Galaxy Wide Fold will be superior to Z Fold 8 for videos, despite the display having the same diagonal

The summer of 2026 is shaping up to be decidedly busier than expected for fans of the Samsung brand.

If until recently the attention was focused almost exclusively on the usual annual update of the folding smartphones lineup, with the predictable Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8, new rumors suggest a strategic shift by the South Korean giant.

It therefore seems increasingly likely that the debut, expected around July, of a third device that could redefine the user experience in the foldable segment: the Galaxy Wide Fold.

Galaxy Wide Fold: a matter of proportions, because 4:3 changes everything

This new device, whose name is still provisional but decidedly evocative, is not born merely to add a number to the catalog, but to address a specific need of multimedia consumption, filling the gap that still separates folding smartphones from compact tablets.

The focal point of the discussion revolves around a technical detail that, on paper, might seem insignificant but in practice reshapes daily use: the aspect ratio (or aspect ratio).

As clearly highlighted by the graphic shared by the well-known insider Ice Universe, both the Galaxy Z Fold 6 (and presumably the future Z Fold 8) and the new Galaxy Wide Fold boast an identical internal diagonal of 7.6 inches. However, the geometry of the two panels is radically different.

While the traditional Z Fold series adopts a nearly square format, with an aspect ratio of 7:6 or 6:5, the Galaxy Wide Fold decidedly bets on an aspect ratio of 4:3 (or more precisely 3:4). This design choice entails a substantial difference in how content is displayed.

A 4:3 display, while keeping the same diagonal measurement, offers a viewing surface wider and shorter when the device is opened in landscape mode.

This format is decidedly more suited for web browsing and, above all, for 16:9 video playback, bringing the user experience closer to that of a real tablet rather than a magnified phone.

The direct challenge to Apple (and more)

Samsung’s move appears clearly calculated to anticipate Cupertino’s moves. With an 8.3-inch iPad Mini dominating the ultra-portable tablet market and persistent rumors about an imminent ‘iPhone Fold’ (expected by year-end), the Galaxy Wide Fold positions itself as an extremely aggressive competitor.

It’s interesting to note the irony of Samsung’s strategy: the company currently doesn’t market tablets with a 4:3 aspect ratio, usually preferring 16:10 for its Galaxy Tab S line. However, for this specific foldable, it seems to have drawn inspiration precisely from the iPad’s typical ergonomics.

The goal is to offer a device that, once opened, delivers the same visual immersion as an iPad Pro or Air, reducing the letterboxing during video viewing and offering more horizontal space for multitasking, an aspect where the more square displays of the Z Fold series have always shown some limitations.

The future of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and portfolio diversification

The arrival of the Wide model does not mark the end of the classic design. Current information suggests that the ‘normal’ Galaxy Z Fold 8 will maintain the conservative setup of its predecessors, preserving the more squared form factor. This decision seems wise: Samsung isn’t trying to fix a flawed product, but is aiming to diversify the offering.

Instead of offering a budget “Fan Edition” of the Fold, which seems unlikely for this year, the Korean company appears to be intent on offering a choice based on usage type: the Z Fold 8 for those who prefer classic ergonomics and vertical compactness, and the Galaxy Wide Fold for those seeking a ‘tablet-first’ experience and who consume a lot of video content.

There are obviously still uncertainties, first and foremost the ergonomics of the external screen. If the inner device is this wide, it is reasonable to assume that when closed the Galaxy Wide Fold could be shorter and wider than current standards, a ‘chunky’ form factor that could divide public opinion.

However, if Samsung manages to balance the dimensions, it could have in its hands the perfect weapon to counter Apple’s foldable debut, offering the market the alternative that many Android users (and not only) have been waiting for.