3 Minutes
Samsung appears to be expanding its foldable lineup again — leaks hint at a second book-style Fold arriving alongside the Galaxy Z Fold8. The mystery centers on a new model number, and the rumors have already sparked debate about whether this will be a budget-friendly Fold FE or an entirely new square-screen form factor designed to challenge Apple.
Model numbers and what they reveal
Serial sleuthing is doing a lot of the heavy lifting here. Samsung’s reported SM-F971 has been spotted in development and carries the codename H8. That’s distinct from the Fold8, which shows up as SM-F976 with the codename Q8. The numbering convention matters: Samsung’s book-style Fold devices use model numbers that begin with a 9, while Flip clamshells start with a 7.
Here’s a quick way to read the pattern: the Galaxy Z Flip FE used SM-F761, so a hypothetical Flip FE 2 would be SM-F771 — the company typically increments the middle digit each generation. Swap the leading 7 for a 9 and the theory goes that SM-F971 would be a Galaxy Z Fold FE — basically a more affordable Fold variant following Samsung’s FE naming logic.
Or a bold new Fold with a square interior?
Not everyone agrees on the Fold FE storyline. Some sources claim SM-F971 could launch as a novel form factor: still book-style, but with an 18:9 cover display and a squarer internal folding screen. That design choice would make the device feel very different from the long, tablet-like Fold displays we’re used to.
Why would Samsung consider that? The most obvious reason is competition. Apple’s rumored foldable iPhone — expected next year — is said to favor a wider cover display than Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold7. A squarer internal screen and a taller cover could be Samsung’s response to match new user expectations and app layouts.
What we know — and what we don’t
- SM-F971 is in development and codenamed H8.
- SM-F976 (Q8) aligns with the Galaxy Z Fold8 lineage.
- Samsung’s numbering suggests SM-F971 could be a Fold FE, but alternate leaks point to a new square-screen Fold with an 18:9 cover.
- All of the above remains speculative until Samsung confirms details or more reliable leaks emerge.
Imagine a lighter, cheaper Fold for mainstream users — or picture a radically different Fold that reshapes how apps and multitasking feel on a foldable. Both possibilities are intriguing for different reasons. Which would you prefer: a Galaxy Z Fold FE that brings flagship folding features to a lower price, or a new Fold with a square internal screen and an 18:9 cover to better compete with an incoming foldable iPhone? Sound off in the comments.
Source: gsmarena
Leave a Comment