drawing, creating digital content, taking handwritten notes, or needs a more flexible productivity setup. If you're planning to buy one, keep an eye on Samsung's holiday offers and eligible promotions. Depending on the available deal, this could be a good time to upgrade your tablet setup.

Before buying, consider what you actually need from a tablet. If you mainly watch videos and browse the internet, a more affordable model may be enough. But if you want a large canvas for creative work, an included S Pen, and a desktop-style workspace, the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra offers a much more complete package.

Final Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra brings together a large 14.6-inch AMOLED display, an included S Pen, powerful hardware, Galaxy AI, and Samsung DeX in a slim and durable design. It is designed for people who want to create, work, study, and enjoy entertainment on one large-screen device.

If digital art and creative work are high on your priority list, the combination of the large display and S Pen makes it particularly interesting. And with the holiday shopping season approaching, it's worth checking the latest Samsung offers before making a purchase.

Shop the Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra - HERE

Is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra the Best Foldable Phone for Content Creation?

 By Vaibhav Jain on November 06, 2026       

This post is sponsored by Samsung.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is worth considering for content creators who want a large screen, flagship performance, and more room to multitask in one device. Its 8-inch main display gives you more space to review content, work across apps, and handle tasks on the go, while the 6.5-inch cover display keeps everyday phone use convenient. For creators planning a holiday upgrade, its biggest appeal is having a more flexible workspace without carrying a separate tablet.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is the kind of phone that makes you rethink what a smartphone should be. We have reached a point where flagship phones are already powerful enough for almost everything, so the real difference comes down to how you use them in everyday life. With the Fold8 Ultra, Samsung is trying to offer the best of both worlds: a regular smartphone experience when the phone is folded and a much bigger display when you need more space for gaming, entertainment, work, or multitasking. 

After spending time with it, what stands out to me is how much more comfortable it makes certain tasks, especially when you are used to doing everything on a traditional smartphone. It is not just about having a bigger screen. It is about having more room to do things without constantly switching between apps or feeling restricted by the display.

Shop the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra - HERE

The Foldable Experience Feels More Complete

One of the biggest reasons to buy a foldable phone is the ability to carry a large display in your pocket without carrying a separate tablet. The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra makes that experience feel even more practical with its 6.5-inch cover display and 8-inch main display. When the phone is folded, you can use it like a regular smartphone for messages, calls, social media, and other everyday tasks. You do not have to open the device every time you want to do something simple, which is important because a foldable should still feel convenient as a phone first. But when you open it, the experience changes completely. You get a much larger area for reading, watching videos, playing games, and working across multiple apps, and that extra space becomes genuinely useful once you get used to it.

The form factor is also a big part of what makes the Fold8 Ultra interesting. A large-screen device can be great for productivity, but it needs to remain practical enough to carry around every day. The Fold8 Ultra brings together a 6.5-inch outer display and an 8-inch inner display in a device that measures just 8.9mm thick when folded. That makes the overall design more manageable than you might expect from a phone that opens into such a large screen. You still have to get used to the feel of a foldable, especially if you are moving from a regular flagship phone, but the benefit becomes clear when you want a bigger screen without carrying another device. For me, this is one of the strongest reasons to consider a phone like this.

Watching Content on the Big Screen

Entertainment is one area where the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra makes immediate sense. Watching videos on a regular smartphone is perfectly fine, but the experience is naturally limited by the available screen space. Opening the Fold8 Ultra gives you a much larger viewing area, which makes watching YouTube videos, streaming shows, and viewing other content feel more immersive. 

Additional accessory purchased separately

You have more room to see what is happening on the screen, and the larger display makes the experience feel closer to using a small tablet. This is particularly useful when you are travelling or spending time away from your desk, because you can enjoy a larger display without needing to carry a separate tablet or laptop just for entertainment.

The display itself is another important part of the experience. The main screen offers a QXGA+ resolution of 2504 × 2256 and an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz, while the cover display also supports an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate. Scrolling through social media, moving between apps, and navigating the interface feel smooth, and the larger inner screen gives you more space to enjoy everything. Samsung also claims peak brightness of up to 3,000 nits for the main display, which should help with visibility in bright conditions. Of course, actual visibility depends on the lighting and how you use the phone, but having a bright, high-refresh-rate display is important on a device that puts so much emphasis on its screens. The main display is not just there to look impressive on a specification sheet. It is the centre of the entire Fold8 Ultra experience.

