With recent rumors circulating about the design specifications of Apple's first foldable iPhone, Samsung is clearly preparing to make adjustments in response, planning to launch a new foldable phone called "Galaxy Z Wide Fold". The inner screen will be adjusted to a 7.6-inch size with a 4:3 aspect ratio. Compared to the previous Galaxy Z Fold series models that used a 6:5 or close to 1:1 aspect ratio, the new phone will have a wider inner screen design.
South Korean ETnews related reportsIt is alleged that Samsung plans to launch a new foldable phone called "Galaxy Z Wide Fold" (tentative name) in the fall of 2026, and it will be unveiled alongside the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Flip8, which are expected to be launched next year. The difference is that it will adopt a wider inner screen design, with an expected size of 7.6 inches with a 4:3 display ratio.
This design is similar to the rumored first foldable iPhone that Apple will soon launch, with an internal screen of about 7.58 inches and a 4:3 aspect ratio. It can also improve the problem of obvious black bars at the top and bottom when playing videos with the previous aspect ratio, and is also expected to provide a more comfortable operating feel than a regular candybar phone.
Similar designs include OPPO's previously released Find N series foldable phones, which also adopted a "short and stout" passport-like proportion design, and Google's first foldable phone, the Pixel Fold, which also adopted this design.Similar wide-width designLater models slightly reduced the screen width, but still maintained a relatively wide design.
In contrast, Samsung has maintained a relatively slim and elongated body design from the first Galaxy Fold to the recent Galaxy Z Fold7. Although it is touted as easy to hold and operate with one hand, the relatively narrow screen width makes it slightly difficult for users to operate the phone functions through the external screen, and also makes the app display ratio look strange.
Dual flagship strategy
Based on current information, Samsung's next strategy is clearly to launch the Galaxy Z Wide Fold, which features a widescreen design, in addition to the existing Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Flip8. It may even enter the market before Apple, thereby competing with Apple's upcoming foldable iPhone. At the same time, it will also attract existing consumers through the Galaxy Z Fold8.
However, whether this strategy means that the Galaxy Z Wide Fold will become Samsung's main selling model in the future depends on the actual sales performance of this rumored foldable phone. Otherwise, it may be like the Galaxy S25 Edge, which was launched separately this year, and its actual sales performance may be poor, leading to the cancellation of plans to launch a subsequent updated model.
Analysis: Is a wide screen the "sweet spot" for foldable phones?
In my opinion, if Samsung were to actually release the Galaxy Z Wide Fold with a 4:3 aspect ratio, it would be less of an innovation and more of a case of "following the trend."
Feedback from users of the OPPO Find N series and Google Pixel Fold over the past few years has proven one thing: foldable phones are used 70% of the time in their folded state. Therefore, the usability of the external screen and its width, which are similar to those of a regular phone, clearly determine the practicality of this foldable phone in "everyday mode".
While Samsung's long-standing commitment to a slim profile makes it easy to hold, it does present limitations in terms of operation. If the Galaxy Z Wide Fold could combine the advantages of OPPO's wide folding phone design with Apple's 4:3 aspect ratio inner screen design, it might be able to resolve the current awkward situation of the Galaxy Z Fold series, where the outer screen is too narrow and the inner screen is too square.
