Samsung explored Galaxy Z Fold 5 designs with wider cover screens

When Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Z Fold 4 last year, fans were happy to learn that the 2022 model had a slightly wider cover screen than the Z Fold 3. This design change brought the experience closer to what most people were accustomed to from using slab-type phones. But the new Galaxy Z Fold 5 announced earlier this week in Seoul doesn't change the formula established by its predecessor. It's thinner thanks to a new waterdrop-style hinge, but it retains the 23.1:9 aspect ratio of the cover screen. And as it turns out, that's not the full story.

According to a video shared on X (previously known as Twitter) by @raywongy, Samsung considered other aspect ratios for the Galaxy Z Fold 5. The company explored a handful of formats and even created rough prototypes in aspect ratios such as 23:9, 22:9, 21:9, and 19.5:9. The latter is almost identical to the Galaxy S23 Ultra (19.3:9).

Believe it or not, Samsung explored other aspect ratios for the Galaxy Z Fold 5 like these prototypes in 19.5:9, 21:9, 22:9, and 23:9#SamsungUnpacked pic.twitter.com/0uhmiPoS9D

— Ray Wong (@raywongy) July 27, 2023

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 could've been wider

Just like the Galaxy Z Fold 4, the new Galaxy Z Fold 5 has a 23.1:9 aspect ratio, which makes it narrower than standard non-foldable Samsung phones. This aspect ratio comes with advantages and disadvantages. It makes it easier to operate the foldable phone using one hand, but typing using both thumbs is less comfortable, and some content may appear too tall and narrow.

Story continues after the video

While some Galaxy Z Fold fans prefer the 23.1:9 aspect ratio, others say they'd like a wider cover screen on their foldable phones. Samsung can't please everyone, so the company decided to maintain the aspect ratio introduced with the Galaxy Z Fold 4.

Samsung's selection process for this critical design detail is unknown, but the tweet above shows that the company at least considered other aspect ratios for the fifth-generation foldable and even toyed with some rough prototypes.

It's important to remember that experimenting with the width of the cover screen has secondary effects, as it also affects the aspect ratio of the inner foldable display and can change the user experience in less than subtle ways. Samsung may have decided that the 23.1:9 aspect ratio is the best compromise moving forward, or it might plan to make future Z Fold models wider. That is to be determined.