So now that the Ultra model has been in my hot little hands for the day I thought I'd share my thoughts. For context, I had an S23 Ultra previously.

Overall I adore it. Things I especially love:

\- dual app mode on the big screen. Right now I have Tiktok running on the left as I work on this post on the right. My broken brain loves this way of working.

\- I am already using the big screen far more than I thought I would. It really feels so nice to use.

\-the slight size down (width and height) when closed is great for me, the S Ultra series was always just that slight bit too big. The big driver of going Ultra over the Wide for me was the width factor and so far I am very pleased with my decision. If I need more typing space I do it open.

\-I genuinely never see the crease

\-tested out the Roblox app for a bit, loved that experience

Things I miss about my s23 Ultra

\-I miss the S pen more than I thought I would. In particular, I had some uses for the Write on Calendar and Write on Screenshot functions that just can't be replicated. I will adjust but I am surprised that I thought I wouldn't miss it. I think it is one of those use cases where I didn't use it frequently but when I did, it was crazy useful

\-I do miss the camera. I knew I was stepping down and I made my peace with that, but taking side by side shots with the s23 Ultra really highlights how much more vibrant it shoots. It actually has made me realise it has a tendency to lean a bit too vibrant? But the Fold8 Ultra goes the other way and media needs editing to punch things up a bit. The fine detail is, of course, a little less defined too.

Things I have learned about this phone (personal learnings, won't apply to all)

\-a case with a ring style stand is a must for me.  Being able to thread my finger through it makes it feel that much more secure, especially when holding it unfolded 

\-the fingerprint on the button is an adjustment. I didn't really think about it when shopping for cases, its fine but the front cover case does sometimes make it a bit harder to place my finger against the button.

\-keeping the inside screen clean from fingertips etc may irritate me

\- i feel like i need \*something\* to protect the hinge, but not necessarily a full hinge protector? When I got my s23 Ultra it had protective tape on every panel and honestly, just a thin layer to stop it getting scratched would be enough.

I have attached a few pictures of it in use. Note that the reflection looks way worse in photos than in person, something about how the anti reflective coating works.

Second impressions on the Fold 8 Ultra