48 Hours in Thailand: Travel Guides Test Samsung’s Latest Foldable Portfolio

Key Takeaways

## Key takeaways

– Samsung Australia used a 48-hour trip to Bangkok with *Travel Guides* personalities Michael Teng, Dorian Calleja and Kevin He to showcase its Galaxy Z Fold8, Z Fold8 Ultra and Z Flip8.
– The campaign positions foldables as travel tools that can reduce the need to carry extra gear. Dorian said the Fold8 Ultra let him navigate, translate, shoot, edit and share content without bringing a laptop.
– Each device was matched to a different travel style:
– **Galaxy Z Fold8:** A versatile, large-screen companion for maps, recommendations and entertainment.
– **Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra:** A productivity-focused option, with Multi Window, a triple-camera system and Galaxy AI editing tools.
– **Galaxy Z Flip8:** A compact, lightweight device for travellers who want portability and quick photo and video capture.
– The group used Galaxy AI features—including Interpreter, Circle to Search and Now Brief—to support conversations, identify places and keep travel information organised.
– Samsung cites research suggesting many Australian air travellers still rely on paper and pack “just in case”: 47% said they overpack or bring extra items, while 48% carry printed boarding passes and 47% printed itineraries. Language barriers were identified as a major challenge to travelling like a local by 45%.
– **Overall message:** Samsung presents its foldable range as a set of travel companions tailored to different needs, rather than a one-size-fits-all device. The research was commissioned by Samsung, so its figures are company-sponsored.


Summary of 48 Hours in Thailand: Travel Guides Test Samsung’s Latest Foldable Portfolio

Teng with the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Kevin with the Galaxy Z Flip8 take a selfie on the streets of Bangkok

 

For years, Channel Nine’s Travel Guides stars Kevin He, Dorian Calleja and Michael Teng have built a reputation for embracing the unexpected while travelling together. Whether they’re navigating new destinations, sampling local food or finding themselves in situations they never quite planned for, their adventures are rarely predictable.

 

Despite Australians having powerful smartphones at their fingertips, new research commissioned by Samsung found almost half (47%) of Australians who travelled by air in the past 12 months admit they still overpack or bring extra items “just in case” and continue to travel with printed boarding passes (48%) and itineraries (47%).[1] To demonstrate how foldables can eliminate the need for excess baggage, Samsung Australia invited the trio to spend 48 hours exploring Thailand, each with a different device to suit their travel style – the Galaxy Z Fold8, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra and Galaxy Z Flip8 – creating the perfect opportunity to see how much of their travel experience could be managed from their foldable devices.

 

“I usually travel with a laptop and dedicated camera for editing and filming, but the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra completely changed my workflow and travel style with the large screen, multi-window feature and amazing camera,” said Dorian Calleja. “I was able to have maps, notes and translation apps open simultaneously, but the ability to shoot, edit, review and share content all from one device made me realise I don’t need to travel with a laptop anymore.”

 

Teng with the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Dorian with the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra capture content while taking a tour in a traditional longtail boat

 

 

Three Travellers, Three Different Foldables

One of the strengths of Samsung’s latest foldable portfolio is that it goes beyond a one-size-fits-all experience. Each member of the group travelled with a different Galaxy Z series device that suited their personality and travel style.

 

For Teng, the Galaxy Z Fold8 became the ultimate all-in-one travel companion for exploring Bangkok without a set plan. Whether he was wandering down a side street that caught his eye or navigating his way after losing his bearings, the expansive screen was perfect for him to view maps and nearby recommendations at a glance. The slim passport-like design made it easy to slip into his pocket while moving through the city, while the larger unfolded screen offered an immersive experience for catching up on movies, books and socials between adventures.

 

Dorian travelled with the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Samsung’s ultimate productivity-focused foldable. Making sure they stayed prepared but still ready for adventure, the device’s large dual screen experience combined with Multi Window made it easy to seamlessly view and switch between navigating, translating and capturing content as the group’s adventure unfolded. Equipped with a 200MP main camera, 50MP ultra-wide lens and 10MP telephoto lens, the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra was able to capture scenes ranging from vibrant Bangkok street life to detailed snaps of the city’s iconic landmarks, while Galaxy AI editing tools also helped to create and edit content on the go.

 

Kevin travelled with the Galaxy Z Flip8, embracing its compact, pocket-friendly design and FlexWindow experience. Always ready to capture the moment, Kevin was able to snap group photos, record spontaneous adventures, and document highlights of the trip. As Samsung’s slimmest and lightest Flip device yet[2], it’s the perfect companion for travellers who want to pack light while still documenting every moment.

 

Teng and Kevin with the Galaxy Z Fold8

 

 

Discovering Thailand Like a Local

With almost half (45%) of Australians who have recently travelled by air saying that language barriers are the biggest challenge to  barrier to travelling like a local,[3] the trio used Galaxy AI[4] features to help navigate everyday travel moments. Interpreter helped facilitate conversations[5] with locals for the boys, Circle to Search assisted with identifying locations and points of interest, while Now Brief[6] also helped keep important information organised and accessible throughout the day, from travel plans and reminders to timely updates. From bustling street markets to longtail boat rides through Bangkok’s waterways, Galaxy AI worked quietly in the background, helping the group focus less on logistics and more on the experience itself.

 

“When I got lost and separated from the guys in Bangkok, the big unfolded screen of the Galaxy Z Fold8 showed me everything I needed to see at a glance – maps, nearby temples, markets, the whole vibe,” said Michael Teng. “When folded, it’s pocket-sized, light and super convenient, but unfolded, the large screen was perfect for exploring recommendations and planning my next move. It became my travel companion in a way I wasn’t expecting.”

 

 

Designed For The Way You Travel

Travellers don’t all look for the same things from their smartphone, and Samsung’s foldable portfolio reflects that. Whether it’s the productivity power of Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, the versatility of Galaxy Z Fold8 or the compact portability of Galaxy Z Flip8, Samsung offers a foldable designed to suit different lifestyles and ways of travelling.

 


[1] Research conducted in September 2026 by PureProfile behalf of Samsung Electronics Australia on a sample of 1014 Australians who have travelled by air in the last 12 months.

 

[2] Compared with previous Galaxy Z Flip models. Galaxy Z Flip8 is 6.1mm thick unfolded and weighs 180g, compared with 6.5mm and 188g for Galaxy Z Flip7.

 

[3] Research conducted in September 2026 by PureProfile behalf of Samsung Electronics Australia on a sample of 1014 Australians who have travelled by air in the last 12 months.

 

[4] Galaxy AI basic features provided by Samsung are free. Future releases may include enhanced features or new services that are offered on a paid basis. Different terms may apply for AI features provided by third parties. Galaxy AI basic features are those listed under “Advanced Intelligence” in the current Samsung T&C’s. For details visit www.samsung.com/au/.

 

[5] Interpreter and Now Brief require a Samsung Account login, and Circle to Search needs internet and must be enabled.

 

[6] Now Brief feature requires Samsung Account login. Available functions and features may vary by country, region, language, device model and apps. Some features may require a network connection. Customised briefing content provided is based only on the personal information to which the user has consented. Accuracy of generated results is not guaranteed.

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