Samsung is gearing up to release its next-generation foldable smartphones, including the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Galaxy Z Flip 8, and a new book-style variant called the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide, likely in the second half of this year. While expectations had been high for upgraded displays, a recent report suggests that the company may continue using the same OLED panels as previous models. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is expected to feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, while the Galaxy Z Flip 8 could come with the Exynos 2600 processor.
According to ET News, citing unnamed industry sources, Samsung will stick with its M13 OLED material for all three upcoming foldable models. The panels, supplied by Samsung Display, are said to be the same as those used in the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Galaxy Z Fold 6 released in 2024. If accurate, this would mark the third consecutive year that Samsung has used the M13 technology for its foldable lineup, suggesting a conservative approach to display upgrades in the Galaxy Z series.
Samsung first introduced M13 OLED panels with the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Fold 6, and the material has since been applied to all foldable devices, including the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7. Meanwhile, the company has reserved its newer and brighter M14 OLED panels for non-folding flagship models, such as the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Even the standard Galaxy S26 and S26+ models still feature M13 displays, highlighting a clear distinction between Samsung’s foldable and standard smartphone displays.
This decision may reflect the technical challenges of integrating newer OLED materials into foldable devices, which require durability and flexibility. While Samsung fans had hoped for a brighter or higher-performing display in the next foldable generation, the use of M13 panels suggests the company is prioritizing reliability over incremental improvements. The upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8 series are expected to launch later this year, with more detailed specifications likely to emerge closer to the official unveiling.