Gaming Is More Enjoyable on the Larger Display

Gaming is another area where I can see the benefit of the Fold8 Ultra. On a regular smartphone, you are always working within a limited amount of screen space, and that can make some games feel cramped, particularly when there are lots of controls, menus, or details on screen. Opening the Fold8 Ultra gives you a much larger area to work with, making games feel more immersive and giving you a better view of what is happening. Depending on the game, the larger display can also make it easier to see details without constantly focusing on a smaller screen. It is not going to change the way every game plays, but for titles that benefit from a larger viewing area, the difference is noticeable.

Additional accessory purchased separately

Performance is just as important as the display when you are gaming on a foldable. Samsung has equipped the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, giving it the kind of flagship processing power you would expect from a device in this category. That matters when you are running demanding games, switching between applications, or using the phone for extended periods. 

The experience needs to remain responsive, because a large screen is not much of an advantage if the phone struggles to keep up with what you are doing. What I appreciate about this combination is that the Fold8 Ultra is not trying to be just a device for watching videos or browsing the web. It has the hardware to handle more demanding tasks as well, making it a more versatile option for people who use their phones for both entertainment and productivity.

Shop the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra - HERE

Multitasking Is Where the Fold8 Ultra Really Shines

For me, multitasking is one of the biggest advantages of a foldable phone, and it is also one of the main reasons I would consider buying the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra. On a regular smartphone, switching between apps is something you do dozens of times every day. You open one app, check something, go back to another app, and repeat the process. It works, but it can become frustrating when you are trying to compare information, reply to messages while reading something, or keep multiple tasks moving at the same time. The Fold8 Ultra gives you more room to keep multiple apps open together, making it easier to work across different tasks without constantly jumping between full-screen applications. Once you get used to this way of using a phone, it becomes difficult to ignore how useful that extra screen space can be.

The larger display also makes the phone more practical for people who use their devices for work. You can keep information visible while working in another app, refer to a document while replying to a message, or browse something while taking notes. These are simple examples, but they are the kinds of things people do every day, and having more screen space can make them less frustrating. The important thing is that multitasking does not need to be something you use only for complicated professional work. Even everyday activities can benefit from having two apps visible at the same time. That is where the Fold8 Ultra makes a strong case for itself, because the larger screen has a purpose beyond looking impressive. It changes how much you can comfortably do on a single device.
Galaxy AI Adds More to the Experience

Galaxy AI is another part of the Fold8 Ultra experience, but I think it makes the most sense when you look at how it fits into the way you already use your phone. Having AI features is not enough on its own. They need to make everyday tasks easier, help you find information, or save time when you are doing something. Samsung has continued to build Galaxy AI into its software, with features designed to help with writing, editing, and working with information. On a foldable, these features can be especially useful because you have more screen space to view content and work across applications. The larger display makes the overall experience feel more flexible, while the software adds tools that can help you get more done without relying on a separate device.

What matters most to me is that Galaxy AI works alongside the other features instead of being the only reason to buy the phone. The Fold8 Ultra already has a large display, flagship performance, and useful multitasking capabilities. AI adds another layer to that experience, particularly for people who regularly use their phones for communication, content, and productivity. You may not use every AI feature every day, and that is completely fine. The more important question is whether the features you do use fit naturally into your routine. On a device like this, the combination of a large screen, powerful hardware, and useful software tools is what makes the overall package interesting.

Battery Life and Everyday Performance

A foldable phone needs to do more than offer a large display. It also needs enough battery capacity to get through a normal day, especially when you are using the inner screen for gaming, videos, and multitasking. Samsung has equipped the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra with a 5,000mAh battery and claims up to 27 hours of video playback under its testing conditions. Those figures give you an idea of what Samsung is aiming for, although real-world battery life will naturally depend on screen brightness, network conditions, gaming, and how often you open the main display. Using the inner screen for long periods can place different demands on the battery compared with simply checking messages on the cover display, so your experience will depend on your routine.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy also plays an important role in the overall experience. A flagship processor needs to deliver enough power for demanding tasks while keeping the interface responsive during everyday use. Whether you are switching between apps, playing games, watching content, or using productivity features, you want the phone to feel quick and consistent. That is especially important on a foldable because the entire experience depends on being able to move between different tasks without friction. The Fold8 Ultra combines its high-end hardware with a large battery and two displays, making it a device designed to handle more than basic smartphone use. For anyone considering a premium foldable, these are important parts of the package to evaluate alongside the design and display quality.

