Galaxy Z Fold 8 (Wide): Key Points
- Samsung is anticipated to launch a wider foldable phone in 2026
- Expected to be unveiled at the 22 July Samsung Unpacked event, preceding the iPhone Ultra foldable launch
- Despite initial speculation, the phone may simply be called the ‘Galaxy Z Fold 8’
- Its squat design will open up to resemble a tablet
- May feature only two rear cameras
- Potential use of thicker, more durable glass for the inner display
The year 2026 is poised to be significant for Samsung, with the release of the Galaxy S26 series, which introduced the industry’s first Privacy Display via the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. Now, the brand is gearing up to introduce the first of what could be a new line of foldables.
Samsung plans to continue offering traditional foldable models such as the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and the clamshell-designed Galaxy Z Flip 8. However, the spotlight is on the widely leaked Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Wide, which will feature a squat-like frame that unfolds into a wide-screen tablet.
This design approach isn’t entirely new, having been seen in models like the Huawei Pura X Max, but it enhances the device’s suitability for entertainment purposes. Samsung’s timing with the Galaxy Z Fold Wide is largely influenced by the forthcoming iPhone Ultra, Apple’s first foldable phone, anticipated later this year.
While details about the iPhone Ultra remain sparse, the Z Fold Wide has been the subject of numerous leaks leading up to its launch.
With its launch drawing near, we have a clearer picture of what the phone might offer. It represents an intriguing option for those yet to explore foldable technology, although some existing fans might find the design compromises challenging.
If you’re eager to learn about the Galaxy Z Fold Wide, read on for the latest leaks and rumors.
Will the Z Fold Wide have a different name?
This new line of phones for Samsung could potentially mark the start of a series, provided it doesn’t share the fate of the Galaxy S25 Edge. You’d expect Samsung to clearly differentiate it from the traditional Z Fold 8 it will debut alongside.
However, if recent rumors hold true, Samsung may be complicating matters more than necessary.
Current speculation suggests that Samsung might release the Galaxy Z Fold Wide as the Galaxy Z Fold 8, positioning it as the successor to the Z Fold 7 despite its different design and fewer camera lenses. The other phone, initially assumed to be the Z Fold 8, may be rebranded as the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra.
As many brands now use the ‘Ultra’ label—like Oppo Find X9 Ultra and Vivo X300 Ultra—Samsung’s adoption is logical. However, it typically indicates higher prices for top-tier specs that deliver significant advancements, something the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra may not fully achieve, appearing more as a modest upgrade from the Z Fold 7. Meanwhile, the wide model could rival Apple’s forthcoming iPhone Ultra, its first foldable device.
Until further confirmation, we’ll continue referring to it as the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide to avoid confusion.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
When will the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide be released?
In summary
- Expected launch date is 22 July
- Multiple reports suggest this is when the next Unpacked event will occur
- Likely to launch alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and Z Flip 8
Although Samsung has yet to officially confirm the Z Fold 8 Wide release date, all indications suggest the company is targeting 22 July.
Rumors about a Samsung Unpacked event in July have circulated for months, with the 22nd being highlighted by several sources, including Seoul Economic Daily, known for its accurate Samsung insights.
Adding to the speculation, Samsung may have inadvertently confirmed the date with a pre-order offer through Samsung Malaysia. This offer gives Samsung Members app users RM700 (about £130/$170) off the price of the brand’s next foldable phone. The discount, typical for Samsung, doesn’t start until 22 July, strongly indicating that this is when the phone and other new devices will be unveiled.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
To provide context, here are the release dates of past Galaxy Z Fold models:
- Samsung Galaxy Fold – September 2019
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 – September 2020
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 – August 2021
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 – August 2022
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 – August 2023
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 – July 2024
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 – July 2025
Sources: ET News | Korea Economic TV | Seoul Economic Daily
How much will the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide cost?
In summary
- No confirmed pricing details yet
- Potentially more affordable than the Z Fold 8 Ultra
Speculation about the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide’s price is rife, yet there are no definitive rumors. It’s anticipated that the Wide model may be more budget-friendly than the taller Z Fold 8 Ultra, given that some features have been omitted to accommodate its design.
With recent price hikes affecting both the Galaxy S26 lineup and existing Samsung models in Korea, including the Z Fold 7, it’s likely that the Z Fold 8 Ultra will be priced higher than its predecessor.
Whether the Z Fold 8 Wide will adopt the original £1,799/$1999.99 price of the Z Fold 7 is yet to be determined.
To understand the price context, here’s a look at previous Z Fold models’ pricing:
- Samsung Galaxy Fold – £1,900/$1,980
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 – £1,799/$1,999
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 – £1,599/$1,799
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 – £1,649/$1,799
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 – £1,749/$1,799
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 – £1,799/$1,899
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 – £1,799/$1,999
What specs and features will the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide have?
In summary
- Wide design offers a tablet-like feel
- Potentially a larger 4800mAh battery
- Possibly faster 45W charging speeds
- Lacks a telephoto lens, featuring only two rear cameras
- Might not include a 200Mp main camera, opting for a 50Mp alternative
- May shoot natively at 24Mp
- Inner display could utilize thicker, more durable glass
A whole new design philosophy
Initially identified as ‘SM-F971U’ in the GSMA product database, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide has moved beyond mere speculation, becoming one of the most leaked phones in recent history. While this might not be ideal for Samsung’s surprise factor, it provides a clearer understanding of the company’s goals for this device.
