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Samsung appears to be testing a second Galaxy Z Fold 8 with a wider front display, according to a GSMA database listing. If real, the change could yield a squarer internal screen and play into Samsung’s strategy to broaden foldable appeal — possibly with a more affordable price point.
What the GSMA listing reveals
The listing shows a model number SM-F971 (previously linked to other devices), which aligns more closely with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 family than with the Flip series. Notably, the entry cites an 18:9 aspect ratio for the external/front display. That ratio suggests the inner foldable panel would be nearly square — effectively 18:18 — a departure from the taller, narrow interiors we’ve seen on many recent foldables.
Why a wider front display matters
Imagine opening the phone and seeing a perfectly square canvas — that’s the practical effect of the 18:9 front and 18:18 inner layout. A squarer internal screen can change how apps scale, improve split-screen multitasking, and make media or document viewing feel less like using a tablet and more like a true pocketable productivity device.
Compared with rivals like the Pixel Fold or OPPO Find N2, Samsung’s reported 18:9 external panel would be slightly narrower, but the internal square layout could set the Z Fold apart in daily use. Whether that difference becomes a clear benefit depends on app optimization and user habits.
Premium or FE — which route will Samsung take?
It’s still unclear if this wider Z Fold 8 will be a premium flagship or a more affordable “FE” (Fan Edition) style variant. Industry chatter suggests Samsung could price a second Z Fold model around $1,599 — below the Z Fold 7’s $1,999 launch price, and closer to the pricing of high-end slab phones like the iPhone 17 Pro Max and Pixel 10 Pro XL.
- Galaxy Z Fold 7 launched at $1,999 (often discounted to $1,599).
- A $1,599 Z Fold 8 variant could help Samsung chase a 10% boost in foldable sales.
- Still: GSMA listings indicate development, not a finalized product.
Timing and next steps
Samsung typically unveils its foldables around July, so there are several months for this project to evolve. The GSMA database entry is an early signal, but companies often iterate multiple prototypes before locking in specs, names, and prices.
For consumers and industry watchers, the key questions remain: will Samsung position this as a mainstream, lower-cost gateway into foldables, or as a second premium option in a dual-line strategy? Either way, a wider Fold would be an intriguing design experiment with real implications for multitasking and app design.
What to watch next
- Additional certification listings or leaks that confirm or contradict the SM-F971 identity.
- An official Samsung timeline or teaser ahead of the usual July reveal window.
- Hands-on impressions showing how apps and media adapt to a squarer inner screen.
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