Galaxy Z Fold Wide: In summary
- Samsung is expected to launch a wider foldable in 2026
- Anticipated to debut at the 22 July Samsung Unpacked event before the iPhone Ultra foldable
- Despite initial reports, the phone may simply be called the ‘Galaxy Z Fold 8’
- The design unfolds into a shape resembling a tablet
- Possibly equipped with only two rear cameras
Samsung pioneered the foldable phone market, earning credit for making foldables mainstream despite the presence of numerous competitors, some offering superior products. Having established the Z Fold and Z Flip ranges, Samsung is reportedly introducing a third variant with a wider form factor.
Currently known as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Wide, or possibly the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide, this model is expected to launch alongside the regular Galaxy Z Fold 8 at the typical July Unpacked event. Unlike previous models with taller dimensions, this one is designed to unfold more like a traditional tablet.
This development appears to be a strategic move to compete directly with Apple’s forthcoming iPhone Ultra, also known as the iPhone Fold. Samsung is supplying displays for Apple’s foldable, which is expected to release later this year and may also feature a wider design.
We have compiled information from various leaks and rumors about the Galaxy Z Fold Wide, along with expert analysis. This page will be continuously updated until the Z Fold Wide is officially announced.
Will the Z Fold Wide have a different name?
This could mark the beginning of a new series for Samsung, assuming it doesn’t meet the same fate as the Galaxy S25 Edge. The company is likely aiming for a smooth launch, clearly differentiating it from the traditional Z Fold 8, with which it will debut.
However, recent rumors suggest Samsung might complicate matters by releasing the Galaxy Z Fold Wide as the Galaxy Z Fold 8, effectively succeeding the Z Fold 7 but with a different design and one less rear camera. Meanwhile, the model initially thought to be the Z Fold 8 might be rebranded as the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra.
Numerous brands, such as Oppo and Vivo, now use the ‘Ultra’ label, often implying higher costs for top-tier specs. Samsung might be keen to join this trend.
Nonetheless, what we’ve gathered suggests the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is more of a modest improvement over the Z Fold 7 rather than a groundbreaking update. The wider model seems poised to be a stronger competitor to the iPhone Ultra, Apple’s first foldable device.
Regardless of Samsung’s eventual naming decision, we will use existing names for clarity: the taller model remains the Galaxy Z Fold 8, and the wider one is referred to as the Galaxy Z Fold Wide.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
When will the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Wide be released?
In summary
- 22 July is the anticipated launch date
- Numerous rumors suggest this is when the next Unpacked event will occur
- Expected to launch alongside the standard Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8
Though not officially confirmed, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Wide is likely to be introduced on 22 July at the upcoming Samsung Unpacked event.
During this event, Samsung will also unveil the standard Z Fold 8 and the compact Galaxy Z Flip 8. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 might also be showcased, as Samsung often presents these products together.
Rumors also hint at Samsung’s first smart glasses debuting at the July Unpacked, offering plenty for Samsung enthusiasts to look forward to.
Samsung plans to launch its wide-framed foldable ahead of Apple’s similar offering, making the July release a strategic move to gain a lead before the iPhone Ultra’s expected September launch.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
For context, here are the release dates of previous phones in the Galaxy Z Fold series:
- 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 Wide cost?
In summary
- No concrete price details yet
- The phone might be cheaper than the standard Z Fold 8
The pricing of the Galaxy Z Fold Wide remains uncertain, with no substantial rumors yet, but it could be positioned as a more budget-friendly version compared to the standard Z Fold 8.
This potential pricing strategy could be due to the removal of certain features to accommodate its unique design.
Recent price increases for the Galaxy S26 range and other Samsung devices in Korea, including the Z Fold 7, indicate that the Z Fold 8 may be priced higher than its predecessor.
It remains to be seen if the Z Fold Wide will adopt the Z Fold 7’s original £1,799/$1999.99 price tag.
To understand the potential price range for the Z Fold Wide, consider the price history of previous Z Fold models:
- 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 Wide have?
In summary
- The wide design increases its resemblance to a typical tablet
- Expected to have a larger 4800mAh battery
- Faster 45W charging speeds might be available
- No telephoto lens, with just two rear cameras
- May forgo a 200Mp main camera for a 50Mp option
A whole new design philosophy
Initial rumors about the Galaxy Z Fold 8 hinted at a second version, revealed by a tipster who discovered a Samsung phone in the GSMA product database with an unusual design.
The model number ‘SM-F971U’ matches previous devices in the series (the Z Fold 7 was labeled SM-F966).
Credit: Onleaks, Android Headlines
However, the market name (or codename) is usually noted as a Q, followed by the device number. For example, the Z Fold 7 was Q7. This new device is listed as H8, which suggests a deviation from the norm. Pre-release renders have since confirmed the Fold Wide’s existence.
These renders depict the Z Fold Wide with a 5.4-inch outer screen, concealing a larger 7.6-inch interior display. This is notably wider than the 8-inch internal screen of the standard Galaxy Z Fold 8, giving it a more tablet-like feel when open. It’s estimated to be only 4.9mm thick when unfolded, expanding to 9.8mm when closed.
It’s not the first of its kind, with the Huawei Pura X Max already available and brands like Oppo, Vivo, and Honor reportedly developing similar wide models.
Credit: SamMobile
Examining the Fold Wide’s firmware offers insight into its potential user experience. The inner display’s wider profile allows apps to be arranged more like they would be on a traditional tablet, contrasting the square layout of the Z Fold 7. This wider screen could enhance the phone’s capabilities for streaming movies and gaming.
Comparing the dimensions of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Fold Wide visually highlights the significant difference in form factor.
Android Headlines
Reports suggest the phone will weigh approximately 200g, making it more portable than the 215g Galaxy Z Fold 7. However, this detail should be viewed with caution until more information is available.
Sources: Smartprix | ET News | Ice Universe | Android Headlines (2) | SamMobile | Techmaniacs
An unfortunate camera downgrade
While the anticipation for Samsung’s new foldable is high, there’s a potential drawback that could deter some buyers. Similar to the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, the Z Fold Wide is expected to feature only two rear cameras, omitting the telephoto lens.
Foldables have traditionally struggled to compete with the camera capabilities of standard flagship phones, so this change might be seen as a step backward unless Samsung can compensate with advanced computational processing.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Recent rumors suggest the two rear sensors will be a 50Mp wide and a 50Mp ultra-wide, indicating the absence of the 200Mp main sensor that the Z Fold 7 borrowed from the Galaxy S25 Ultra. If true, this could be seen as a weak point for a phone likely priced around £2000/$2000.
Although the wider form factor may be preferable for activities like gaming and watching TV, it’s uncertain if this will justify a compromise on the camera system. This situation might evoke memories of the iPhone Air.
Source: Techmaniacs
Improved charging and battery life
Despite the camera limitations, the Z Fold Wide is likely to feature some battery improvements that could enhance daily use. The device might come with a larger 4800mAh battery, a significant upgrade from the 4,400mAh battery in the Z Fold 7.
This larger battery could be complemented by faster 45W charging speeds. Samsung has been conservative with battery upgrades recently, as seen in the Galaxy S26+, but this device seems to break that trend, acknowledging the need for good battery life in foldables to maximize their larger screens.
Source: Techmaniacs
That’s all the information available on the Galaxy Z Fold Wide for now. We will continue to monitor developments and update this article with new details as they emerge.