Is the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra good for content creation?

For someone who creates content, edits on the go, or regularly switches between several apps, the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra could be a premium holiday upgrade worth considering. The large inner display and powerful hardware are its main advantages, particularly if you want more room to work without carrying an additional device. Before purchasing, check Samsung's current holiday offers and eligible trade-in promotions to see what options are available.

The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra makes the most sense for people who want their smartphone to do more than a regular phone can comfortably manage. If you mainly use your device for calls, messages, and a little social media, a traditional flagship smartphone may already give you everything you need. But if you spend a lot of time gaming, watching videos, reading, working across multiple apps, or handling different tasks throughout the day, the Fold8 Ultra offers a different kind of flexibility. You get a regular smartphone experience when it is folded and a much larger workspace when you open it. That combination is what makes the foldable format useful, rather than simply being a design that looks different from everything else.

The biggest advantage of the Fold8 Ultra is how its features work together. The large inner display gives you more room for entertainment and productivity, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy provides flagship performance, and the multitasking tools make it easier to use multiple apps at once. Galaxy AI adds useful software features to the mix, while the cover display keeps everyday tasks accessible without needing to open the phone every time. None of these features alone defines the device, but together they create an experience that a conventional smartphone cannot fully replicate.

For me, the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is a compelling option for anyone who wants a premium foldable that can handle gaming, entertainment, and productivity without requiring a separate tablet for a bigger screen. It is not necessarily the right phone for everyone, and the value of a foldable depends heavily on how you use your device. But if you regularly find yourself wishing your smartphone had more screen space, or if you want to get more done without constantly switching between apps, the Fold8 Ultra makes a strong case for itself. The real Ultra factor is not just the hardware or the size of the display. It is the freedom to use one device in different ways throughout the day, depending on what you need from it.

Getting a new Galaxy phone is exciting, and moving your data shouldn't be a hassle. With Samsung Smart Switch, you can transfer supported data like contacts, photos, videos, messages, and more from your old device to your new Galaxy. It helps you pick up where you left off without having to move everything manually. Whether you're upgrading before a trip or switching phones during the holidays, Smart Switch makes getting started much simpler.

Shop the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra - HERE

What Are the Benefits of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 for Everyday Use?

 By Vaibhav Jain on November 06, 2026       

This post is sponsored by Samsung.

The biggest benefit of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 is that it gives you a regular smartphone experience when folded and a larger display for gaming, watching videos, reading, and multitasking when opened. For someone who wants one device for both everyday use and entertainment, a foldable can be a worthwhile upgrade. With holiday shopping approaching, it's also a premium tech gift worth considering for someone who would make use of that extra screen space.

I've always found foldable phones interesting, but honestly, the biggest question for me has never been how cool they look when you open them. It's how useful they are when you're actually using them every day.

Because let's be real... most of the time, we use our phones without thinking too much about them. We check messages, scroll through social media, watch videos, play games, reply to emails, and get on with our day. We don't want to unfold a phone every time we need to do something simple.

And that's why the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 caught my attention.

Samsung has changed the shape of the Fold8, and I think this is one of the most interesting things about this generation. Instead of focusing only on giving you a huge display when the phone is open, Samsung has also worked on making the phone more practical when it's closed.

Shop the Galaxy Z Fold8 - HERE

Then you unfold it, and you get a much wider display that's designed for watching content, gaming, browsing, and multitasking.

I've been using the Galaxy Z Fold8, and what I like most is that it doesn't feel like a phone that only makes sense when you open it. The smaller outer screen is useful for everyday tasks, while the inner display gives you a completely different experience when you need more space.

Add the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy processor, Galaxy AI, and Samsung's multitasking features, and there's quite a lot to talk about.

So, let's get into it.

The New Aspect Ratio Is the Biggest Change

Let's start with the design, because this is where the Galaxy Z Fold8 feels different.

Samsung has introduced a new display shape, with a 10:16 aspect ratio for the cover screen and a 4:3 aspect ratio for the main display.

Now, those numbers might not sound particularly exciting, but they make a real difference to how you use the phone.

When the Fold8 is closed, the outer screen feels more practical for regular smartphone tasks. When you unfold it, the wider main display gives you more room for content, games, and applications.

And honestly, I think this is a better direction for foldables.

