Two Galaxy Z Fold 8 phones could debut next year with one major difference

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 has been a massive hit, and people are loving its ultra-slim and ultra-lightweight design. Samsung has claimed that the phone has broken pre-order records. Despite this success, Samsung isn't resting on its laurels and seems to be designing two Galaxy Z Fold models for next year.

Those two models claim to different in one major way: screen aspect ratio.

Following the expansion of the Galaxy Z Flip lineup this year with the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, Samsung appears to be planning to expand the Galaxy Z Fold series. ETNews reports that Samsung is developing two Galaxy Z Fold phones for 2026. One of those Galaxy Z Fold 8 phones is said to feature a wider internal foldable screen with an aspect ratio of 18:18 (also known as 1:1 or 9:9).

In comparison, the Galaxy Z Fold 7's foldable screen has a 10:9 aspect ratio, and you can see it in our video below.

Samsung has reportedly shared its development plans with component suppliers, suggesting that both upcoming Galaxy Z Fold phones could be launched in the second half of next year. This coincides with the anticipated launch of Apple's first foldable phone, prompting Samsung to experiment with Galaxy Z Fold phones.

This phone is different from the first tri-folding phone that Samsung has planned to launch later this year. It could be called the Galaxy Z TriFold and it reportedly has a 6.5-inch cover screen, a 10-inch internal foldable screen, a triple-camera setup on the rear, the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage, and a thin-and-light form factor.

Market analysts predict the foldable smartphone market will grow after the first foldable iPhone is released. This is a positive development for consumers, as all other brands will likely improve their foldable phones significantly to compete with the expected success of the foldable iPhone.