Galaxy Z Fold 8 (Wide) May Feature Thicker UTG Than Fold 8 Ultra

Samsung appears to be tweaking its approach to ultra-thin glass (UTG) in foldable smartphones. According to reports, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 (Wide) may feature a UTG layer over 30% thicker than that of the Z Fold 8 Ultra. If true, the wide Fold could offer a less noticeable display crease while improving durability.

Samsung appears to be tuning the UTG strategy with Galaxy Z Fold 8 (Wide)

This year, Samsung may introduce three foldable smartphones: the Galaxy Z Flip 8, Z Fold 8 Ultra, and Z Fold 8 (Wide). The former is its regular clamshell-style model, which will succeed the Z Flip 7. On the other hand, the latter two are book-style models, with the Z Fold 8 Ultra succeeding the Fold 7. The Z Fold 8 (Wide) may adopt a passport-style form factor with a shorter and wider profile than the Fold 8 Ultra.

Now, the UTG specs of Samsung’s upcoming book-style foldable lineup have come to light. According to a report from ZDNet Korea, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 (Wide) may use a UTG around 60μm thick. The Z Fold 8 Ultra may use 45μm UTG, the same as its predecessor. As you can see, the wide Fold’s UTG is quite thicker than that of the Fold 8 Ultra.

In recent years, Samsung has gradually increased the thickness of UTG in its foldable smartphones. The Galaxy Z Fold 6, launched in 2024, reportedly used a 30 μm UTG. Later that year, the Galaxy Z Fold SE adopted a thicker 45μm UTG layer. The company carried over the same thickness to the Galaxy Z Fold 7 last year. It is expected to do the same with the Z Fold 8 Ultra.

For the uninitiated, a thicker UTG can reduce the visibility of display creases and improve resistance to external impacts. However, it needs more cutting-edge hinge and panel engineering. Perhaps the wider form factor allows Samsung to make internal design tweaks for 60μm UTG.

Industry watchers believe that if the wide Fold receives a positive response, Samsung might adopt similar UTG thickness levels for the 2027 regular Galaxy Z Fold 9 as well.

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