New Galaxy Z Phone: Samsung Drops Unexpected Upgrade

Samsung is expanding its 2026 foldable smartphone strategy with the development of a third device alongside the expected Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8. This move indicates a shift toward a more comprehensive foldable lineup as the company continues to experiment with different form factors.

Information regarding these devices surfaced through the GSMA’s IMEI database, where several model numbers and codenames have appeared. These registrations typically occur once hardware designs have stabilized and are deep into the development phase, well before official public announcements.

The 2026 Foldable Lineup

The IMEI database reveals model numbers SM-F976U and SM-F776U, which align with the naming conventions used for the US market. Based on previous naming patterns, these likely correspond to the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8.

The codenames for these devices further support this identification. In previous cycles, the Fold series utilized a Q prefix and the Flip series utilized a B prefix. For 2026, the database shows the Q8 and B8 codenames, following the Q7 and B7 designations used for the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7.

Beyond the standard two models, a third device has appeared in the database under the model number SM-F971U, carrying the codename H8. This mystery device suggests that Samsung is diversifying its foldable offerings beyond the traditional book-style and clamshell designs.

Market Context and Product Iterations

This expansion follows Samsung’s recent efforts to make foldable technology more accessible through the Fan Edition (FE) line. On September 19, 2025, reports highlighted the Galaxy Z Flip7 FE, a more affordable version of the Flip7 designed based on user feedback.

The Galaxy Z Flip7 FE features a 6.7-inch main screen and a 3.4-inch cover screen, both smaller than the 6.9-inch main screen and 4.1-inch cover screen found on the standard Galaxy Z Flip7. While it shares the same 10MP front camera, 50MP wide camera, and 12MP ultrawide camera as the Flip7, it possesses lower specifications in other areas:

• RAM: 8GB in the FE model compared to 12GB in the Flip7.
• Storage: Options of 128GB and 256GB for the FE, while the Flip7 offers 256GB and 512GB.
• Battery: 4000Ah for the FE versus 4300Ah for the Flip7.

The introduction of the FE line demonstrates a strategy of tiered pricing and specifications to capture different market segments, a trend that may be mirrored in the 2026 lineup with the addition of the H8 device.

Recent Software and Hardware Developments

Alongside hardware expansions, Samsung has continued to push software updates for its existing user base. On March 23, 2026, Samsung released a new Android upgrade for millions of Galaxy users, aiming to match the capabilities of Pixel devices.

However, as the company moves toward the 2026 hardware cycle, some older devices are reaching the end of their support lifecycles. Certain Samsung phones are scheduled to stop receiving updates in 2026, marking a transition point for users of older Galaxy models.

The combination of new hardware iterations, such as the potential Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide and the mystery H8 device, and the continued evolution of the Android ecosystem, shows Samsung’s attempt to maintain its lead in the foldable market against competitors.