The wide foldable format gains traction with Honor and vivo

Since the debut of the first foldable smartphone, the choice for users has always been the same: on one side the flip phone, i.e., the clamshell devices, while on the other there are the classic book-style foldables. Over these years we have seen some notable novelties such as tri-folds (introduced by Huawei and Samsung) and atypical devices like the 16:10 Huawei Pura X flip.

In the future of the category, a new form factor is about to make its way — very likely — influencing various manufacturers. We are talking about wide-format foldables: after Huawei, Samsung and Apple, Honor and vivo also seem interested in this design focused on ease of use.

Honor and vivo join the ranks of manufacturers working on a wide foldable smartphone

Let’s proceed in order, to avoid confusing anyone: the wide format is a real novelty compared to the classic elongated format, typical of book-style foldables. Unlike traditional foldables, those wide use a 4:3 aspect ratio.

The result is a form similar to a small tablet or a passport, for an enhanced experience in terms of productivity, web browsing and multitasking. The format is handy and compact, with an aesthetic different from the usual canons of foldables.

Huawei Pura X Max is the most striking example and other brands will follow its lead. Samsung should launch the novel Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide while Apple would be close to the release of iPhone Fold (or Ultra, there are doubts about the name).

In all three cases we are dealing with a 4:3 aspect ratio and a more squared design than that of the usual foldables.

According to the latest rumors from China, vivo would be working on a wide device. The next vivo X Fold 6, close to launch, should introduce an inner screen with no visible crease. However for the 4:3 aspect ratio, one would have to wait for a subsequent model.

Meanwhile, details also emerge about Honor: apparently the company has been focused on a wide phone for some time. There are no technical details, but a concept render suggests that it could be a flip phone – thus close to the Huawei Pura X. The launch is expected to take place in the first quarter of 2027, but at the moment there are no official details.