Galaxy Z Fold Wide: In summary
- Samsung is expected to release a wider foldable in 2026
- Likely to debut during the 22 July Samsung Unpacked event ahead of the iPhone Ultra foldable
- The phone might be launched as the ‘Galaxy Z Fold 8’ without the ‘Wide’ moniker
- The design resembles a tablet when unfolded
- Expected to have only two rear-facing cameras
Samsung has been a pioneer in the foldable phone market, and now, after establishing the Z Fold and Z Flip series, the company is gearing up to introduce a wider form factor with the Galaxy Z Fold Wide. This new model is anticipated to launch alongside the standard Galaxy Z Fold 8 at the upcoming Samsung Unpacked event in July. The wider design aims to compete directly with Apple’s upcoming iPhone Ultra foldable, which is also rumored to have a wider form factor.
As per leaks and rumors, the Galaxy Z Fold Wide is expected to offer a different user experience with its unique design. It may challenge the traditional smartphone layout by providing a wider screen that resembles a tablet, making it ideal for multimedia consumption and gaming.
Will the Z Fold Wide have a different name?
Rumors suggest that Samsung might market the Galaxy Z Fold Wide as the Galaxy Z Fold 8, creating confusion among consumers. This decision could result in the standard Z Fold 8 being labeled as the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. The industry trend of using ‘Ultra’ for premium devices might influence Samsung’s naming strategy, even though the Z Fold Wide appears to be a modest upgrade rather than a groundbreaking innovation.
When will the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Wide be released?
In summary
- Expected launch date: 22 July
- Rumors point to the next Unpacked event in July for the Z Fold Wide debut
- Likely to launch alongside the standard Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Wide is likely to be unveiled on 22 July during the upcoming Samsung Unpacked event. This event may also feature the launch of the standard Z Fold 8 and the Z Flip 8. Additionally, there are speculations about Samsung introducing its first smart glasses at the same event.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
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 details for the Galaxy Z Fold Wide are not confirmed yet. However, it is speculated that this model might be positioned as a more affordable alternative to the standard Z Fold 8 due to certain feature compromises. As the Z Fold 8 is expected to be priced higher than its predecessor, the Z Fold Wide could potentially retain a similar price to the Z Fold 7.
For reference, 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
What specs and features will the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Wide have?
In summary
- The wide design makes the phone feel more like a traditional tablet
- Likely to have a larger 4800mAh battery
- Faster 45W charging speeds could be on the table
- No telephoto lens, with just two rear-facing cameras
- Could miss out on a 200Mp main camera for a 50Mp alternative
A whole new design philosophy
As rumors of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide surfaced, it became apparent that Samsung was exploring a different form factor. The device’s model number ‘SM-F971U’ hinted at a departure from the usual design, with a wider screen and a thinner profile. Renders of the Z Fold Wide show a squatter build with a 5.4-inch outer display and a larger 7.6-inch inner panel, offering a unique tablet-like experience.
The phone is expected to be just 4.9mm thick when unfolded, providing a different layout for apps and content consumption. The wider screen could enhance gaming and multimedia experiences, setting it apart from traditional smartphones.
The firmware development for the Z Fold Wide indicates a user interface optimized for the wider display, making it more suitable for various tasks.
Credit: Onleaks, Android Headlines
An unfortunate camera downgrade
The Galaxy Z Fold Wide is rumored to feature only two rear-facing cameras, lacking a telephoto lens. This camera setup could be a drawback compared to traditional flagship smartphones, as foldables have historically struggled in this area. The absence of a telephoto lens may require advanced computational photography to compensate for the limited hardware.
Recent reports suggest that the Z Fold Wide will sport a 50Mp wide and a 50Mp ultra-wide camera, omitting the 200Mp main sensor found in the Z Fold 7. This downgrade in camera specifications could be disappointing for a premium device expected to be priced around £2000/$2000.
While the wider form factor offers unique benefits, the compromised camera system might deter potential buyers looking for a comprehensive photography experience.
Improved charging and battery life
The Galaxy Z Fold Wide is expected to feature a larger 4800mAh battery, an upgrade from the Z Fold 7’s 4400mAh capacity. Additionally, the device may support faster 45W charging speeds, enhancing the overall battery performance. These improvements aim to provide users with a better battery life experience, crucial for maximizing the usage of the larger display.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Wide as we continue to monitor developments and provide the latest information on this exciting new foldable device.