The Z Fold 8 Wide is a shorter, more squared-off device, reminiscent of the Blackberry Passport when closed. When unfolded, it feels more like a traditional, wide-screen tablet. This design should enhance its performance as an entertainment device, unlike traditional book-style foldables that feature heavy borders when streaming content on their inner displays.
While offering a different style of foldable appeals to consumers seeking variety, the Z Fold 8 Wide seems poised to challenge the iPhone Ultra, Apple’s inaugural foldable model, expected to share a similar design.
Reportedly, the Z Fold 8 Wide will weigh 201g, making it 14g lighter than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. It is anticipated to be 4.5mm thick when unfolded, slightly thicker than the 4.2mm of the Fold 7.
The Z Fold 8 Wide’s appearance is no longer speculative due to several leaks, including one from a purported Samsung employee. A wide-looking Samsung foldable was reportedly spotted in public, used by someone at a restaurant. Although likely a development unit, this provides a rough idea of how the device may feel in hand, fitting more comfortably when closed.
DCInside
While the images of this real-life Fold encounter are somewhat grainy, clearer shots of dummy units for both the Fold Wide and its larger sibling have surfaced on X. These images highlight the height difference and offer a closer look at how the Z Fold 8 Wide fits in one hand.
With the Z Fold 8 Ultra’s taller aspect ratio, it might excel at multitasking and typing when unfolded, while the Z Fold 8 Wide may cater more to users who game and stream video content.
Recent renders reveal the color options expected for the Z Fold 8 Wide and the official cases Samsung plans to release with the phone. There are four colorways: Cream, Graphite, Lavender, and Pistachio (the first two shared with the Fold 8 Ultra).
Credit: Android Headlines
The Lavender and Pistachio variants are more vibrant and likely to be featured in marketing efforts to differentiate the device from the Z Fold 8 Ultra, which offers more subdued, business-oriented colors.
As the launch of the Z Fold 8 Wide approaches, Samsung has started hinting at the new design through a series of teaser videos online. These videos show various items with reduced height, such as a chocolate bar, adopting a more squat shape. Some videos carry the tagline “Bold stroke. New Shape,” dispelling any notion that the Z Fold 8 Wide is merely a rumor.
Screenshot
Samsung
Regarding its construction, the Z Fold 8 Wide is rumored to utilize thicker and more durable glass on its internal display. Leaks suggest it will employ a 60μm-thick Ultra-thin glass, whereas the standard Fold 8 will have a thinner 45μm UTG glass, similar to that of the Z Fold 7.
The thicker glass should help reduce the visibility of the interior crease, aligning the device more closely with the Oppo Find N6, which boasts a nearly invisible crease. This crease has long been a concern for Samsung’s foldables, as it becomes noticeable from certain angles.
Moreover, the thicker glass should enhance the screen’s resistance to scratches and wear, a persistent issue for foldable devices. However, a thicker display might deteriorate faster at the crease compared to a thinner option, so Samsung is likely working to ensure the device can endure extensive use.
Sources: Smartprix | ET News | Ice Universe | Android Headlines (2) (3) | SamMobile | Techmaniacs | DCInside | ZDNetKorea
An unfortunate camera downgrade
Enthusiasm for Samsung’s new foldable is tempered by one downside that could deter some potential buyers. Similar to the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, the Z Fold 8 Wide will only feature two rear cameras, foregoing a telephoto lens.
Foldables have often lagged behind traditional flagship phones in terms of camera setups, and this could represent a setback unless Samsung employs advanced computational processing to compensate.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
The situation becomes more concerning with recent rumors suggesting the two rear sensors will be a 50Mp wide and a 50Mp ultra-wide, omitting the 200Mp main sensor used by the Z Fold 7, originally from the Galaxy S25 Ultra. If true, this could be seen as a lackluster offering for a device expected to cost around £2000/$2000.
On a positive note, the main 50Mp sensor is expected to capture images at a 24Mp resolution by default, without needing the Camera Assist function available through Samsung’s Good Lock infrastructure. Many smartphone cameras with high megapixel counts usually capture images at 12Mp by default to conserve storage, but it seems Samsung intends to maximize the cameras’ capabilities for users.
Source: Techmaniacs | Ice Universe
Improved charging and battery life
While the Z Fold 8 Wide’s cameras might be underwhelming, improvements in battery and charging could be beneficial for users. The device is expected to feature a larger 4800mAh battery, a significant upgrade from the Z Fold 7’s 4400mAh battery.
Alongside the larger battery, the Z Fold 8 Wide may support faster 45W charging speeds. Samsung has been conservative with battery enhancements recently, as seen with the Galaxy S26+, so these developments are a welcome change, particularly for foldables that require ample battery life to support their expansive screens.
Source: Techmaniacs
A Snapdragon chipset under the hood
Samsung’s choice of chipsets is often unpredictable, given the ongoing toggle between its Exynos processors and the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon chips. This was evident in the global release of the Galaxy S26 series, which had varying chipsets by region.
Fortunately, the Z Fold series consistently features Qualcomm processors, which seems to hold true for the Z Fold 8 Wide as well.
Luke Baker
According to FCC filings, the Z Fold 8 Wide will include a Snapdragon processor, though the specific model remains unknown. It’s expected to feature the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip. Anything less would disadvantage the phone against competing flagships.
The filings also reveal that the phone will support Wi-Fi 7 and NB-NTN satellite connectivity, enhancing connectivity options when users are out of network range.
That’s all the information available on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide at the moment. However, stay tuned for more updates as further news unfolds in the coming days and weeks.
