Chinese Foldable Brands Could Overtake Apple and Samsung With Wider Foldable Phones

Chinese smartphone brands Vivo and Honor may enter the next phase of foldable phone competition before Apple and Samsung. New leaks suggest both companies are developing wider foldable smartphones that could challenge Samsung’s future Galaxy Z Fold lineup.

According to reports shared by tipsters on Chinese social platform Weibo, Vivo is currently testing a wider foldable design. The device is expected to be linked to the upcoming Vivo X Fold 6 series and may target users who prefer a larger screen experience compared to today’s narrow foldable phones.

The reports also claim these devices could arrive before Samsung and Apple launch their own wider foldable models.

Vivo Reportedly Working on Better Foldable Design

Leaks suggest Vivo is not only focusing on screen size but also improving one of the biggest foldable phone issues — the visible display crease.

Tipster Smart Pikachu claimed the company is developing technology to reduce crease visibility on the inner display. While Vivo has not officially confirmed the device, the improvement could become a major selling point if true.

Earlier rumors also hinted that the Vivo X Fold 6 may feature flagship-level hardware, including a possible 200MP main camera and a large-capacity battery.

Honor Could Join the Wide Foldable Trend

Honor is also rumored to be preparing its own wider foldable smartphone. Chinese tipster Guan Tongxue suggested the company is exploring the same design direction as Vivo and Samsung.

Current reports indicate Honor’s foldable may launch sometime in early 2027, although the timeline remains uncertain. Rumors further suggest the device could include a triple rear camera setup.

However, Honor has not announced any official specifications or launch details so far.

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide Also in Development

Samsung is reportedly preparing a wider version of its future Galaxy Z Fold 8. Multiple leaks have pointed toward a “Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide” model featuring broader display proportions and software animations connected to One UI 9.

The design could help Samsung move away from the tall and narrow form factor seen on previous Fold devices.

Camera details have also appeared in recent reports. The rumored Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide may include a 50MP main camera and a 50MP ultrawide sensor capable of 8K video recording. However, leaks suggest the device may not include a telephoto camera.

That difference could help Samsung separate the Wide model from the standard Galaxy Z Fold 8, which is expected to offer more advanced camera hardware.

Foldable Market Competition Is Growing

The wider foldable phone trend appears to be gaining attention as brands search for new ways to improve usability and multitasking.

While most information remains based on leaks and unofficial reports, Vivo, Honor, and Samsung all seem to be preparing for stronger competition in the foldable smartphone market.

Final specifications, launch dates, and designs could still change before the devices become official.