Samsung has unveiled its new W26 foldable smartphone, an opulent, gold-accented edition of the Galaxy Z Fold7 designed exclusively for the Chinese market. The device will be formally introduced on 11 October 2025, underscoring Samsung’s renewed attempt to regain prestige in Asia’s premium smartphone segment.
The launch comes as part of a wider repositioning effort by the South Korean company, which faces growing competition from Huawei, Honor, and Xiaomi in foldables — a market that now accounts for nearly half of all high-end smartphone sales in China, reports The WP Times.

A flagship designed for prestige

Unlike its global Z Fold counterparts, the W26 is not intended for mass production. Instead, it serves as a status symbolfor affluent Chinese consumers. The device features a black and gold finish, precision-crafted hinge design dubbed Armor FlexHinge, and an emphasis on durability and aesthetic refinement.

Samsung positions the W26 as a luxury object — a fusion of engineering and elegance. The model is expected to retail at around 15,999 yuan (£1,750 / AU$3,400), making it one of the most expensive foldable phones currently available.

Top-tier specifications

The W26 mirrors the internal specifications of the Galaxy Z Fold7:

  • Snapdragon 8 Elite processor
  • 12–16 GB of RAM
  • Up to 1 TB of internal storage
  • 8-inch internal and 6-inch external AMOLED displays with 120 Hz refresh rate
  • 200 MP main camera with ultra-wide and telephoto lenses
  • 4400 mAh battery supporting 25W fast charging

While its charging speed lags behind Chinese rivals offering 80–120W systems, Samsung prioritises battery longevity and safety standards, a key selling point for international buyers.

A strategic move in Samsung’s China play

The W-series has long been associated with luxury and charity partnerships in China, but this iteration signals a deeper strategic intent: Samsung aims to rebuild brand relevance in a market it once dominated but now trails behind domestic manufacturers.

In the UK and Australia, the W26’s launch is being viewed as a testbed for design and branding. Analysts believe that design elements, materials, and marketing strategies from this China-exclusive model could influence future premium releases in Western markets.

According to market researcher Counterpoint, Samsung’s global foldable sales grew by 23% year-on-year, but its share in China remains below 5%. By targeting a high-net-worth demographic, the company seeks not volume but visibility — positioning itself as the only non-Chinese brand capable of competing in ultra-premium foldables.

Implications for the UK and Australian markets

Industry experts in London and Sydney say the W26 underlines a shift in Samsung’s global identity — from technological innovator to lifestyle brand.
In both countries, luxury technology and limited editions are gaining traction, particularly among affluent professionals and collectors. Retailers in the UK have reported rising demand for imported high-end models that are unavailable through official channels.

Although the W26 will not be officially sold outside China, importers in London, Dubai, and Melbourne are expected to list it at a premium, making it a collector’s device similar to Vertu handsets of the past.

Luxury as a new frontier for Samsung

By launching the W26, Samsung is not chasing sales figures but redefining its luxury credentials. The smartphone represents an evolution in brand strategy — one that merges advanced engineering with cultural sensitivity and exclusivity.

For the global market, including Britain and Australia, the W26’s debut highlights a broader truth: the race for innovation in foldables is no longer just about screens and chips — it’s about identity, prestige, and design diplomacy.

Read about the life of Westminster and Pimlico district, London and the world. 24/7 news with fresh and useful updates on culture, business, technology and city life: KurtJMac reaches the legendary “Far Lands” after 14 years at the edge of the Minecraft world