For years, the biggest selling point of these phones has been the large inner display. That's obviously important, but you also use the cover screen throughout the day. If the phone feels awkward when closed, you're going to notice it every time you pick it up.

With the Fold8, Samsung seems to be giving both screens a more defined purpose.

The outer screen is for quick everyday use. The inner screen is where you go when you want a bigger, more immersive experience

Simple, but it makes sense.

The Bigger Screen Is Better for Watching Videos

One of the first things I wanted to talk about is watching content.

We spend so much time watching YouTube videos, movies, TV shows, and short-form content on our phones. So, having a foldable with a large display sounds great, but the actual screen shape matters too.

The Galaxy Z Fold8's 4:3 inner display gives you a wider viewing area for many types of content.

Think about watching a YouTube video while travelling, catching up on a series during a break, or watching a movie when you don't have a laptop or tablet nearby.

Unfolding the phone gives you a much larger canvas than a regular smartphone. The additional space also makes it easier to enjoy content without constantly feeling limited by the size of a conventional phone screen.

The 4:3 ratio is particularly interesting for older videos, classic shows, and other content produced in formats closer to that shape. For widescreen movies and videos, you can still see black bars, but the wider main display can reduce the wasted space for some formats compared with older, squarer foldable screens. Of course, not every video will fill the entire display. A lot depends on the original aspect ratio of the content.

But that's not really the point.

The advantage is having a bigger screen that gives you more flexibility. You can watch a video, rotate the phone, browse the web, or move into another app without feeling like you're constantly working around a small display. And because the Fold8 weighs just 201 grams, the large-screen experience comes in a relatively lightweight foldable body.

For someone who watches a lot of content on their phone, I can see why this design would be appealing.

Is the Galaxy Z Fold8 Good for Mobile Gaming?

This is another area where the new aspect ratio makes sense.

Gaming on a regular smartphone is perfectly fine, but the screen can feel limiting in certain games. You're dealing with touch controls, on-screen buttons, and a relatively narrow viewing area.

Open the Galaxy Z Fold8, and you get a much larger display with a 4:3 aspect ratio.

For games that benefit from a wider viewing area, this can make the experience feel more immersive. There's more room to see what's happening, and the screen gives you a different way to interact with the game. I particularly like the idea of using a foldable for games that involve exploration, racing, strategy, or detailed environments. Having a larger display can make it easier to appreciate the visuals and see more of the action.

The wider shape can also make a difference when you're holding the phone in landscape orientation. The way your hands sit around the device and interact with on-screen controls can feel different from playing on a narrow smartphone.

Of course, the experience will depend on the game itself. Some titles may not use the entire display perfectly, and others may benefit more from the additional space.

But when a game is properly optimised, a large foldable screen can make mobile gaming feel much closer to playing on a small handheld gaming device.

And that's what I find interesting about the Fold8. You don't need to carry a separate tablet just to enjoy a bigger gaming screen.

You can keep using the phone normally, unfold it when you want to play, and close it again when you're done.

Performance: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy

A large display is great, but it needs powerful hardware behind it.

The Galaxy Z Fold8 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy processor, Qualcomm's flagship platform customised for Samsung's devices.

And for a foldable like this, performance matters for more than just opening apps quickly.

You're working with a large display, demanding games, multitasking, video playback, and Galaxy AI features. You want the phone to handle all of these things without the experience feeling slow or complicated.

That's where the flagship processor comes in.

For everyday use, a powerful chipset helps the phone handle app switching, browsing, social media, messaging, and other tasks smoothly.

When you unfold the device and start using multiple applications, the extra performance is also important. You might have a browser open alongside a messaging app, or you might be watching a video while checking something else. The idea is to make all of this feel natural rather than turning multitasking into a struggle.

What about gaming performance?

The Snapdragon platform includes a powerful GPU designed for demanding mobile games and high-quality graphics. Combined with the Fold8's 120Hz display, it gives the phone the hardware needed for a smooth gaming experience in supported games.

But I always think sustained performance is just as important as peak performance. A phone should be capable of maintaining a good experience during longer gaming sessions, not just delivering impressive results for a few minutes. Actual performance will depend on the game, graphics settings, temperature, and duration of use.

Still, the Fold8 has the hardware you'd expect from a premium device, and that makes the large screen much more useful.

There's little point in having a big display if the phone struggles to keep up with what you're doing on it.

Shop the Galaxy Z Fold8 - HERE

The Compact Form Factor When Closed Is a Big Deal

Here's something I think people sometimes overlook when talking about foldable phones.

