Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Launch Leaked: July Release, Wide Fold, Bigger Battery & Major Upgrades

If you were waiting for clarity around the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, here it is, July 2026 is looking almost confirmed. And honestly, this move looks absolutely logical. Multiple reliable leaks now suggest Samsung is sticking to its classic summer Unpacked window, instead of delaying things to fall.

This matters because Samsung clearly wants to strike before Apple enters the foldable game. The specter of the rumored Apple foldable iPhone is a reality and Samsung has no intentions of providing Cupertino with breathing space.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide Variant

Samsung is also testing a new Wide Fold (codename: H8) in addition to the usual Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8. It is not just a pale imitation of a minor modification, it is a complete redesign.

What makes the Wide Fold different?

• Wider 4:3 aspect ratio
• Tablet-like inner display (around 7.6 to 8.2 inches)
• Much better video viewing experience
• Less awkward black bars on YouTube and OTT apps

The tall and slim fold design of Samsung was becoming monotonous. Videos felt no better than an ordinary phone.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Design & Display

Samsung appears to have a kind of obsession with shedding weight in the current year. There are leakages that indicate that Galaxy Z Fold 8 might be around 200gms in weight down from around 215g on Fold 7. That's a big win for daily use.

Expected display highlights are listed below:

• Inner display: around 8.0 to 8.2 inches
• Outer display: around 6.5 inches
• Peak brightness: up to 2600 nits
• New crease-less OLED panel (shown at CES 2026)

Samsung is reportedly using new hinge materials and laser-drilled metal plates to reduce crease visibility. No phone is truly crease-free, but this might be the closest yet.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Battery & Performance

This is where Samsung finally listened to the users who were complaining on Twitter and Reddit. Battery and chipset expectations are as follows:

• Battery: 5000mAh (up from 4400mAh)
• Charging: 45W wired, 15W wireless
• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2
• RAM: Up to 16GB
• Storage: 256GB / 512GB / 1TB

For a foldable phone, this battery upgrade is huge. It means you can comfortably use it all day, for navigation, taking photos, and multitasking, without having to carry a power bank, as was necessary with the 2019 model.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 S Pen Is Coming Back 

The decision to remove the S Pen support on Fold 7 was a mistake. Samsung knows this very well. And now, they are fixing it.

S Pen support should also return to Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, particularly among the professional and creators. Sketches, notes, split-screen productivity, here the foldables really make sense.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 vs Fold 7 

Here is the comparison of  Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Fold 7:

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Price & Availability in India

Samsung is not supposed to raise prices

• Expected global price: around $1999
• Expected India price: ₹1,95,000 to ₹2,15,000
• Sale timeline: Late July or early August 2026

Given inflation and hardware upgrades, the state of price stability is in itself a discount.

Final Verdict: Samsung Is Playing Smart This Time

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 is the most self-aware foldable that Samsung has ever made. A large screen, lightweight body, big battery, and the return of the S Pen, none of this is random. This can be seen as Samsung getting ready to be met by Apple and protecting its foldable crown by all means.

If the leaks are true, July 2026 is going to be a very exciting month for smartphone lovers.

FAQs

Q1. When will the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 be launched?

It is expected in the second week of July 2026.

Q2. Will there be a wide-fold variant?

Yes, leaks suggest that there will be a wider “H8” model alongside the regular Fold 8.

Q3. Will the battery really be 5000mAh?

Several sources point to a 5000mAh upgrade.

Q4. Will S Pen support return?

Yes, S Pen support is expected to return.

Q5. Is Apple the reason for this redesign?
Yes. Samsung clearly wants a head start.

Also read: Oppo Reno 15 Series 5G Launched in India: Price, Features, Pro Mini & Camera Details