On July 22, 2026, the tech scene witnessed a major event with Samsung launching a wide range of new devices during the Galaxy Unpacked event. The announcements were not limited to foldable phones, but also included smartwatches and innovative glasses in collaboration with Google. On the other hand, Huawei continued to achieve impressive sales figures in China and launched a flagship phone globally.

Foldable phones: Lighter design and wider screens

Samsung unveiled three foldable phones: the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, and Galaxy Z Flip 8. The Z Fold 8 features a wider and shorter design than its predecessor, making it ideal for video enthusiasts, and weighs 201 grams, making it the lightest in the series' history. The Z Flip 8 weighs only 180 grams and is equipped with the Exynos 2600 processor built on 2nm technology, the world's first.

For the first time, Samsung uses silicon-carbon batteries in its foldable phones, instead of traditional lithium-ion. These batteries offer higher energy density, allowing larger capacities without increasing size. The company thus responded to user complaints about poor battery life in previous generations.

As for the Z Fold 8 Ultra, it is the first foldable phone to carry the Ultra badge, with an 8-inch main screen and brightness up to 3000 nits, and a high-resolution telephoto camera, making it an option for those seeking maximum productivity.

Samsung launches the lightest Galaxy Z Fold 8 with a wider design and larger battery

Samsung adopts silicon-carbon batteries for the first time with Galaxy Z Fold 8, Fold 8 Ultra, and Flip 8

Samsung switches to silicon-carbon batteries in its new Galaxy foldable phones

Samsung unveils Galaxy Z Flip 8 with a thinner design and smart external screen

Samsung reveals the lightweight Galaxy Z Flip 8 with a 2nm processor

Samsung reveals Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra with brighter screen, larger battery, and better camera

Samsung reveals Galaxy Z Fold 8 with wider screen and lighter frame

Samsung expects Galaxy Z Fold 8 to lead its foldable phone sales in 2026

Smartwatches and future glasses

Samsung announced the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. The Watch 9 comes with a Snapdragon Wear Elite processor built on 3nm technology, delivering 32% faster processing and 19% faster graphics, with longer battery life. It is available in 40mm and 44mm sizes. The Watch Ultra 2 received design improvements, becoming 12% thinner and 26% lighter, with a brighter screen.

In a surprise move, Samsung and Google revealed the final design of the smart glasses «Intelligent Eyewear», developed in partnership with Gentle Monster and Warby Parker. The glasses run on a Snapdragon AR1 Gen1 processor and Android XR, and feature Gemini AI capabilities such as real-time translation and message summarization. They feature lightweight, slim frames for comfortable wear.

Samsung reveals Galaxy Watch 9 with faster performance, larger battery, and smarter health features

Samsung and Google reveal smart glasses with Gemini technology and modern designs

Samsung launches Galaxy Watch 9 on July 22 with advanced performance and larger battery

Samsung launches Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 with extensive improvements in design, battery, and screen

Huawei: Success in China and global launch

On the other hand, Huawei's Nova 16 series achieved a remarkable milestone, with sales exceeding one million units in the Chinese market within just 39 days of launch, despite the overall decline in the smartphone market. This success reflects the brand's strength, as the series focused on an attractive design and the Kirin 9010S processor with software improvements from HarmonyOS 6.1.

Globally, Huawei launched its flagship Pura 90s Pro Max, featuring a scratch-resistant and anti-reflective screen with new-generation Kunlun glass, and a 200-megapixel telephoto camera with an ultra-large sensor, making it a strong competitor in the flagship phone category for 2026.

These moves come at a time when the smartphone market is witnessing intense competition among manufacturers, each seeking to offer unique features to attract consumers.

Huawei Nova 16 series sales exceed one million units in China in 39 days

Huawei launches its flagship Pura 90s Pro Max globally with five advanced features

Today's announcements from Samsung and Huawei provide evidence that innovation in foldable devices, wearables, and batteries is the main driver of competition. With expectations that the Galaxy Z Fold 8 will lead sales of the new lineup at 2.8 million units in the first three months, the tech market appears to be preparing for a new chapter of creativity.