You don't spend the entire day using the inner display.

Most of the time, you're checking notifications, replying to messages, answering calls, looking at directions, or quickly checking something online.

For those situations, you want a phone that's comfortable to use without unfolding it every few minutes.

The Galaxy Z Fold8's 10:16 cover-screen aspect ratio is designed to make the outer display feel more practical for everyday use. You can check messages, scroll through social media, browse the web, and handle quick tasks without opening the phone. And when you need more screen space, you can unfold it.

That's the real advantage of a foldable.

You're not choosing between a smartphone and a tablet. You're getting two different ways to use the same device.

I also like that the Fold8 weighs around 201 grams. For a device that opens into a large display, keeping the overall weight down makes it easier to carry around. Whether you're putting it in your pocket, holding it while walking, or quickly checking something while standing, the closed form factor is an important part of the experience.

A foldable should feel useful even when it's folded. Otherwise, what's the point?

Multitasking Is Where the Fold8 Starts to Make Real Sense

Now let's talk about one of the biggest advantages of having a large inner display.

Multitasking.

On a regular smartphone, switching between apps is easy enough, but working with two or three applications at the same time can feel cramped. On the Galaxy Z Fold8, the larger screen gives you more room to arrange applications and work across them. You can have a browser open while taking notes, check a message while reading an article, or keep a video playing while looking something up.

Samsung's software supports running multiple apps on the main display, including a three-app split-screen layout.

And this is where the Fold8 becomes more than just a phone with a bigger screen.

Imagine you're researching something online and need to send information to someone. Instead of repeatedly switching between the browser and your messaging app, you can keep both visible. Or perhaps you're watching a tutorial while following the steps in another application. Having both on the screen can make the process easier.

For work, this can be especially useful. You can read a document, check your email, and take notes without constantly losing your place. Of course, not every application is designed equally well for a large display, and some tasks are still easier on a laptop. But that's fine. The Fold8 doesn't need to replace every device you own to be useful. It just needs to make the things you already do on your phone easier.

And I think that's where Samsung's foldable experience has the most potential.

Galaxy AI: More Useful When You Have a Bigger Screen

Galaxy AI is another important part of the Fold8 experience, and the larger inner display gives these features more room to work.

I don't think AI should be added to a phone just for the sake of having more features. What matters is whether those tools actually help you do something. With the Fold8, Samsung combines Galaxy AI with a flexible display and software that supports multitasking. That combination is what makes the experience interesting.

Writing and working with information

When you're working with messages, emails, notes, or other text, AI writing tools can help you refine what you've written and adjust the tone. For example, you might have a rough message that needs to sound more professional, or you might want to make a longer piece of text easier to read. Having those tools available on your phone can save time, especially when you're already using the device for work.

And the larger screen makes it easier to review your text and work with other applications at the same time.

Photo Assist and creative tools

The Fold8's large inner display also gives you more room to review photographs and work with supported editing tools. If you've captured a photo and want to experiment with different edits, Galaxy AI features such as Photo Assist can help you explore those changes.

The extra screen space is useful when you're reviewing the result because you have a larger area to see the image. For people who regularly take photographs or create social media content, that can be a convenient addition.

Battery Life: Can a Large Foldable Last All Day?

Battery life is always an important consideration with foldable phones because they have to power two displays and handle a wide range of tasks.

The Galaxy Z Fold8 packs a 4,800mAh battery, and Samsung claims up to 26 hours of video playback under its specified testing conditions. That gives you an idea of what the device is designed to deliver, although real-world battery life will depend on how you use it.

Gaming, video recording, mobile data, screen brightness, and extended use of the main display can all affect battery consumption.

Is the Galaxy Z Fold8 worth buying during the holiday sales?

The holiday season can be a good time to consider a premium phone upgrade, especially if you're already thinking about switching to a foldable. The Galaxy Z Fold8 makes the most sense for someone who will regularly use its larger screen for entertainment and multitasking, rather than someone who only needs a basic smartphone experience. Check Samsung's current offers and eligible trade-in promotions before purchasing, as the final value will depend on the deals available.

The Galaxy Z Fold8 offers a smooth One UI experience with features designed for both displays. You can handle quick tasks on the cover screen, then unfold the phone for gaming, watching content, reading, or multitasking with multiple apps. The new aspect ratios make the experience more practical, while Galaxy AI adds useful tools for everyday tasks.

