Samsung could launch a second all-new foldable phone in the US this year — what we know

(Image credit: Future)

Some big changes are coming for Samsung’s foldable line, including the release of the new Galaxy Z TriFold. However, it appears that Samsung could have another surprise up its sleeve, as there are indications we could get a fourth foldable phone from the company this year.

While the actual details on this new foldable have been minimal, there is apparent confirmation that the phone is on the way spotted by SmartPrix. It noticed several new Samsung devices added to the GSMA IMEI database, all using the model number SM-F971.

Z Fold Wide model numbers — (Image credit: SmartPrix)

The first thing we know from this model number is that the phone is part of the Z Fold family. Usually, in Samsung models, the number 9 is used for larger foldable devices, like the Galaxy Z Fold 7 (SM-F966) and Galaxy Z TriFold (SM-968.) Meanwhile, Flip models like the Galaxy Z Flip 7 historically start with the number 7.

The model numbers also indicate where the phone will be released, as Samsung alters the final letters or numbers depending on which region a specific phone model has been designed for. For example, U1 refers to the United States. The codes suggest that Samsung’s new foldable will be available in China, Canada, Korea, the U.S., and global markets.

What do we know about the phone compared to the Z Fold 8?

Renders of the potential iPhone foldable device — (Image credit: FPT)

This information raises a question: what is this new phone, and how does it differ from the standard Galaxy Z Fold series? The best clue we have was from a leak last year that revealed that Samsung was planning on releasing a new “wide fold” model.

One of the prevailing thoughts about the device is that it’s Samsung’s response to the rumored iPhone Fold. So far, it’s believed that Apple’s first foldable will have a 5.3-inch front screen and a 7.8-inch main display. In comparison, the “Wide Fold” is reportedly going to feature a 5.4-inch cover display and a 7.6-inch unfolded display. In comparison, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 features a 6.5-inch front screen and an 8-inch main display.

While the new Samsung foldable is reportedly smaller than other Z Folds, the biggest change is that the phone is designed with an 18:9 aspect ratio, which increases to 18:18 when unfolded. This was broken down in a post from known leaker Ice Universe, who stated that Samsung’s planned foldable will be shorter than the Galaxy Z Fold 8, while also being noticeably wider.

What is the difference between aspect ratios?

The new phone reportedly has a much squarer aspect ratio than the 21:9 that’s rumored for the Galaxy Z Fold 8. The question that many might be asking now is what that actually means for users.

For the most part, 21:9 aspect ratios remain as the industry standard for a lot of devices because they better mimic the human field of vision. This helps to create a sense of immersion when watching movies or playing games, while also working great for multi-app features due to the available space.

Meanwhile, 18:18 aspect ratios offer what appears to be a more comfortable display as they force the user’s eye to focus on the center of the screen, while also removing distractions appearing in the corner of the user's vision. While it might not be quite as cinematic, it does work much better with social media, as it doesn’t require forced cropping due to the square profile feed used by those apps.

So the ideal format really depends on what you’re looking for in a device. If you want a foldable phone that offers the best media experience, then you’ll be better served by the 21:9 ratio. However, if you edit a lot of content, as well as make heavy use of social media, then the square 18:18 is the better choice.

Let us know if you would be interested in a squarer foldable phone, or if you would prefer that Samsung look to make a more affordable foldable phone to help more people experience the technology.

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Josh is a staff writer for Tom's Guide and is based in the UK. He has worked for several publications but now works primarily on mobile phones. Outside of phones, he has a passion for video games, novels, and Warhammer.

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What do we know about the phone compared to the Z Fold 8?

What is the difference between aspect ratios?

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