Samsung may be planning a major thickness reduction for its next-generation foldable phone. Readers following the latest Samsung foldable phone news and reviews can also explore our related coverage. A new leak claims that the Galaxy Z Fold9 could be developed with a target thickness of just 3.9mm when unfolded and 7.9mm when folded, potentially making it significantly slimmer than the current generation.
The information comes from leaker @kro_roe, who posted the claim on X on October 1. According to the report, Samsung has set an aggressive engineering target for the Galaxy Z Fold9 as it looks to strengthen its position in the increasingly competitive foldable smartphone market, including competition from Apple’s rumored iPhone Duo.
Galaxy Z Fold9 Could Be Much Thinner
The biggest detail in the latest Galaxy Z Fold9 rumor is its reported thickness target.
The phone is allegedly being designed to measure:
- 3.9mm when fully unfolded
- 7.9mm when folded
If Samsung can achieve a 7.9mm folded profile in a production device, the Galaxy Z Fold9 would represent a noticeable reduction compared with the rumored Galaxy Z Fold8 thickness of 9.7mm.
That would amount to a reduction of approximately 1.8mm, which could make the next-generation Fold considerably easier to carry when closed.
However, these figures should be treated as early development targets rather than confirmed specifications. Samsung has not officially announced the Galaxy Z Fold9 or confirmed its final dimensions.
Galaxy Z Fold9 May Use an Under-Display Camera
The same leak also claims that Samsung is considering an under-display camera (UDC) for the inner screen of the Galaxy Z Fold9.
An under-display camera places the selfie camera underneath the display instead of using a conventional punch-hole cutout. This approach could allow the large inner folding screen to offer a cleaner viewing area without a visible camera opening.
The source reportedly suggested that Samsung’s UDC plan may already have been confirmed, although no detailed information about the sensor, image quality, production status, or final hardware configuration has been provided.
As a result, it remains unclear whether the technology will actually appear on the retail version of the Galaxy Z Fold9.
Thickness Could Become a Key Foldable Phone Battleground
The latest Galaxy Z Fold9 rumor highlights one of the biggest challenges facing modern foldable smartphones: reducing thickness while maintaining durability, battery capacity, cameras, and a reliable folding mechanism.
A folded thickness below 8mm would put considerable pressure on Samsung’s engineering team because a foldable phone must accommodate two display sections, a hinge, battery components, cameras, and other internal hardware within a relatively compact body.
If the 7.9mm target becomes a production specification, Samsung could position the Galaxy Z Fold9 as a substantially slimmer alternative to previous Fold generations.
Galaxy Z Fold9 Is Still Far From Official
At this stage, Samsung has not confirmed the Galaxy Z Fold9’s design, dimensions, camera system, or launch specifications. The 3.9mm/7.9mm thickness figures and under-display camera information remain based on an early leak.
More information should emerge as Samsung’s next-generation foldable development progresses. Until the company officially announces the device, the reported dimensions should be viewed as development targets rather than final specifications.