Summary created by Smart Answers AI
In summary:
- Samsung is developing the Galaxy Z Fold Wide with a new passport design featuring an iPad-like aspect ratio for a more natural tablet experience when unfolded.
- Tech Advisor reports the device appears incredibly thin when folded and may be rebranded as the Galaxy Z Fold 8 in a potential series naming overhaul.
- This strategic move leverages Samsung’s foldable expertise to compete against Apple’s expected late entry into the foldable market with the iPhone Ultra.
We may have just had our best look at the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Wide design yet, courtesy of a leaked hands-on with a dummy unit.
Tipster Sonny Dickson has posted a brief 14-second video of what appears to be a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Wide (or is it simply the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 now?) dummy unit.
Such physical models are typically made based on detailed specifications provided by manufacturers, usually for the purposes of certification and third-party accessory production.
Sonny Dickson
This physical unit, while obviously non-operational, looks pretty convincing, although prolific Samsung tipster Ice Universe has dismissed it as having a level of build quality that falls “far from the real device, so it should only be used as a rough reference”.
Despite such naysaying, the video still offers a good look at how different this new foldable is likely to feel alongside the regular Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 (or is that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra?). The new passport design will make for a more naturally tablet-like experience once the device is opened up.
Wide but thin
Samsung’s new foldable variant is widely seen as a preemptive measure, as Apple is expected to launch its first iPhone Ultra foldable with the very same iPad-like aspect ratio towards the end of the year.
Samsung’s edge here could be its unmatched experience in the foldable space. According to Dickson, “The thinness is insane” on this Fold 8/Wide dummy.
He describes the unit as being “Literally an S25 Edge thin when folded” – though it looks a little thicker than the 5.8mm-thick Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge to these eyes.
As we’ve already alluded to, it was recently claimed that Samsung is looking to completely upend its foldable naming scheme for the upcoming generational refresh.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 follow-up could well be called the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra under the new scheme, while the new wider variant could adopt the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 name.
Such a move would be very confusing with the aforementioned iPhone Ultra on the horizon. It would be a brave tech company that bets against Apple’s latecomer selling like hotcakes when it launches.
Read more about the Galaxy Z Fold Wide in our full guide.
