A dummy unit believed to be Samsung Electronics' next foldable smartphone, the Galaxy Z Fold 8, has leaked, outlining the device's design direction. It is seen as thinner than the existing Fold series, with a potentially wider screen ratio. That has led to analysis that Samsung's foldable strategy has entered a new stage.

On May 28 local time, IT outlet TechRadar reported that well-known tipster Sonny Dickson (소니 딕슨) released images of a dummy unit believed to be the Galaxy Z Fold 8. A dummy unit is a mock-up made using supply chain information rather than a working device, and is used by accessory makers to prepare cases and other peripherals.

The focus of the leak is changes in thickness and screen ratio. Dickson compared the unfolded dummy unit with the Galaxy S25 Edge and called it "unbelievably thin." He said the direction suggests an effort to keep the folding structure while achieving thickness closer to a typical bar-type smartphone. Some users, however, described the different ratio from previous Fold models as "awkward" and "thicker than expected," among other reactions.

The leak also raised the possibility of changes to the product name and lineup. IT outlet SamMobile reported expectations that a model previously known by the codename "Wide" could use the Galaxy Z Fold 8 name at launch. It also said the official successor to the current Galaxy Z Fold 7 could be released as the "Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra."

"Wide" is linked to a new screen ratio strategy. Book-style foldable smartphones often offer regular smartphone usability when folded, but have a near-square aspect ratio when unfolded. If the device adopts a shorter and wider screen ratio as suggested by the leak, it could offer an experience closer to a tablet when unfolded, analysts said.

That could be an advantage over existing foldables, particularly for video viewing and multitasking, the report said. The market has also raised expectations that the first foldable iPhone, known as the "iPhone Fold," could adopt a wide display close to a 4:3 ratio.

That has fueled speculation that Samsung may be aiming to bring screen ratio changes and an ultra-slim design strategy to market ahead of Apple. Huawei has been cited as a company that has already shown a foldable design in a similar direction.

Interest is also growing in the launch timing. The industry has raised the possibility that the iPhone Fold could be unveiled in September alongside the iPhone 18 Pro. It has also mentioned the possibility of applying new hinge technology that minimises creasing.

Against that backdrop, analysts said Samsung also appears to be seeking to get ahead of market reaction by emphasising a thinner profile and a wider screen ratio. But because the information disclosed so far is limited to supply chain-based dummy units, the design, product name and lineup strategy of the commercial device could differ.

The industry is assessing the leak as an example showing that competition in foldable phones is shifting beyond a simple battle over thickness to screen ratios, hinge technology and the overall user experience.

First look at the Samsung Fold 8 Wide dummy. The thinness is insane. Literally an S25 Edge thin when folded. pic.twitter.com/M6cAzvowZp