Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 open on a table

Credit: Sanuj Bhatia / Android Authority
TL;DR
  • Strong demand for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 has prompted Samsung to test two new hardware directions for its successor: a larger “Plus” model and a spec-trimmed “FE” variant.
  • The planned variation will sit alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 9 (Wide), but Samsung reportedly plans to bring only one of these variations to market.
  • These plans remain in early testing and would not materialize until at least mid-2027, leaving them subject to change.

Samsung’s pivot toward a wider aspect ratio on the book-style foldable seems to be paying dividends, and the company might double down on that momentum next year. Driven by stronger-than-expected demand for the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Samsung is reportedly testing two new hardware directions for its successor: a larger-screened “Plus” model and a more accessible, spec-trimmed “FE” variant, either of which will sit alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 9 (Wide).

According to leaker Lanzuk (yeux1122) on Naver, citing unnamed display supply chain sources, Samsung is internally testing two new variations of the Galaxy Z Fold 9: a wide “Plus”-like model with slightly larger dimensions, and a second “FE”-like model with slightly reduced specifications while maintaining the existing size.