Samsung has added the Z Flip8 and Z Fold8 to its foldable phone line-up, and Sky Mobile is giving away a £350 smartwatch with pre-orders.
Galaxy Watch9 launch and features
Samsung's Galaxy Watch9 will launch on August 7. The South Korean tech giant announced the Galaxy Watch9 on July 22, calling it 'the ultimate everyday health companion'. The gadget is powered by Snapdragon's Wear Elite platform, offering improved speed and efficiency, a long-lasting battery, lightweight aluminium casing, and Galaxy AI features.
Sky Mobile deal details
Samsung is taking pre-orders from £349, but Sky Mobile is offering the Galaxy Watch9 for free when customers pre-order any of the new Z Series foldable phones: the Z Flip8, Z Fold8, or Z Fold8 Ultra. Monthly prices start at £38, £46, and £51 respectively, with a £12 upfront cost. Sky's mobile contracts run for 36 months, with an upgrade option after 24 months. The deal includes a 100MB data allowance, with larger bundles available, such as 75GB for £14 (was £23). Orders placed by August 26 will receive the free Galaxy Watch9 within 30 days of receiving the new device.
Free watch models and trade-in offer
Shoppers opting for the Z Flip8 receive a free 40mm black Galaxy Watch9 worth £349, while the Z Fold8 and Z Fold8 Ultra come with the larger 44mm black model worth £379. Sky Mobile also offers an extra £300 in bill credit for customers who trade in an old phone, on top of the trade-in value.
Alternative deals and outright purchase
Mobiles.co.uk is offering a £50 discount on the upfront cost of each new Samsung model with code SAVE50, reducing the Z Flip8 to £35.99 and £19 upfront on iD Mobile's 100GB tariff, and the Z Fold8 to £56.99 and £19 upfront on the same plan. Customers can also pre-order the new Z Series from Amazon, with prices starting at £1,149, £1,699, and £1,899 for each model.
Expert reviews of the Galaxy Watch9
Android Central has reviewed the Galaxy Watch9, calling it a 'much-needed upgrade'. They noted the new Snapdragon chip for wearables, which should unlock better battery life, new on-device AI capabilities, and improved performance. The larger battery addresses a key complaint about the Watch8. However, the design remains 'almost identical' to its predecessor. Despite this, they concluded: 'A much-needed upgrade. The Watch9 changes just a few things, but they are very important things. The new SoC and larger battery should allow you to enjoy the new features for longer, between charges.'
