Samsung has released the Galaxy W26, a premium, China-exclusive variant of its acclaimed Galaxy Z Fold 7. This special edition features a striking design with red and black colors accented by gold trimmings around the frame and camera, giving it an upscale, jewelry-like aesthetic. Despite the luxurious makeover, the W26 keeps the same slim profile and lightweight build at 8.9mm thickness and 215 grams.
Beyond its luxury design, the W26 brings a notable hardware upgrade with satellite calling and messaging support, enabling communications even in areas without mobile network coverage — a feature currently limited to use within China. Performance-wise, it boosts RAM to 16GB standard across 512GB and 1TB storage options, compared to 12GB on the global Z Fold 7. The device runs on the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, features an 8-inch AMOLED foldable display with QXGA+ resolution, and a 200MP primary camera complemented by ultra-wide and telephoto lenses.
The W26 ships in a premium package including a Kevlar case and a power adapter, unlike many current flagship phones. Pricing starts at CNY 16,999 (~$2,383) for the 512GB model and CNY 18,999 (~$2,663) for 1TB. Samsung positions the W-series as a status symbol tailored to the Chinese market through its partnership with China Telecom, and there are no plans for an international launch.