Samsung may skip upgrading a key Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8 component for a third year in a row

Samsung is expected to accompany the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8 with a brand-new foldable this year, which could be called the Galaxy Z Wide Fold. However, the company may skip a significant upgrade to one of the key components of all three models.

Samsung’s 2026 foldables may not use the best OLED displays

All three upcoming Samsung foldables may feature displays manufactured by Samsung Display and based on an aging technology, according to an ET News report (translated source). These panels will reportedly use M13 organic display material instead of the newer M14, which was used for the Galaxy S26 Ultra display.

That would be the third year Samsung uses M13 displays in its foldables, as the technology debuted on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6 in 2024. The main advantage of the newer M14 organic display material is that it’s up to 30% brighter, more energy efficient, and lasts up to 20% longer than the M13.

Samsung is reportedly relying on the older technology in an attempt to keep the price increases for its upcoming foldables to a minimum. 

Display improvements are still on the table

Despite using the same technology, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8 are still expected to come with some display improvements. These are likely to include better color accuracy and a power efficiency boost.

Samsung is also expected to introduce a nearly crease-free display with the Z Fold 8. However, there’s unlikely to be a major brightness boost with the new models.

Big year for foldable smartphones

This year will be the first time Samsung will face such significant competition in the foldable market. Apple is expected to launch the iPhone Fold sometime in the fall, which is forecast to boost the foldable smartphone market, especially in the US.



Meanwhile, devices like the Honor Magic V6 and Oppo Find N6 are pressuring Samsung in other global markets, and Huawei is leading in China. In this context, missing a major upgrade could hurt Samsung more than it would’ve in previous years.

Probably not such a big deal

Samsung is already making some of the best smartphone displays on the market and it would’ve been great to use the latest technology for its upcoming foldables. Still, I think most users won’t notice the difference between an M13 and an M14 display. That’s why this move is unlikely to have any negative impact on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8.