Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Wide in Kenya
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Wide is expected to retail in Kenya at KES 215,000 at Smartphones Planet, with a 2-year warranty. This is Samsung's most anticipated foldable of 2026 and represents a fundamental rethink of the Galaxy Z Fold form factor. Rather than the tall, narrow book-style design of previous Z Fold phones, the Z Fold Wide adopts a wider, squarer 4:3 aspect ratio that produces a 7.6-inch inner display and a 5.4-inch cover display more like a small tablet than a letterbox.
The phone is expected to be just 4.9mm thin when unfolded and weighing 199 grams, making it the slimmest foldable Samsung has ever produced. Samsung is expected to announce it at Unpacked alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 8, with Samsung Unpacked now rumoured for around July 22, 2026. This is Smartphones Planet Kenya's pre-release coverage page for Kenyan buyers who want to follow this launch and secure one of the first units in Kenya.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Wide Expected Key Specifications:
- Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm) chipset: The same chip used in the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold 7, providing the highest available Android performance and AI processing capability. Confirmed in multiple credible leak sources for the Z Fold Wide.
- 7 major Android upgrades and One UI 8: Samsung's industry-leading software commitment ensures the Z Fold Wide will receive Android OS updates until approximately Android 23, making it a long-term investment for Kenyan buyers who plan to use the phone for 5 or more years.
- Dual 50MP camera system: Leaked renders and reports indicate a 50MP wide and 50MP ultrawide rear camera system, borrowed from the Samsung Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus. This is a departure from the triple camera systems on previous Z Fold models, prioritising thinness over camera count. The ultrawide includes autofocus for close-up photography.
- Advanced Armor Aluminum frame with IP48 protection: The Advanced Armor Aluminum frame matches the Z Fold 7's build quality. IP48 provides dust protection against particles larger than 1mm and water resistance for submersion up to 1.5 metres for 30 minutes.
- Snapdragon 8 Elite with up to 1TB and 16GB RAM: Storage configurations are expected to include 256GB/12GB, 512GB/12GB, and 1TB/16GB. UFS 4.0 storage delivers the fastest file access speed available on any smartphone.
- 45W wired charging with 4,800mAh battery: The 4,800mAh battery is larger than the Z Fold 7's battery, and 45W charging provides fast restoration. Wireless charging is expected to be included (Samsung standard on flagship devices) though not listed in the leaked spec sheet.
- Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, and Samsung DeX: Full flagship connectivity including Wi-Fi 7 tri-band for the fastest wireless performance, Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX HD for hi-res wireless audio, NFC for Samsung Pay tap-to-pay, and Samsung DeX for desktop-mode computing when connected to a monitor.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Wide Expected Specifications:
| Network Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Dimensions | Unfolded: 161.4 x 123.9 x 4.9 mmFolded: 82.2 x 123.9 x 9.8 mm |
| Weight | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time) |
| Build & Protection | IP48 dust and water resistant (dust > 1mm; immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min)Advanced Armor aluminum frame |
| Display Type | Foldable Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+ |
| Display Size | 7.6 inches, 175.7 cm² (~87.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Display Resolution | 1828 x 2584 pixels (~416 ppi density) |
| Display Features | Titanium plate layer for display support |
| Cover Display | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 25.4 inches, 1264 x 1848 pixels |
| Operating System | Android 16, up to 7 major Android upgrades, One UI 8 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) |
| CPU | Octa-core (2x4.47 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix L + 6x3.53 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix M) |
| GPU | Adreno 830 (1200 MHz) |
| Card Slot | No |
| Internal Storage | 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM |
| Storage Type | UFS 4.0 |
| Main Camera | 50 MP (wide), PDAF, OIS50 MP (ultrawide), AF |
| Camera Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Main Camera Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, OIS |
| Selfie Camera | 10 MP, f/2.2, 18mm (ultrawide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm |
| Cover Camera | 10 MP, f/2.2, 24mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm |
| Selfie Features | HDR |
| Selfie Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| 3.5mm Jack | No |
| Audio Features | High-bitrate audio support |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| NFC | Yes |
| Radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery Type | Li-Po 4800 mAh |
| Charging | 45W wired |
| Colors | Black; other colors |
| Models | SM-F971B, SM-F971B/DS, SM-F971U, SM-F971U1 |
FAQs:
Q: Does the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Wide support 5G?
A: Yes, the Galaxy Z Fold Wide supports 5G connectivity.
Q: Is the Galaxy Z Fold Wide waterproof?
A: Yes, it comes with IP48 water and dust resistance.
Q: How many Android updates will the phone receive?
A: Samsung promises up to 7 major Android upgrades.
Q: Does the phone support expandable storage?
A: No, the Galaxy Z Fold Wide does not support microSD card expansion.
Q: What processor does the phone use?
A: It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset.
Q: Does the phone have stereo speakers?
A: Yes, it features stereo speakers with high-bitrate audio support.
Q: Does it support dual SIM?
A: Yes, it supports Nano-SIM and eSIM functionality.
Q: What is the charging speed?
A: The phone supports 45W wired fast charging.
Why Buy From Smartphones Planet Kenya at Launch:
Why Register Interest Now Rather Than Waiting
- First deliveries of premium Samsung foldables in Kenya sell out quickly. Registering interest now positions you ahead of the queue
- Smartphones Planet Kenya offers the full 2-year Samsung warranty on all Galaxy devices
- M-Pesa, Bank, Cash, and card payments are accepted - pay in full or discuss instalment options
- Countrywide delivery available - does not need to be collected from Nairobi CBD