Samsung expects the Galaxy Z Fold 8 wide to be a big hit, report suggests

Samsung appears to be putting most of its weight behind a new kind of foldable this year. Ahead of the company's Galaxy Unpacked event on July 22, a new report has revealed that Samsung has set a higher production target for the wide-screen Galaxy Z Fold 8 than for either the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra or the Galaxy Z Flip 8, suggesting the company expects strong demand for its newest foldable form factor.

According to Etnews, Samsung has asked its suppliers to produce around 2.8 million units of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 based on panel numbers. In comparison, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra has a production target of roughly 2 million units, while the Galaxy Z Flip 8 is expected to see around 1.5 million units. That makes the wide Fold 8 the highest-volume foldable in Samsung's lineup this year, a notable shift for a brand-new form factor.

Why the wide Fold 8 is different

This year, we could see a change in Samsung’s foldable lineup. What was previously simply called the Fold could be renamed Ultra, while the new "Fold 8" name is being reserved for a wide, passport-style foldable with a 4:3 aspect ratio, something Samsung hasn't tried before. The Fold 8 is expected to have a smaller screen than the Fold 8 Ultra and drop to two rear cameras instead of three, positioning it as a lower-tier option within the foldable range, but one Samsung clearly expects to sell well.

The device is said to feature a 7.6-inch inner display and a 5.4-inch to 5.5-inch cover screen. The 4:3 aspect ratio is designed to feel more like opening a book or notebook and is expected to show fewer cropped edges when browsing the web or viewing photos compared to the taller, narrower ratio used on existing foldables. Rumours also point to a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chipset, a 4,800mAh battery, and a dual rear camera setup.

A bigger shift toward 4:3 foldables

Samsung’s shift to a wide foldable could be due to Apple's rumoured entry into the foldable market. Apple is expected to unveil its own foldable iPhone in September, also with a 4:3 aspect ratio, featuring a 7.58-inch inner display and a 5.35-inch outer screen. Shipments of the foldable iPhone are estimated to reach around 10 million units in its first run, and its arrival is expected to intensify competition with Samsung, which has led the foldable phone market since its inception.