Messi gold Fold 8 Ultra listing appears before Samsung reveal
Caviar is selling a Messi-themed Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra for $13,130, even though Samsung has not confirmed the phone exists.
By Georgia Hale · Staff Writer
3 min read
A luxury gadget customizer has listed a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra with Lionel Messi’s face on the back and a $13,130 price tag before Samsung has even confirmed the phone.
The listing comes from Caviar, a company that sells bespoke versions of iPhones, Samsung Galaxy phones and other devices. Its product page describes a Messi-themed foldable with 24-karat gold plating, placing it inside a limited-edition “Legends” collection.
Samsung has said it will share foldable-phone news at its Galaxy Unpacked event in London on July 22. The company has not officially announced the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, nor has it released official pricing, specifications or images for that rumored model.
That makes Caviar’s listing a curious bit of pre-launch theater. The company’s images show a custom foldable design built around Messi, but it is not clear whether the pictures are based on official Samsung materials or on concept art tied to rumors about the device.
Messi gets the gold treatment
Caviar introduced the product in a July 15 press release announcing its “Legends” collection. The lineup includes a Cristiano Ronaldo-themed iPhone and a Messi-themed Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, according to the company.
Caviar’s promotional material says the portrait of Argentina’s captain is worked into the rear panel of the Samsung Fold 8 folding flagship. The company presents the design as a tribute to Messi’s style of play.
The listing says the Messi model costs $13,130. Caviar’s site also says, under its warranty section, that it guarantees the authenticity and quality of products bought through the company.
Caviar said in its release that the collection is tied to the upcoming FIFA World Cup final and the release of the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. The company also said the tournament is significant because it marks the final World Cup in which both Messi and Ronaldo will compete.
Only 19 pieces will be available worldwide, according to Caviar.
Samsung is still keeping quiet
Samsung’s confirmed plans are much more restrained. The company has announced foldable-phone news for Galaxy Unpacked and has discussed a new Flex Titanium display, but it has not confirmed the expected Galaxy Z Flip 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8 or Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra by name.
Mashable reported that the tech industry expects Samsung to reveal three foldable devices at the July 22 event: the Galaxy Z Flip 8, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. Samsung has not verified those models.
The gap between Samsung’s silence and Caviar’s flashy product page leaves a few possibilities on the table. Caviar may be working from official information, it may be using renders based on rumored details, or it may be using Galaxy Unpacked buzz to draw attention to its own custom hardware line.
Mashable reported that it contacted both Samsung and Caviar with questions about the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra listing. No additional response was included in its report.
This story draws on original reporting from Mashable.