[DigitalToday reporter Jinju Hong] The exterior of a new wide-format foldable phone that Samsung Electronics is expected to launch in the second half of this year has leaked. With a different screen ratio from the existing Galaxy Z Fold series and a dual-camera configuration confirmed, speculation is growing that Samsung may be reshaping its foldable strategy around expanding form factors.

On April 27 (local time), U.S. tech outlet The Verge reported that Sonny Dickson, a well-known leaker and journalist, released images of dummy units of Samsung's next foldable phone. A model identified as the "Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide" appears to adopt a wider body design than the existing Z Fold.

The newly disclosed product is not a functioning device but a mock-up level dummy unit intended to check the exterior and size. Still, photos released alongside it show it placed next to existing Z Fold models, drawing attention to the possibility that Samsung's new foldable may use a different aspect ratio from the current lineup.

Some in the industry say the design aligns with the recent trend of wide-format foldables introduced by Chinese companies. The Verge reported Samsung's new model could be aimed at responding to Huawei's Pura X Max or Apple's foldable iPhone strategy, which has been the subject of long-running rumours.

The most noticeable change is the rear camera setup. The leaked dummy unit appears to have dual rear cameras. Compared with the existing Z Fold series, which has maintained a triple-camera setup, the camera configuration appears to have been simplified.

Some in the market suggest Samsung may have focused more on form factor changes such as thickness, weight, portability and a new aspect ratio than on competing on camera performance. Still, it is difficult to say the actual camera specifications have been finalised based on dummy units alone.

Changes to the camera ring design are also drawing attention. In the leaked images, all three models show a different camera ring structure from previous designs, which some see as suggesting possible support for Qi2 wireless charging. If Qi2 is applied to Samsung foldable phones, it would be the first time.

Some analysis says this is also meaningful from the standpoint of competing with Google's Pixel 10 Pro Fold, which supports Qi2. In China, Huawei's Pura X Max has appeared as a wide-format foldable that is actually on sale, and some assessments say Samsung is also accelerating its response to a similar category.

Dickson argued the size of the device is also similar to rumours about a foldable iPhone. That has led to an interpretation that Samsung Electronics may be seeking to set an early benchmark in the foldable market, which Apple may enter in the future.

For now, the information disclosed remains focused on the exterior. Key specifications such as display specifications, hinge structure, battery capacity and the actual product name have not yet been confirmed.

The industry is watching the leak as a possible signal of a shift in Samsung's foldable strategy. Some analysis says a trend is emerging that goes beyond a simple generational update to consider a new aspect ratio, charging standards and diversification of the product lineup. Key points to watch are whether Samsung Electronics will launch a wide-format foldable as a separate line and how it will reshape competition in the foldable market alongside Qi2 support.

First look at dummy units of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8, Z Fold8 Wide, and Z Flip8. The Fold8 Wide lines up closely with the expected size of the iPhone Fold. pic.twitter.com/NVP3agwsrM