The Galaxy Z Fold 8 could bring a charging upgrade for the first time since 2020
The highly anticipated Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 and an intriguing new device, tentatively dubbed the Galaxy Wide Fold, are set to introduce a long-overdue advancement in charging technology for Samsung’s premium foldable lineup, according to recent regulatory filings. While the Galaxy Z Fold 7 brought a welcome design overhaul to the series, it conspicuously retained the modest 25W charging speeds that have characterized the Fold series since its second iteration. However, fresh certification documents from China’s 3C body signal a significant shift, indicating both the Z Fold 8 and the Wide Fold will support 45W wired charging, a substantial leap that addresses a long-standing point of contention for users and critics alike. In contrast, the upcoming Galaxy Z Flip 8 appears poised to maintain the current 25W charging standard, raising questions about Samsung’s differentiated approach across its foldable portfolio.
Regulatory Confirmation and Model Identifiers
The revelation stems from detailed regulatory filings published by China’s 3C (China Compulsory Certification) body, a crucial step for any electronic device destined for the Chinese market. These filings, first spotted by SammyGuru, provide tangible evidence of Samsung’s impending foldable releases. The purported Galaxy Z Fold 8 is identified with the model number SM-F9760. This nomenclature aligns perfectly with Samsung’s established pattern, where the ‘F9xx’ series denotes the Fold line (the Z Fold 7 carried the F966x designation) and the trailing ‘0’ typically signifies a China-specific variant.
Even more intriguingly, the filings include details for a device bearing the model number SM-F9710, which corresponds directly with previous leaks and rumors concerning a "Galaxy Wide Fold." This suggests Samsung is not only iterating on its established Fold design but also exploring new form factors within the foldable segment, potentially targeting a different niche or addressing specific ergonomic preferences. The consistency of these model numbers with prior leaks lends considerable credibility to the information gleaned from the 3C database.
The Leap to 45W: A Deeper Dive into the Fold Series
A meticulous examination of the 3C certification images for both the SM-F9760 (Galaxy Z Fold 8) and SM-F9710 (Galaxy Wide Fold) explicitly reveals support for 45W wired charging. This is indicated by output specifications of either 15V/3A or 10V/4.5A, both culminating in a robust 45 watts of power delivery. This upgrade represents a monumental shift for the Galaxy Z Fold series, which has inexplicably adhered to 25W charging since the Galaxy Z Fold 2. For context, the Z Fold 7, despite its otherwise premium specifications and refined design, could take upwards of 80-90 minutes to achieve a full charge, a metric that increasingly falls behind industry standards, particularly among competitors in the burgeoning foldable market.
The significance of this 45W upgrade is further amplified by concurrent leaks suggesting the Galaxy Z Fold 8 will also feature a larger 5,000mAh battery. The Z Fold 7 was equipped with a 4,400mAh battery. A larger battery, while offering extended endurance, typically demands more time to charge. Therefore, the combination of a significantly larger battery and substantially faster wired charging is expected to result in either comparable or, more likely, notably improved overall charging times. This move by Samsung appears to be a direct response to persistent consumer feedback and competitive pressures, finally bringing the Fold series’ charging capabilities into a more acceptable range for a flagship device.
For users, this means less downtime tethered to a power outlet. In a world where minutes matter, particularly for professionals who rely on their devices throughout the day, the ability to rapidly top up a large battery can be a game-changer. A 45W charger could potentially halve the charging time compared to a 25W charger for a similar battery capacity, although real-world results vary based on battery chemistry, charging curves, and thermal management. Nevertheless, the theoretical improvement is substantial, promising a more efficient and user-friendly experience.
Introducing the "Wide Fold": A New Horizon for Samsung
The appearance of the Galaxy Wide Fold (SM-F9710) alongside the Z Fold 8 is perhaps one of the most intriguing aspects of these filings. While specific details about its design and functionality remain under wraps, the moniker "Wide Fold" itself suggests a departure from the current Fold’s relatively narrow external display. The existing Galaxy Z Fold series has often faced criticism for its tall and narrow cover screen, which can make typing and general interaction cumbersome when the device is closed. A "Wide Fold" could address this by offering a more conventional, wider aspect ratio for its external display, making it more akin to a standard smartphone when folded.
This potential design evolution could significantly broaden the appeal of Samsung’s foldable offerings. By providing a more traditional smartphone experience in its folded state, the Wide Fold might attract users who are hesitant about the current Fold’s ergonomics but are still interested in the larger tablet-like internal display. This strategic diversification could allow Samsung to capture a wider segment of the premium smartphone market, appealing to different user preferences within the foldable category. For instance, a wider external display might lead to a squarer internal display when unfolded, or it could simply mean a wider cover screen that folds out to a larger, more conventional tablet aspect ratio. The 45W charging speed for this new form factor further underscores Samsung’s commitment to equipping its advanced foldables with competitive features.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8: Sticking to 25W
In contrast to the Fold series’ anticipated upgrade, the 3C filing for the Galaxy Z Flip 8 (model number SM-F7760) indicates that the device will retain 25W wired charging (9V/2.77A). This aligns with previous Flip models, including the Galaxy Z Flip 7. While 25W is not inherently slow, particularly for a device with a smaller battery typically found in a clamshell foldable (the Z Flip 7 had a 3,700mAh battery), it lags behind many contemporary Android flagships, some of which boast charging speeds exceeding 100W.
