Foldable smartphones have long ceased to be exotic, but Samsung apparently decided that one format isn’t enough. Before we could even digest the leak of renders for the regular Galaxy Z Fold 8, images of an entirely new model leaked online — the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide. This is a so-called “book-style” foldable smartphone with a wide screen, and it could become the answer to the foldable iPhone that Apple is allegedly preparing for fall. Honestly, the idea looks bold. But if it works out, the smartphone will be truly interesting.
Samsung should have offered this foldable smartphone format a long time ago.
What Will the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide Be Like
The renders were published by well-known insider OnLeaks, with the original source being Android Headlines. In short — imagine two Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge phones folded spine-to-spine. That’s roughly what we’re being shown. The device’s codename is H8, the model number is SM-F971U, and visually it really resembles a book rather than the familiar vertical “sandwich” of the Fold series.
Here’s an important point: unlike the regular Z Fold 8, which has three cameras on the back panel, the wide version will get only two modules. In practice, this most likely means Samsung removed the telephoto lens, keeping the main sensor and ultrawide. However — if we go by the Galaxy S25 Edge specifications — the main camera of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide could get a resolution of 200 MP, while the ultrawide module could be 12 or 50 MP. For a foldable smartphone, that’s a very serious proposition.
This is where it gets really interesting. Due to the non-standard proportions, the external display ended up compact — just 5.4 inches. For comparison: the Galaxy Z Fold 7 has a 6.5-inch external screen. That might seem like a step backward. But don’t rush to be disappointed.
It’s still just a render, but you can already get an idea of the smartphone. Image: androidheadlines
The thing is, the inner screen of the Samsung Z Fold 8 Wide is 7.6 inches, and thanks to the wider aspect ratio, it feels completely different from the elongated display of the classic Fold. It’s essentially an almost tablet-like format, convenient for working with two apps simultaneously, reading documents, and watching videos without annoying black bars. On paper, the difference seems small, but in terms of feel, these are two different devices — roughly like a regular book versus a notebook. Both are convenient, but for different tasks.
Samsung’s Thinnest Foldable Smartphone
According to CAD renders, the dimensions of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide when unfolded are 123.9 × 161.4 × 4.9 mm, and when folded — 123.9 × 82.2 × 9.8 mm. Pay attention to the thickness in the unfolded state — less than 5 millimeters. This makes the device one of the thinnest foldable smartphones on the market.
Honestly, the numbers are impressive. When folded, the device turns out slightly wider than a regular smartphone but noticeably shorter — it literally fits in your hand like a wallet. The other question is how comfortable it will be to use the 5.4-inch external screen for everyday tasks. Replying to a message — no problem. But your usual feed scrolling will most likely make you unfold the device.
There’s no official data on the internals yet, but logic suggests that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide will get the same Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor as the regular Z Fold 8. It would be strange to release a device in a new format on an old chip — it simply doesn’t make sense from a marketing standpoint.
The wide format might turn out to be even more convenient than a regular foldable. Image: androidheadlines
Battery capacity is expected to be around 5000 mAh with 45W fast charging. Considering the two screens and powerful processor, a 5000 mAh battery is more of a necessary minimum than generosity. However, Samsung has noticeably improved energy efficiency in recent Fold generations, so there’s no need to panic just yet.
When Will the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide Launch and How Much Will It Cost
This is where the less pleasant news begins. Against the backdrop of a global shortage of RAM and flash storage, component prices are rising, and analysts suggest that the price of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide could be comparable to the cost of the regular Z Fold 8. In other words, we’re talking about a flagship price tag with no discounts for the novelty of the format.
In practice, this means the wide-format foldable Samsung will most likely cost around 150,000–180,000 rubles at launch (extrapolating current Fold lineup prices). Not the most democratic sum — but on the other hand, you get a fundamentally new form factor and essentially a mini-tablet in your pocket.
It’s expected that Samsung will unveil the Z Fold 8 Wide alongside the regular Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8 at the Samsung Unpacked event in July or August. That means there are still a few months until the official announcement.
After the tri-fold, flip, and fold, this will be Samsung’s fourth foldable format.
The main competitor is the foldable iPhone from Apple, which, according to rumors, will be shown in September. So Samsung wants to hit the market earlier and stake its claim in the “book-style” foldable device niche before Apple takes all the attention. The strategy is clear: whoever’s first sets the standard.
If you’ve been eyeing foldable smartphones for a while but were put off by the elongated format of the classic Fold — the wide version might be exactly the compromise that was missing. A compact body when folded, a full-sized wide screen inside, and top-tier internals — on paper, everything looks right.
But there are nuances. The small 5.4-inch external screen is a serious limitation for those who are used to using their phone without unfolding it. Two cameras instead of three is also a compromise, though an understandable one given the device’s thickness. And the price, which will almost certainly sting.
Honestly, I’d wait for hands-on reviews and real battery life tests — because battery life has traditionally remained the weak point of foldable devices. For now, you can calmly follow the leaks: they definitely won’t stop before Unpacked.
