Samsung W26 foldable smartphone launches in China with premium design and gold frame details

Samsung introduced the W26 foldable smartphone in China following teasers released at the beginning of October. The company launched the Galaxy Z Flip7 FE, Galaxy Z Flip7, and Galaxy Z Fold7 globally earlier this year. Samsung is expected to release its first tri-folding smartphone before the end of 2025.

The Samsung W26 features minor visual modifications from the Galaxy Z Fold7, which currently retails for $1,869 on Amazon. The Samsung W25 arrived in 2024 as a premium alternative to the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition sold in South Korea. Samsung also offered the W25 Flip, based on the Galaxy Z Flip6 design.

The Samsung W26 and Galaxy Z Fold7 contain identical hardware components. Both devices feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset, a 4,400 mAh battery supporting 25W charging, a 200MP primary camera, a 6.5-inch cover display, and an 8-inch foldable display. The Samsung W26 matches the Galaxy Z Fold7 with a reported 8.9mm thickness and 215g weight.

Also read: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 features crease-free display technology and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor

Samsung did not release a W26 Flip model to replace the W25 Flip from the previous year. The company launched only the Samsung W26 foldable smartphone in China.

Samsung W26 pricing and storage configuration options

The Samsung W26 can be configured with 16GB of RAM and 512GB or 1TB of storage. The 512GB model costs CNY 16,999, approximately $2,383, while the 1TB model costs CNY 18,999, approximately $2,664.

Samsung charges between CNY 2,000, approximately $280, and CNY 2,500, approximately $350, less for the Galaxy Z Fold7 in China compared to W26 pricing.

Premium design features and included accessories differentiate Samsung W26

The price difference includes an exclusive Kevlar case and a CNY 1,000, approximately $140, telecom discount code, as well as more elaborate packaging. Both Samsung W26 color options feature gold frames with ribbed finishes, unlike Galaxy Z Fold7 models.

The Samsung W26 has a glass back panel, rather than the ceramic back found in the Samsung W25. The gold frame and ribbed finish represent the primary visual distinctions between the W26 and Galaxy Z Fold7 foldable smartphones.

Samsung W26 availability limited to China market

Samsung is unlikely to officially sell the W26 outside China. The Samsung W26 should eventually become available through importers for consumers in other markets. The device maintains exclusivity to the Chinese market as part of Samsung's regional product strategy for premium foldable smartphones.