The decision to maintain 25W charging for the Flip 8 raises questions about Samsung’s prioritization and cost-benefit analysis. In our review of the Galaxy Z Flip 7, the 25W charging speed was a notable drawback, taking over 90 minutes to achieve a full charge. While the Flip series emphasizes compact design and fashion-forward aesthetics, charging speed remains a critical user experience factor. Samsung might be banking on the Flip’s smaller battery size making 25W sufficiently fast for its target demographic, or perhaps prioritizing other design elements and cost efficiencies. However, in an increasingly competitive market where rivals like OnePlus and Xiaomi offer significantly faster charging on their compact foldables, Samsung’s conservative approach for the Flip 8 could be a disadvantage. Optimizing the charging curve to deliver peak wattage for longer durations could mitigate some of the perceived slowness, but a raw power increase would undoubtedly be more impactful.
Competitive Landscape and Industry Trends
Samsung’s move to 45W for its Fold series comes amidst a fiercely competitive foldable market. Chinese manufacturers, in particular, have been aggressive in pushing the boundaries of charging technology. Devices like the OnePlus Open offer 67W SuperVOOC charging, capable of fully charging its battery in under 45 minutes. Xiaomi’s Mix Fold series has even featured charging speeds exceeding 120W, dramatically reducing charging times to mere minutes. Even within Samsung’s own portfolio, the Galaxy S24 Ultra supports 45W charging, suggesting that the technology is readily available.
This context highlights that Samsung’s 45W upgrade, while significant for its Fold series, still positions it as a moderate player in the broader fast-charging race. However, for a foldable device, where thermal management and battery longevity are paramount due to the complex hinge and internal components, a balanced approach to fast charging is often preferred. Samsung’s decision to adopt 45W might be a strategic sweet spot, offering a substantial speed boost without compromising long-term battery health or device integrity. It represents a commitment to addressing a major user pain point without necessarily chasing the absolute fastest charging speeds, which often come with their own set of engineering challenges and potential trade-offs.
Consumer Expectations and Market Impact
For consumers, the 45W charging on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Wide Fold will be a welcome relief. It aligns more closely with the expectations for a premium, ultra-expensive smartphone. Faster charging contributes directly to a better user experience, allowing for quick top-ups during busy days and reducing range anxiety. The potential for a larger 5,000mAh battery on the Fold 8, combined with faster charging, suggests that Samsung is finally listening to feedback regarding both battery endurance and efficiency. This could strengthen the Fold’s appeal to power users and business professionals who demand robust performance and minimal downtime.
The introduction of the Wide Fold could also significantly impact market dynamics. If it successfully addresses the ergonomic criticisms of the current Fold, it could attract a new demographic of users who desire the productivity benefits of a large internal screen without the compromises of a narrow external display. This diversification could solidify Samsung’s leadership in the foldable segment, demonstrating innovation beyond mere generational updates.
However, the stagnant 25W charging on the Z Flip 8 might disappoint some users, especially as the compact foldable market heats up. While the Flip’s aesthetic appeal and portability are strong selling points, battery life and charging speed remain crucial for daily usability. Samsung will need to ensure that the Flip 8 offers compelling upgrades in other areas, such as camera performance, processor efficiency, or unique software features, to justify its price point and maintain its competitive edge against rivals that offer faster charging.
Challenges and Future Outlook
The path to market for these new foldables is not without potential hurdles. The article briefly mentions a "RAM crisis" that could "seriously affect Samsung’s Flip plans." While details are scarce, such a crisis could refer to supply chain issues, rising component costs, or unexpected technical challenges related to integrating high-performance RAM into the compact Flip form factor. This could lead to delays, adjusted specifications, or even impact the availability and pricing of the Z Flip 8. Samsung’s ability to navigate these supply chain challenges will be critical to a successful launch.
Looking ahead, Samsung’s strategy appears to be one of broad diversification within the foldable space. With the Z Fold 8 targeting the pinnacle of productivity and innovation, the potential Wide Fold exploring new ergonomic possibilities, and the Z Flip 8 (and possibly a Z Flip 8 FE) catering to the fashion-conscious and mainstream market, Samsung is aiming to have a foldable device for every segment. This comprehensive approach, combined with the long-awaited charging speed upgrade for its flagship Fold, positions Samsung to maintain its dominant position in the evolving foldable smartphone landscape. The 2024 (or early 2025, depending on the final release schedule implied by the ‘2025/07’ date in the image metadata) Unpacked event promises to be a pivotal moment for Samsung’s foldable future, revealing whether these anticipated charging upgrades and new form factors will truly redefine the user experience.
