Galaxy Z Fold 8 Leak: Samsung Bets on Wide Screen

What happened?

Just days before the Galaxy Unpacked event, scheduled for July 22, 2026, renowned leaker Evan Blass published on his Substack newsletter images and specifications of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, as well as the Z Flip 8 and the new Z Fold 8 Ultra model. The images, picked up by The Verge, show a significant redesign: a wider external screen and a shorter body, abandoning the elongated format that characterized the series since the Z Fold 3. This change responds to one of the most recurring criticisms from users and analysts: the narrow external screen made everyday use difficult without unfolding the device. With this update, Samsung aims to offer an experience more similar to a conventional smartphone when folded, improving daily usability and potentially driving mass adoption of book-style foldables.

Blass, with a track record of highly accurate leaks, also shared images of the Galaxy Z Flip 8 and the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, suggesting that Samsung is expanding its foldable lineup to cover different market segments. While the Z Fold 8 targets the general premium user, the Ultra model could be aimed at photography enthusiasts and content creators, similar to the Galaxy S Ultra strategy. The leaks include renders showing a squarer design, with flat edges and a rear camera island reminiscent of the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Leaked specifications

According to Evan Blass's leaks, confirmed by The Verge, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 will include the following key specifications:

• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite For Galaxy, a custom chip that promises superior performance and efficiency, especially in AI and gaming tasks.
• Rear camera: Dual 50 MP (wide) and 50 MP (ultrawide) configuration, representing a significant improvement over the Z Fold 6, which had a 12 MP ultrawide sensor. The main camera is expected to offer better low-light performance and greater versatility.
• Selfie cameras: 10 MP on both the internal and external screens, maintaining the trend of previous generations.
• Battery: Announced autonomy of up to 26 hours of video playback, a considerable increase from the 23 hours of the Z Fold 6, according to Samsung data. This suggests a higher capacity battery or more aggressive energy optimization thanks to the new processor.

Additionally, Blass leaked images of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, which could include a 200 MP main camera and a periscope lens with 10x optical zoom, directly competing with the Google Pixel Fold and the OnePlus Open 2. However, these specifications have not been confirmed by additional sources and should be treated with caution.

Why is it important?

This redesign responds to one of the most recurring criticisms from users: the overly narrow external screen of the Z Fold 5 and 6. By adopting a wider format, Samsung aims to offer an experience more similar to a conventional smartphone when folded, improving daily usability. This could mark a turning point in the mass adoption of book-style foldables, which until now have been a niche due to their impractical format for everyday use. The change could also influence market perception: a 2025 Counterpoint Research study indicated that 40% of users considering a foldable mentioned the narrow external screen as a barrier. If Samsung manages to solve this problem, it could accelerate the transition from traditional smartphones to foldables.

Furthermore, the inclusion of the Snapdragon 8 Elite For Galaxy suggests a focus on performance and efficiency, key to justifying premium prices around $1,900. This processor, based on the ARMv9 architecture, promises 30% more AI performance than its predecessor, which could enable new software features, such as real-time translation on the folded screen or improvements in multitasking.

Market consequences

If the leaks are confirmed, Samsung will pressure competitors like Google (Pixel Fold) and OnePlus (Open) to also reconsider their designs. The Pixel Fold, launched in 2024, already adopted a wider format, but with a 5.8-inch external screen, while the Z Fold 8 could approach 6.3 inches. OnePlus, for its part, has maintained an elongated design similar to the Z Fold 6, so it could be forced to redesign its next generation. The arrival of an Ultra model indicates that Samsung is segmenting its offering, targeting both premium users and photography enthusiasts, a strategy it already successfully employs in the Galaxy S series. This could erode the market share of high-end foldables from other manufacturers, such as the Huawei Mate X6, which has yet to achieve a significant presence outside China.

In terms of the global market, according to IDC, foldable shipments grew 25% in 2025, reaching 25 million units, but still represent less than 2% of the total smartphone market. A successful redesign of the Z Fold 8 could boost that growth to 35% in 2026, especially if Samsung manages to reduce weight and improve durability. The inclusion of a battery with greater autonomy also addresses another key concern: battery anxiety in devices with large screens.

What readers should know

The leaks come from Evan Blass, with a track record of high accuracy, but they are not official confirmation. Samsung could make last-minute changes on July 22. It is recommended to wait for the event to learn final details, especially regarding price, availability, and improvements to the hinge and water resistance. Historically, Blass has been accurate with leaks like the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and the Galaxy S22, but there have also been cases of conceptual renders that did not match the final product. For example, in 2024, he leaked images of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 showing a squarer design, but the final product maintained the elongated format. Therefore, while the probability of accuracy is high, it is not absolute.

Additionally, Samsung is expected to announce hinge improvements, possibly with a more dust-resistant drop mechanism, and an improved IP68 rating, something competitors like the Pixel Fold already offer. The price could remain at $1,899 for the Z Fold 8, while the Ultra could exceed $2,200. Initial availability will likely include major markets such as the US, South Korea, and Europe, with a global rollout in the following weeks.

The Z Fold 8 redesign could be the most significant change in the line since the Z Fold 3, prioritizing user experience over technical novelty. This strategic move by Samsung not only seeks to improve usability but also to consolidate its leadership in a foldable market that, while still small, is growing rapidly and attracting more competitors.