Samsung’s foldable lineup may be getting a fresh new look this year, and it could be the most practical option yet for people who like the book-style Fold design but want something that feels more natural for reading, multitasking, and media.
A new device being discussed in recent leaks is widely being referred to as the Samsung Galaxy “Wide Fold.” As the nickname suggests, this model is expected to keep the familiar book-style folding design, but with a wider aspect ratio than Samsung’s current Galaxy Z Fold series. The end goal sounds simple: deliver a foldable phone that feels less tall and narrow, and more like a compact tablet when opened.
What’s especially interesting is that this isn’t just based on fan-made concepts anymore. Animations that appear to show the Wide Fold opening and closing were reportedly found inside APK files, offering a more “official” glimpse at its overall shape. While the animations don’t reveal finer details like the rear camera layout, button placement, or exact thickness, they do provide a clearer idea of the form factor. They also suggest two selfie camera cutouts—one on the cover screen and one on the inner display—similar to what we’ve seen on recent Fold models.
The leaks also hint at where this device fits in Samsung’s internal roadmap. The animations were tied to an internal codename said to be H8, which has been connected to a rumored model number: SM-F971U. That model number matters because it lines up logically with Samsung’s numbering pattern for the Fold series, and it fuels speculation that the Wide Fold could sit alongside (or just below) the next major Galaxy Z Fold releases.
Adding more weight to the rumor, that same model number has reportedly surfaced in connection with test firmware for One UI 9. If accurate, it suggests Samsung is already running its next software version on this new foldable—typically a sign that the device is being actively prepared for an eventual launch.
So what might the Samsung Galaxy Wide Fold offer? Current chatter points to a more tablet-like inner screen with a 4:3 aspect ratio, potentially measuring around 7.6 inches. The outer cover display is rumored to be about 5.4 inches. If those specs hold, the big difference won’t just be screen size—it’ll be how the display feels in real use. A wider inner screen could make apps look more balanced, improve split-screen multitasking, and offer a more comfortable layout for documents, browsing, and video.
Pricing could be another major reason this model attracts attention. The Wide Fold is being described as a more affordable alternative to the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 8, and possibly even positioned as a cheaper option compared with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 depending on the final lineup. That could make it a compelling pick for shoppers who want the Fold experience without paying top-tier Fold pricing.
There’s also talk that Samsung may release the Wide Fold in more markets than its more experimental foldable concepts, which could make it a bigger global launch rather than a limited rollout. If Samsung is planning a wider release, it would signal real confidence that this wider book-style foldable could appeal to mainstream buyers—not just early adopters.
Nothing is confirmed yet, but the direction is clear: Samsung appears to be exploring a foldable that solves one of the most common complaints about book-style foldables—narrow proportions—while also aiming for a more accessible price point. If it launches alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8 later this year as expected, the Wide Fold could end up being the surprise standout in Samsung’s next wave of foldables.