For me, the biggest advantage of the Galaxy Z Fold8 is its flexibility. You get a compact smartphone for everyday use and a larger display when you need more space. If you mainly make calls and check messages, a regular flagship might be enough. But if you enjoy gaming, watching videos, and multitasking, the Fold8 makes a strong case for itself. The new aspect ratio is what makes this generation especially interesting.

Switching to a new Galaxy phone is easier with Samsung Smart Switch. It lets you move supported data, including contacts, photos, videos, messages, and more, from your old phone to your new device. That means less time transferring your essentials and setting everything up, and more time enjoying your new Galaxy. Planning a phone upgrade before your next holiday? Smart Switch helps make the transition simple and hassle-free.

Shop the Galaxy Z Fold8 - HERE

What Are the Best Features of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra for the Holidays?

 By Vaibhav Jain on November 05, 2026       

This post is sponsored by Samsung.

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a great premium phone to consider this holiday season if you're looking for a major upgrade in privacy, performance, battery life, and photography. I used it throughout my trips to Dubai and Thailand, and its Privacy Display, camera, and dependable everyday performance made it a useful travel companion. If you're planning an upgrade or looking for a premium tech gift, here's what makes it worth considering.

I used the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra throughout my trips, and what I liked most was how many different situations it could handle. From capturing photos and videos to checking work messages in cafés, using navigation while exploring, and relying on the battery during long days outside, the phone became part of almost everything I was doing.

Shop the Galaxy S26 Ultra - HERE

Privacy Display on the Galaxy S26 Ultra: A Feature I Appreciated While Traveling

Think about how often you use your phone when you're outside. You're sitting in a café, waiting for a metro, travelling to another location, or simply checking a message while surrounded by people.

Now imagine you're replying to a work email or checking something personal. You might not be doing anything sensitive, but you probably don't want the person sitting next to you reading everything on your screen.

This is where Privacy Display on the Galaxy S26 Ultra comes in.

During my trips, I regularly found myself using my phone in public places. Whether you're sitting at a café, waiting around between destinations, or using public transport, there are always people nearby. And because I also use my phone for work, it's not just social media and entertainment on my screen. There are messages, emails, campaign details, and other things I need to check throughout the day.

Privacy Display gives you more control over that experience by limiting screen visibility from side angles. You can use your phone normally when the feature is off and enable it when you want more privacy.

What I like about this approach is that you don't need to rely on a separate privacy screen protector that permanently changes the way you view your display. You can choose when you need the feature.

For example, imagine sitting in a busy café in Dubai, checking work messages while waiting for your order. Or sitting on public transport in Thailand, looking at your phone while people are seated on either side of you. These are ordinary situations, but they're exactly where an optional privacy feature can make sense.

And it's not only about work. You might be checking travel bookings, viewing personal messages, or looking at payment information while you're out.

Of course, Privacy Display isn't a guarantee that nobody can see your screen, and it's still important to be careful with sensitive information. But having an additional layer of privacy built into the phone is genuinely useful.

For me, this is one of the most interesting features of the Galaxy S26 Ultra because it addresses something we encounter in everyday life. We use our phones everywhere, so having more control over screen privacy feels like a practical improvement.

Galaxy S26 Ultra Camera: My Travel Companion in Dubai and Thailand

The camera was another major part of my experience with the Galaxy S26 Ultra.

When I'm travelling, I don't want to carry extra equipment every time I head out. I want to take my phone, explore the place, and capture whatever catches my attention.

Dubai and Thailand offer very different photography opportunities, from architecture and city views to busy streets, restaurants, and everyday travel moments. Having a versatile camera system means you can approach these situations in different ways without constantly switching devices.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra features a 200MP main camera, a 50MP ultra-wide camera, a 50MP telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom, and a 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom.

That combination gives you plenty of flexibility.

The main camera for everyday moments

The main camera is the one I'd naturally reach for most often. When you're walking around a city, you don't always have time to think about settings. Sometimes you see an interesting building, a beautiful view, or a moment you want to remember, and you simply take the shot.

That's where a dependable main camera matters.

During a trip, I also like capturing a mixture of photos rather than taking the same type of shot everywhere. You might photograph an entire scene, then get closer to capture architectural details or something interesting in the surroundings.

The 200MP main camera gives you a high-resolution option for these situations, while Samsung's image processing helps turn the captured image into a finished photograph.

