Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 has emerged as the most popular choice in a recent PhoneArena reader poll comparing it with the Galaxy S26 Ultra and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
More than 44% of respondents selected the foldable phone, while almost 40% chose the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The iPhone 18 Pro Max received less than 16% of the votes.
The poll was conducted by PhoneArena writer Abdullah Asim, who said he had been considering all three devices and wanted readers to choose between them.
Galaxy Z Fold 8 takes the lead
According to the poll results, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 attracted more than 44% of the votes from respondents.
The author attributed the result partly to the appeal of the phone’s foldable design, saying many readers appeared to be drawn to the larger, more flexible form factor.
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 has also attracted attention as foldable phones continue to compete with conventional flagship smartphones.
Galaxy S26 Ultra follows closely
The Galaxy S26 Ultra came second with almost 40% of the votes.
The PhoneArena editorial described Samsung’s traditional flagship as a more conventional high-end option compared with the Fold 8’s foldable design.
The article also mentioned reports from some users who experience nausea or headaches while using the S26 Ultra’s display, although it did not provide independent evidence establishing how widespread those reactions are.
iPhone 18 Pro Max receives under 16%
Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro Max finished the poll with less than 16% of the votes.
The article noted the phone’s new Burgundy colour and its appeal to users who prefer Apple’s software and ecosystem. However, the poll results showed it receiving substantially fewer votes than either Samsung model among the respondents.
The poll had received 415 votes at the time of the article’s publication.
Foldables gain attention among flagship buyers
The results reflect the preferences of PhoneArena’s poll respondents and should not be treated as representative of the broader smartphone market.
Still, the figures highlight the growing interest in foldable phones as manufacturers increasingly position them alongside traditional flagship devices.
