TL; DR
- Consumer Reports ranked the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra as the top foldable in the US, with perfect 5/5 scores across every camera and display category tested.
- All three Galaxy Z8 models scored 91/100 on CR’s reliability rating, a buyer-survey-based metric that historically penalized foldables for hinge and durability concerns.
- Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra also retained its position as CR’s top overall smartphone in September, giving Samsung the top spot in both the foldable and conventional categories.
Consumer Reports handed out its September foldable rankings this week, and Samsung didn’t just win; it won by a significant margin. For those catching up, Consumer Reports is an independent NPCO that conducts unbiased product testing and consumer research. That’s why this is making headlines: the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra sits at the top of one of America’s most trusted outlets’ foldable rankings.
Also Read: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Review: The First Foldable That Finally Feels Like a Real Phone
The Scorecard, Category By Category
CR has a rather strict hands-on testing style. For instance, it buys every device itself (rather than testing review units), runs all its independent tests, and layers consumer surveys on top of its lab tests.
Under that rather stringent scrutiny, the Z Fold 8 Ultra cleared a perfect 5 out of 5 across every single camera and display metric CR runs. The standard Z Fold 8 and the Z Flip 8 weren’t far behind. They’ve picked up a perfect score for in-camera performance and ease of use. However, the Ultra sweeps most categories.
| Model | Camera Score | Ease of Use Score | Reliability Score |
| Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra | 5/5 (also 5/5 across all display metrics) | Not specified | 91/100 |
| Galaxy Z Fold 8 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 91/100 |
| Galaxy Z Flip 8 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 91/100 |
Also Read: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra Review: Samsung Finally Fixed (Most of) the Fold
Why 91 Out Of 100 Matters More Than Any Camera Score
Here’s my take on what the score could mean for foldable consumers, especially those stuck between buying a foldable for its form factor and skipping it because of durability concerns. All three Galaxy Z Fold foldables, including the Z 8 Ultra, Z 8, and the Z 8 Flip, score 91 out of 100 on CR’s reliability rating. Because this number comes from actual buyer-reported failure and problem rates, it’s a big feat for Samsung.
For years, factors like hinge wear, screen creasing, and durability doubts have made buyers second-guess their decision. To us, a 91 out of 100, especially in the durability aspect, reads like CR isn’t treating foldables like a durability gamble anymore. Given that the Galaxy S26 Ultra (review) remains CR’s top-rated conventional smartphone in September, this adds to Samsung’s credibility as a brand that makes both traditional and foldable smartphones.
Also Read: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 Review: Brilliantly Compact, Significant Improvements, Familiar Compromises
| Metric (Galaxy S26 Ultra) | Result |
| Overall CR score | 88/100 |
| Perfect (5/5) categories | 7 of 10, including display, rear camera, battery, durability, usability |
| Battery life (lab test) | 51 hours 30 minutes, longest of any phone tested |
| Ranking | #1 overall smartphone, repeating its April win |
We’ve been reviewing Samsung’s foldables for a long time now, and if there’s one thing that’s been common across all those stories, it’s how consistently they’ve improved in terms of build quality and robustness.
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