Samsung is reportedly set to unveil a second all-new foldable smartphone in the US this year, joining the Galaxy Z TriFold. But there's a twist: rumors suggest Samsung might be gearing up to release a fourth foldable phone, adding another surprise to its lineup. While details are scarce, SmartPrix has spotted the phone in the GSMA IMEI database, revealing the model number SM-F971, which hints at its Z Fold lineage. The 9 in the model number typically signifies larger foldable devices, while Flip models usually start with 7. This model's regional codes indicate availability in China, Canada, Korea, the U.S., and global markets.
The question arises: what distinguishes this new phone from the Galaxy Z Fold series? A leak from last year offered a clue, suggesting Samsung was developing a 'wide fold' model, potentially in response to Apple's rumored iPhone Fold. The iPhone Fold is expected to feature a 5.3-inch front screen and a 7.8-inch main display, while the 'wide fold' is rumored to boast a 5.4-inch cover display and a 7.6-inch unfolded display, smaller than the Galaxy Z Fold 7's 6.5-inch front screen and 8-inch main display. The key difference lies in the aspect ratio: the 'wide fold' is designed with an 18:9 aspect ratio, expanding to 18:18 when unfolded, according to leaker Ice Universe. This squarer format offers a more comfortable viewing experience, forcing the user's eye to focus on the center of the screen and removing distractions from the corners.
The 18:18 aspect ratio is a departure from the 21:9 ratio rumored for the Galaxy Z Fold 8, which is the industry standard for immersive media experiences. While 21:9 ratios mimic the human field of vision, 18:18 ratios prioritize comfort and social media usability. The ideal format depends on the user's needs. For media enthusiasts, 21:9 ratios are ideal, but for content creators and social media users, 18:18 ratios offer a more practical choice. Samsung's decision to explore this new aspect ratio could spark debate among users, leaving them to ponder whether a squarer foldable phone is what they truly desire or if Samsung should focus on affordability to broaden the technology's reach.
