Samsung May Launch a Second Wide Galaxy Z Fold9 With Plus or FE Branding in 2027

Samsung could be preparing a major expansion of its foldable smartphone lineup for 2027. Following the reported success of its wide-format Galaxy Z Fold8, the company is allegedly considering launching a second device with a similar design, giving buyers more choices in the increasingly competitive foldable market.

The upcoming model could take one of two directions: a larger version with an expanded display or a more affordable alternative with reduced specifications. These devices are reportedly being considered under the tentative names Galaxy Z Fold9+ and Galaxy Z Fold9 FE.

However, Samsung has not confirmed either model, and reports suggest the company may ultimately launch only one of the two options. If the plans move forward, the new device could make Samsung’s next generation of foldables more versatile than ever.

Samsung Is Reportedly Testing Two New Wide Foldables

According to recent industry rumours, Samsung is exploring two possible additions to its wide-format foldable lineup for 2027.

The first option is a larger model that could eventually be marketed as the Galaxy Z Fold9+. This version would reportedly feature a bigger display than the existing wide-format design, potentially offering more screen space for multitasking, entertainment and productivity.

The second possibility is a Galaxy Z Fold9 FE. Unlike the Plus model, this device would reportedly retain the current wide-foldable form factor while using less powerful specifications to create a more accessible option.

These two approaches would allow Samsung to target different types of customers without abandoning the wider screen design.

Importantly, both devices appear to be under consideration rather than confirmed retail products. The final names, specifications and positioning could change during development.

Reports indicate that Samsung is expected to decide which direction to pursue soon. For now, it remains unclear whether the company will prioritise a larger premium device or a more affordable alternative.

Galaxy Z Fold9+ Could Offer a Bigger Display

If Samsung chooses the Plus approach, the additional model could focus on delivering a larger display than the standard wide-format Galaxy Z Fold9.

A bigger inner screen could be useful for people who regularly work with documents, read digital books, browse websites or run multiple applications simultaneously. It could also make watching videos and playing games more immersive, depending on the final screen dimensions and aspect ratio.

Samsung has spent several generations refining its foldable hardware, and experimenting with different screen proportions gives the company another way to distinguish its products.

However, there are practical trade-offs to consider. A larger foldable could be heavier, harder to use with one hand and more expensive than the standard model. Battery capacity, hinge design and overall thickness would also influence whether a bigger display translates into a better everyday experience.

At this stage, no confirmed display measurements, resolution details or battery specifications have emerged for the rumoured Plus variant.

Consequently, buyers should treat the possibility of a larger Galaxy Z Fold9 as an early development rumour rather than an indication of Samsung’s final plans.

Galaxy Z Fold9 FE Could Make Wide Foldables More Accessible

The alternative under consideration is a Galaxy Z Fold9 FE, which could appeal to customers interested in the wider foldable design but unwilling to pay flagship-level prices.

Samsung has previously used its Fan Edition branding for devices that offer selected premium features while making compromises in areas such as processing power, camera hardware or other specifications.

A similar strategy for a wide foldable could help Samsung reach a broader audience.

Rather than increasing the screen size, the rumoured FE model would reportedly maintain the existing dimensions while reducing some specifications. Depending on Samsung’s decisions, this could potentially involve changes to the processor, camera system, memory configurations or other components.

However, no specific hardware reductions or price details have been confirmed. It would be premature to assume which features Samsung might change or how much cheaper an FE version could be.

Foldable phones remain relatively expensive compared with conventional smartphones, partly because of their specialised displays and complex mechanical designs. A more affordable wide-format device could therefore attract customers who like the larger-screen experience but do not need every premium feature.

Whether Samsung can reduce the price significantly without compromising the experience remains an open question.

Strong Demand for the Galaxy Z Fold8 May Be Driving the Decision

The rumours surrounding a second wide foldable come as Samsung’s newer foldable lineup reportedly performs better than expected.

The Galaxy Z Fold8 introduced a wider inner display with a 4:3 aspect ratio, creating a different experience from the taller, narrower designs associated with traditional book-style foldables.

This format offers a more tablet-like workspace when unfolded and may appeal to users who want additional room for productivity, reading and entertainment.

Samsung has reported that the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra together sold 45% more units in Europe during their first nine weeks than the Galaxy Z Fold7 did over the comparable period a year earlier.

However, the company has not publicly broken down those figures by individual model. As a result, the reported sales performance of the wide Galaxy Z Fold8 cannot be established from those European figures alone.

Nevertheless, the reported interest in the new form factor could encourage Samsung to explore more variations rather than relying on a single wide-foldable model.

Offering a choice between a larger premium version and a potentially cheaper alternative would give customers more flexibility while allowing Samsung to test demand for different approaches.

Samsung Could Expand Its Foldable Lineup in 2027

If the current rumours prove accurate, Samsung could offer a broader selection of foldable smartphones in 2027.

The expected lineup may include the standard Galaxy Z Fold9, a traditional premium model potentially branded as the Galaxy Z Fold9 Ultra, the Galaxy Z Flip9 and a successor to Samsung’s tri-fold device.

A second wide-format foldable could join these products, increasing the number of designs available to consumers.

Such a strategy would represent a notable expansion of Samsung’s foldable portfolio. Instead of offering only a small number of distinct designs, the company could target customers with different priorities, including portability, screen size, price and productivity.

However, the full lineup remains unconfirmed, and not every rumoured device is guaranteed to reach the market.

Samsung will also need to ensure that its models have clear differences. If two wide foldables offer nearly identical experiences, customers may struggle to understand why they should choose one over the other.

A successful lineup would require meaningful distinctions in size, features or pricing.

Competition Could Push Samsung to Experiment Further

The foldable smartphone market continues to evolve as manufacturers experiment with new screen shapes, hinges and device categories.

Samsung has traditionally been one of the major players in this segment, but competition is encouraging manufacturers to differentiate their products rather than simply making each generation faster or thinner.

A second wide-format foldable could help Samsung appeal to customers who prefer a different balance between the cover screen and inner display.

The potential Plus model would target buyers who want more screen space, while an FE variant could appeal to people who value the wide design but want to spend less.

These strategies would also allow Samsung to gather more information about consumer preferences before committing to a particular form factor across its entire lineup.

Still, pricing, durability, battery life and software optimisation will remain important factors in determining whether additional models succeed.

Launch Date, Pricing and Availability

Samsung has not officially announced a second wide-format Galaxy Z Fold9, so there are currently no confirmed launch dates, prices or availability details.

If the device becomes part of the company’s 2027 foldable lineup, more information could emerge as development progresses and the next generation approaches launch.

The rumoured Galaxy Z Fold9+ and Galaxy Z Fold9 FE names should also be treated as provisional. Samsung could choose different branding depending on the final hardware and market positioning.

For buyers in India, there is no confirmed information about pricing or availability for either rumoured variant.

Anyone considering a foldable smartphone should therefore wait for official announcements before making a purchase decision based on these reports.

What This Means for Samsung Foldable Fans

Samsung’s reported plans suggest that the company may be looking beyond a single wide-format foldable design.

A larger Galaxy Z Fold9+ could provide more room for productivity and entertainment, while a Galaxy Z Fold9 FE could potentially make the wide-screen experience accessible to more buyers.

However, Samsung is reportedly evaluating both possibilities and may bring only one of them to market. Neither model has been officially confirmed, and their specifications could change significantly before launch.

For now, the most important takeaway is that Samsung may be preparing to expand its foldable strategy in 2027. If the company follows through, buyers could soon have more options when choosing a wide-format foldable smartphone.