Gadgets

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Wide: Everything You Need to Know

Published

3 months ago

May 20, 2026

BTI Team

Galaxy Z Fold Wide: A Comprehensive Overview

Samsung is set to unveil a wider foldable phone in 2026

Expected to debut during the 22 July Samsung Unpacked event, preceding the iPhone Ultra foldable

The design is more squat, resembling a tablet when unfolded

Anticipated to feature only two rear-facing cameras

Samsung led the charge in popularizing foldable phones and is now expanding its lineup with the introduction of the Galaxy Z Fold Wide. This new model, also referred to as the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide, is expected to launch alongside the standard Galaxy Z Fold 8 during the upcoming July Unpacked event. Unlike its predecessors, the Z Fold Wide will have a wider form factor, catering to those who prefer a more tablet-like experience.

The motivation behind the development of the Galaxy Z Fold Wide seems to be the impending release of the iPhone Ultra, Apple’s first folding phone, which is rumored to also feature a wider design. With leaks and rumors circulating about the Z Fold Wide, we have compiled the information below, along with expert insights, to provide a comprehensive overview. This article will be continuously updated leading up to the official announcement of the Z Fold Wide.

Expected Release Date of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Wide

In summary

22 July is the anticipated launch date

Multiple rumors point to this date for the next Unpacked event

Likely to coincide with the launch of the standard Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8

Although not officially confirmed, speculations strongly suggest that Samsung will unveil the Galaxy Z Fold Wide on 22 July during the upcoming Samsung Unpacked event. The event is also expected to introduce the standard Z Fold 8 and the compact Galaxy Z Flip 8. There are even rumors of Samsung’s debut smart glasses making an appearance at the event, offering a plethora of exciting launches for Samsung enthusiasts. The timing aligns with Samsung’s strategy to outpace Apple’s iPhone Ultra release, scheduled for September.

Here are the release dates of previous phones in the Galaxy Z Fold series for context:

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

Expected Price of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Wide

In summary

No specific price details available yet

The phone may be priced lower than the standard Z Fold 8

The pricing of the Galaxy Z Fold Wide is a point of interest. While concrete details on the actual price are scarce, there is speculation that the Z Fold Wide may serve as a more affordable alternative to the standard Z Fold 8. This strategic pricing approach could be attributed to the need to make adjustments in features to accommodate the wider design.

Recent price hikes in Samsung’s phone lineup, including the Z Fold 7, indicate that the Z Fold 8 is likely to command a higher price. Whether the Z Fold Wide will retain the price point of the Z Fold 7 remains to be seen.

Previous price ranges for the Galaxy Z Fold series are as follows:

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

Anticipated Specs and Features of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Wide

In summary

The wider design offers a more tablet-like user experience

Expected to feature a larger 4800mAh battery

Potential for faster 45W charging capabilities

Limited to two rear-facing cameras, excluding a telephoto lens

Rumored to replace the main 200Mp camera with a 50Mp alternative

A Fresh Design Approach

Early rumors surrounding the Galaxy Z Fold 8 hinted at the existence of a second variant, leading to the discovery of a Samsung phone listing on the GSMA product database with a different model number, ‘SM-F971U,’ compared to previous models like the Z Fold 7 (‘SM-F966’). The market name, denoted as H8, diverges from the typical naming convention, suggesting a unique offering. Subsequent pre-release renders have provided further confirmation of the Fold Wide’s existence.

The renders showcase the Z Fold Wide with a 5.4-inch outer display concealing a larger 7.6-inch panel within. This design choice results in a more widescreen tablet-like experience when unfolded. The device is expected to measure 4.9mm in thickness when opened, expanding to 9.8mm when closed.

While the Z Fold Wide is not the first of its kind, with similar models from other manufacturers in development, the firmware analysis offers insights into the user interface optimizations for the wider screen, enhancing the tablet-like functionality of the device.

Enhanced Battery Performance

The Z Fold Wide is projected to feature a larger 4800mAh battery, a notable increase from the Z Fold 7’s 4,400mAh capacity. Coupled with faster 45W charging speeds, the device aims to address the need for extended battery life to support the enhanced user experience offered by its larger display.

Camera Downgrade Concerns

Despite the promising aspects of the Z Fold Wide, there is a notable drawback in the camera department. Similar to the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, the Z Fold Wide is anticipated to feature only two rear-facing cameras, omitting the telephoto lens altogether. This decision raises concerns about the device’s camera capabilities compared to traditional flagship phones.

Rumors suggest that the two rear sensors will be a 50Mp wide and a 50Mp ultra-wide, indicating the absence of the main 200Mp sensor present in the Z Fold 7. This potential downgrade in camera quality may pose a challenge for users considering the device, especially given its premium price point.

Enhanced Charging and Battery Features

Despite the camera limitations, the Z Fold Wide offers improvements in the battery department, with a larger 4800mAh battery and faster 45W charging capabilities. These enhancements aim to provide users with a more reliable and efficient power solution to complement the device’s advanced functionalities.

These insights provide a comprehensive overview of the Galaxy Z Fold Wide, offering a glimpse into its anticipated features and performance. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting addition to the foldable phone market.