Undermining two products
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide is a bit of a wildcard. You’d be forgiven for thinking this is a reactive move to counter Apple’s short and wide iPhone Ultra. Nobody is complaining about more options, though. The video is a little underwhelming. It suggests that the Z Fold 8 Wide will adopt a passport form factor when unfolded. It will also likely only have two cameras, instead of the triple-camera system flagship buyers are accustomed to.
Spot the difference
Do we actually need a Fold 8 Wide?
The Fold 7’s tall and narrow design presents some usability problems. Reaching the top of the outer screen can be an inconvenience, and it may also feel cramped when typing.
A wider device would make the cover display more user-friendly. The shorter design is also less imposing and makes the device a lot easier to live with. However, you might have to open up your palms wider to hold it, which could be a problem in itself.
More options
Fortunately, Samsung isn’t forcing the wider design on everyone. Instead of modifying the Fold 8 to make it wider, Samsung will add a new model for users who don’t like the current design.
Samsung has been quite experimental with foldable designs, and the Fold 8 Wide is going to be another variation. Whether it takes off remains to be seen.
The device is expected to have a 4:3 screen ratio in the unfolded state. The external display will measure 5.4 inches, and the inner screen will be 7.6 inches.
