Get ready for a foldable revolution! Samsung is set to shake up the market with not one, but potentially two new foldable phones in 2024.
The first, the highly anticipated Galaxy Z TriFold, is already creating a buzz (https://www.tomsguide.com/phones/samsung-phones/samsung-galaxy-z-trifold-hands-on). But here's where it gets intriguing: there are hints that Samsung might unveil a fourth foldable device this year, and it's not what you'd expect.
While we don't have all the details yet, a recent discovery by SmartPrix (https://www.smartprix.com/bytes/exclusive-samsungs-mysterious-galaxy-z-fold-model-surfaces-in-gsma-database/) has sparked excitement. Several new Samsung devices with the model number SM-F971 have appeared in the GSMA IMEI database, and this is where things get interesting.
The model number SM-F971 suggests this phone belongs to the Z Fold family, typically reserved for Samsung's larger foldable devices. However, the number 9 in the model indicates a departure from the standard Z Fold series. Usually, the number 9 is associated with larger foldables like the Galaxy Z Fold 7 (https://www.tomsguide.com/phones/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-7-review) and Galaxy Z TriFold (SM-968). Flip models, like the Galaxy Z Flip 7 (https://www.tomsguide.com/phones/samsung-phones/samsung-galaxy-z-flip-7-hands-on-review-feels-like-flip-phone-perfection), start with the number 7.
So, what does this mean? Well, the model number hints at a unique device within Samsung's foldable lineup. The phone's regional availability, indicated by the final letters or numbers in the model, suggests it will be available in China, Canada, Korea, the U.S., and global markets. This wide release indicates Samsung's confidence in the device's appeal.
But how does this new phone differ from the Z Fold 8? Here's where it gets controversial...
Leaked information from last year revealed Samsung's plans for a "wide fold" model (https://www.tomsguide.com/phones/samsung-phones/forget-the-galaxy-z-trifold-samsung-is-reportedly-developing-a-wide-fold-to-take-on-apple-next-year), and this could be the device we're talking about. Some believe it's Samsung's response to the rumored iPhone Fold (https://www.tomsguide.com/phones/iphones/iphone-fold-heres-what-the-leaks-and-rumors-say-about-apples-alleged-upcoming-foldable-phone).
According to reports, the iPhone Fold will have a 5.3-inch front screen and a 7.8-inch main display (https://www.tomsguide.com/phones/iphones/iphone-fold-specs-potentially-revealed-heres-how-it-would-stack-up-against-samsung-galaxy-z-fold-8). In comparison, the "Wide Fold" is said to feature a 5.4-inch cover display and a 7.6-inch unfolded display. Interestingly, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 has a 6.5-inch front screen and an 8-inch main display.
So, the new Samsung foldable is reportedly smaller than other Z Folds, but the real game-changer is its aspect ratio. The phone is designed with an 18:9 aspect ratio, which expands to 18:18 when unfolded. This was revealed by the renowned leaker Ice Universe (https://x.com/UniverseIce/status/1965334923503718635), who stated that Samsung's planned foldable will be shorter but noticeably wider than the Galaxy Z Fold 8.
But what does this aspect ratio mean for users? Well, that's where it gets a bit technical, but stay with me.
The 21:9 aspect ratio, rumored for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 (https://www.tomsguide.com/phones/samsung-phones/forget-samsung-galaxy-z-fold-7-here-are-three-rumored-upgrades-for-the-galaxy-z-fold-8), is the industry standard for a reason. It mimics the human field of vision, creating an immersive experience when watching movies (https://www.tomsguide.com/phones/android-phones/i-used-a-samsung-foldable-for-streaming-my-favorite-shows-heres-what-happened) or playing games (https://www.tomsguide.com/phones/samsung-phones/i-tried-playing-xbox-on-my-foldable-phone-without-a-controller-it-didnt-go-as-planned). It also excels with multi-app features due to the ample screen space.
On the other hand, the 18:18 aspect ratio offers a different experience. It forces your eyes to focus on the center of the screen, eliminating distractions in the corners. While it might not be as cinematic, it's a more comfortable display for social media, as it doesn't require cropping due to the square profile feed used by these apps.
So, the ideal aspect ratio depends on your usage. If you're a media enthusiast, the 21:9 ratio is your best bet. But if you're a content creator or a heavy social media user, the square 18:18 aspect ratio might be more suited to your needs.
And this is the part most people miss: Samsung's move towards a squarer aspect ratio could be a strategic response to Apple's rumored iPhone Fold. It's an intriguing development, and it leaves us with a thought-provoking question: should Samsung focus on making foldables more affordable to reach a wider audience, or is this squarer design the way forward?
What do you think? Should Samsung prioritize affordability or continue pushing the boundaries of design? Let us know in the comments!
Stay tuned to Tom's Guide (https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqKAgKIiJDQklTRXdnTWFnOEtEWFJ2YlhObmRXbGtaUzVqYjIwb0FBUAE) for the latest news, reviews, and analysis on all things tech.
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Written by Josh, a staff writer for Tom's Guide based in the UK. With a passion for mobile phones, video games, novels, and Warhammer, Josh brings a unique perspective to the world of technology.