And the best part about having your camera on your phone is that you can review your pictures immediately. If you want to try a different composition, you can take another shot without unpacking additional equipment.

Zoom makes a difference when you're exploring

One thing I appreciate about a flagship camera phone is having proper zoom options.

You can't always move closer to a subject. Sometimes you're standing across a street, looking at a distant building, or trying to frame a detail without including everything around it.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra's dedicated 3x and 5x optical zoom cameras give you more choices in these situations.

I find this especially useful for travel photography because changing the zoom level can completely change the composition. Instead of taking another wide photo, you can focus on a smaller part of the scene.

The phone also supports higher digital zoom levels, including 100x Space Zoom, although results naturally depend on distance, lighting, and stability. For photos where detail matters most, I'd generally start with the dedicated optical zoom options.

Ultra-wide photography for bigger scenes

The ultra-wide camera is useful when you want to fit more into the frame.

Think about photographing a large building from nearby or trying to capture more of a busy street. Sometimes stepping further back isn't possible, and that's when the ultra-wide camera becomes handy.

I like having this option because it encourages you to experiment with different perspectives. One moment you're capturing a wide view, and the next you're using the main camera to focus on a particular detail.

That's the kind of flexibility I want from a travel phone.

Night photography and video

Travel doesn't end when the sun goes down, and neither does smartphone photography.

Evening scenes can look completely different from the same locations during the day. City lights, illuminated buildings, and restaurants all create different photographic opportunities.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra's camera hardware and Nightography features are designed to help with low-light photography. The wider aperture on the main camera also allows more light to reach the sensor.

For video, the phone supports up to 8K recording at 30fps, along with stabilisation features for handheld footage.

This is useful when you want to capture a quick video while walking around rather than setting up a separate camera. You can record the moment, review the footage, and share it directly from your phone.

For me, that convenience is a big part of the flagship camera experience. The phone is always with you, and you have several ways to capture whatever happens during the trip.

Battery Life and Charging: What to Expect on Long Travel Days

At home, charging your phone is usually easy. You have your usual routine, and you probably know when you'll be near a power outlet.

When you're exploring Dubai or Thailand, your day can look very different. You might leave your hotel in the morning, use navigation to find places, take photos and videos, browse the internet, reply to messages, and continue exploring until the evening.

Your phone is doing much more than sitting in your pocket.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a 5,000mAh typical-capacity battery, and Samsung says its Super Fast Charging 3.0 can take the phone to up to 75% charge in around 30 minutes under the specified conditions.

For someone who uses their phone throughout the day, both endurance and charging speed matter.

Why travelling is a good test

When you're out exploring, you don't want to keep checking your battery percentage every few minutes.

You want enough power to take more photos, check your route, contact people, and use your phone when you need it.

Camera use, mobile data, navigation, screen brightness, and video recording can all affect battery consumption, so your results will depend on how you use the device.

That's why I pay attention to the overall experience rather than judging battery life only by the capacity printed on the specification sheet.

A phone can have a large battery, but what really matters is how it handles your routine.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra combines its 5,000mAh battery with flagship hardware and software designed for everyday use. Fast charging is another useful addition when you need to top up before heading out again.

For a proper battery verdict, actual screen-on time or a recorded battery test is the most useful evidence. But from a travel perspective, the priorities are clear: you need a phone that can handle a demanding day and give you a convenient way to recharge when necessary.

Phone Performance: Keeping Up With Work on the Go

When people talk about performance, they often focus on benchmark scores. Those are useful, but I also care about how a phone behaves when I'm actually using it.

During a trip, I might be switching between navigation, the camera, messages, a browser, and social media. I might need to review photos, check something for work, or quickly respond to an email while I'm out.

That's where a flagship processor makes sense.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, giving it the hardware needed for demanding applications, gaming, multitasking, and content-related tasks.

For me, a good smartphone should feel responsive without requiring me to think about every app I'm opening.

You take a photo, check it, switch to another application, reply to a message, and carry on with your day. The phone should support that workflow rather than slow it down.
What about gaming and heat?

A flagship phone should also be capable of handling demanding games and graphics-heavy applications.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra's processor and 120Hz display make it an appealing device for gaming, although performance will depend on the game, graphics settings, temperature, and duration of use.

Sustained performance matters just as much as peak speed. If you're gaming for a long time or recording lots of video, temperature can affect how consistently the device performs.

That's why I prefer looking at real gaming sessions and sustained performance rather than relying entirely on benchmark numbers.

