Samsung W26: The Ultra-Premium Foldable That Redefines Luxury in the Galaxy Lineup

While the world waits for Samsung’s rumored tri-fold smartphone, the company just dropped something equally striking — the Samsung W26, an ultra-premium version of the Galaxy Z Fold7 that’s designed exclusively for the Chinese market. Think of it as the luxury twin of the Fold7, wrapped in gold, polished to perfection, and priced like a collector’s item.

Samsung’s W-series foldables have always carried an air of prestige. Traditionally aimed at China’s high-end market, these models combine top-tier specs with an almost ceremonial design approach. The new W26 follows that formula closely — pairing elite hardware with small but meaningful design upgrades that scream sophistication.

At its core, the W26 is a Galaxy Z Fold7 in disguise. It runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chip, backed by 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage. The displays remain the same too: a 6.5-inch cover screen and a massive 8-inch inner AMOLED panel, both tuned for Samsung’s signature punchy colors and buttery-smooth visuals. Powering it all is a 4,400mAh battery with 25W charging, plus a 200MP main camera that mirrors the Fold7’s optics.

But this isn’t just a spec sheet refresh — it’s a statement piece. The W26 comes dressed in two regal finishes: Dan Xi Red and Dark Black, both accented by gold-trimmed frames with ribbed textures that catch the light beautifully. The back panel now uses glass instead of ceramic, giving it a slightly lighter, glossier feel compared to last year’s W25. The attention to detail extends to its packaging too — elaborate and gift-like, complete with an exclusive Kevlar case and even a CNY 1,000 (~$140) telecom voucher tucked inside.

Of course, exclusivity doesn’t come cheap. The W26 starts at CNY 16,999 (~$2,383) for the 512GB model and CNY 18,999 (~$2,664) for the 1TB variant. That’s roughly CNY 2,000–2,500 more than the standard Galaxy Z Fold7 in China. But for Samsung’s W-series audience — business elites, collectors, and those who view technology as luxury fashion — the price difference is part of the appeal.

Interestingly, Samsung has skipped the “W26 Flip” this year, a companion model that usually mirrors the Galaxy Z Flip series. Instead, the company appears to be keeping its spotlight on the W26’s refined craftsmanship, possibly to position it as the definitive foldable status symbol before the tri-fold device rumored for later this year.

While the Samsung W26 isn’t expected to launch outside China, importers will almost certainly bring limited quantities to enthusiasts in other regions. For those who appreciate design as much as engineering, this foldable isn’t just a smartphone — it’s a luxury object, blending Samsung’s best tech with old-school opulence.

As Samsung explores new form factors like the upcoming tri-fold, the W26 reminds us that in Asia’s premium market, craftsmanship and cultural cachet still matter as much as innovation. The W26 doesn’t just fold — it flexes, in every sense of the word.