J-Hope Reveals Samsung's 5.5-Inch Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide Before July 22 Unpacked

Q: Is the Fold 8 Wide's new shape a genius move for mainstream appeal or a costly compromise on key features?

It looks more like a smart mainstream play than a mistake, but only if buyers accept a few notable trade-offs. The strongest case for the Fold 8 Wide is usability. Leaks point to a shorter, wider design with a 5.5-inch outer screen and a more tablet-like 7.6-inch inner panel, likely around a 4:3 or 9:7 ratio. That addresses a long-running complaint about book-style foldables: many feel too tall and narrow when closed. A wider cover display should make typing, messaging and one-handed everyday use feel closer to a normal phone, while the inner screen becomes better suited to video, gaming and split-screen work. At a rumored 201 grams, it also appears lighter and more pocketable than the Ultra. The risk is that Samsung may be broadening appeal by trimming premium features. Reports suggest no telephoto camera, no S Pen support, no built-in magnets for Qi2, and only an IP48 rating rather than stronger dust protection. For a device expected to cost roughly $1,799 to $2,000, those omissions matter. Foldables still face durability scrutiny, and dust resistance remains a sensitive issue for mainstream buyers. So the new shape itself is probably the right idea. The real question is whether Samsung prices it like a flagship while asking customers to accept a feature set that feels closer to a compromise model. If the price undercuts the Ultra enough, the Wide could be the Fold that finally reaches beyond enthusiasts.

3 articles · Updated · Mashable · Jul 20

Clips from a BTS tour soundcheck in Paris show J-Hope using Samsung's unreleased Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide, giving the first real-world look at the foldable ahead of its July 22 launch event.
The footage, circulated on X and highlighted by 9to5Google, shows the phone from the front and back in a purple finish, though not unfolded, leaving the 7.6-inch inner display unseen.
The device appears to match leaked renders, and Samsung's BTS marketing partnership suggests J-Hope likely received the phone through that relationship rather than via a planned public teaser.
Leaks point to a 5.5-inch outer screen, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, 12GB RAM and a 4,800mAh battery, with a 50MP main camera replacing the Z Fold 7's 200MP sensor.
Samsung is expected to unveil the Fold 8 Wide, Fold 8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Flip 8 and new smartwatches at its London Unpacked event.