The same principle applies to everyday use. A fast phone is great, but a phone that continues to feel responsive across different tasks is even more useful.

Display Quality: A Great Screen With an Extra Privacy Feature

The Galaxy S26 Ultra features a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with QHD+ resolution and an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz.

It's a large screen, which makes sense for a phone designed for photography, entertainment, productivity, and multitasking.

When you're travelling, you might spend time reviewing your photographs, watching videos during a journey, reading articles, or checking maps. A sharp, spacious display makes those activities more comfortable.

The high refresh rate also helps the interface feel smooth when scrolling and navigating through apps.

But what makes the display particularly interesting this year is the combination of that large screen with Privacy Display.

You can enjoy the normal viewing experience when you're alone or sharing content with someone, then activate the privacy feature when you're in a crowded place.

I like that this gives you a choice. A feature like this shouldn't need to be active in every situation to be useful.

For me, the display is no longer just about brightness, resolution, and refresh rate. Privacy is becoming part of the smartphone experience too, and Samsung's approach is an interesting step in that direction.
Design: A Flagship You Can Carry Everywhere

A phone can have impressive hardware, but it still needs to feel comfortable enough to carry and use every day.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra features an Armor Aluminum frame and a refined design, with Samsung making the device slimmer than its predecessor.

It's still a large phone, which is expected given the screen size and camera system, but the design aims to balance that size with a more streamlined profile.

During travel, you want a phone that's easy to reach for when you need to take a picture, check directions, or reply to a message.

The S Pen is another feature that sets the Ultra apart. It can be useful for handwritten notes, annotations, and other tasks where you want more precision than your finger provides.

Not everyone will use the S Pen every day, but for people who like having it available, it's a useful part of the overall package.

Galaxy AI: The Features I Found Helpful

Galaxy AI is still part of the Galaxy S26 Ultra experience, and features such as Photo Assist and Writing Assist can be useful additions.

For example, if you've taken a photograph during your travels and want to make an adjustment, Photo Assist gives you additional editing options. Writing Assist can help refine text when you're preparing a caption, message, or email.

These features complement the phone's camera and productivity experience.

But I don't think AI needs to be the centre of every smartphone review. A phone still needs to perform well at the basics, and the Galaxy S26 Ultra has plenty to discuss beyond AI.

For me, the combination of camera flexibility, display quality, Privacy Display, battery capacity, and flagship performance is what makes this phone interesting.

Galaxy AI adds another layer to the experience rather than replacing those fundamentals.
Final Verdict: A Flagship Built for Real Life

Using a smartphone while travelling is a good reminder of what actually matters.

You need a camera that gives you flexibility when capturing different scenes. You need performance that can keep up when you're switching between apps. You want a display that looks great, a battery that supports your routine, and features that make everyday use more convenient.

Is the Galaxy S26 Ultra a good premium holiday gift?

If you're planning to upgrade this holiday season, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is worth considering if you want a premium phone with strong everyday performance, a versatile camera system, and a feature like Privacy Display that you can actually use in public. Before buying, check Samsung's current holiday offers and any eligible trade-in deals to see whether you can save on the upgrade.

Its camera system offers different options for photography and video. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy provides the hardware for demanding tasks. The 6.9-inch display gives you plenty of room for content, and the 5,000mAh battery is designed to support everyday use.

But Privacy Display is the feature I find especially interesting.

Whether you're checking work messages in a café, looking at travel information on public transport, or simply using your phone in a crowded place, having an option to limit side-angle visibility is a practical addition.

It's the kind of feature that can make more sense the longer you use a phone in different environments.

For photography enthusiasts, travellers, content creators, and people who want a powerful everyday smartphone, the Galaxy S26 Ultra deserves serious consideration.

For me, the appeal isn't just one specification or one AI feature. It's having a phone that can handle so many different parts of my day, from capturing travel memories to managing work and keeping my information more private in public.

And that's what I want from a flagship smartphone: something that feels useful long after the launch event and the specification sheet are forgotten.

Switching to a new Galaxy phone doesn't have to mean starting from scratch. Samsung Smart Switch helps transfer data from your old phone to your new Galaxy, including supported contacts, photos, videos, messages, and other personal data. It makes moving to a new device easier, so you can spend less time setting things up and more time using your new phone. If you're planning a holiday upgrade, it's one less thing to worry about.

Shop the Galaxy S26 Ultra - HERE