Samsung’s New Foldable Outshines the Galaxy Z Fold 7
▼ Summary
– Samsung has launched the W26, a China-exclusive luxury version of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 with a gold-accented design in red and black color options.
– The W26 adds satellite calling capability, which is not available on most global Galaxy Z Fold 7 models.
– It features upgraded hardware with 16GB of RAM across storage options and exclusive Galaxy AI tools like Smart Collection for content management.
– The device ships in an elegant presentation box that includes a Kevlar case, charging cable, and an actual charger.
– Samsung limits the W series to China due to its partnership with China Telecom and to cater to local design preferences as a status symbol product.
Samsung has unveiled the W26, a premium China-exclusive edition of its Galaxy Z Fold 7 that elevates the foldable experience with satellite calling, a sophisticated gold-accented design, and enhanced memory. This special model builds on the solid foundation of the standard Z Fold 7, which is already considered a top-tier Android device for 2025, by incorporating features tailored for a discerning market.
The W26 makes a powerful visual statement with its opulent red and black color schemes, accented with gold detailing that gives the device a jewelry-like finish. Remarkably, this luxurious redesign does not add bulk, as the phone retains its featherlight 215-gram weight, keeping its status as the market’s slimmest and lightest foldable.
A significant hardware upgrade is the inclusion of satellite calling capabilities, a feature not found on most international versions of the Z Fold 7. This allows users to make calls in areas without traditional cellular coverage, though it’s worth noting that other carriers, like T-Mobile in the US, support satellite-based text and picture messaging on their models.
Samsung enhances the unboxing experience to match the phone’s premium nature. The W26 arrives in an elegant package that contains not only the handset but also a protective Kevlar case, a charging cable, and a wall charger, an accessory that has become increasingly rare to find included with new smartphones.
Under the hood, the performance receives a boost with a generous 16GB of RAM available across both the 512GB and 1TB storage configurations. This is a step up from the standard Z Fold 7, whose 512GB variant is equipped with 12GB of RAM. The W26 also benefits from exclusive Galaxy AI software, such as the Smart Collection tool. This feature provides a dedicated space where users can easily drag and organize images and text for more efficient content management.
Pricing for this exclusive device starts at approximately $2,383 for the 512GB model and rises to around $2,663 for the 1TB version. The W26 will not be available outside of China, as Samsung has no plans for a global release.
This regional limitation is a strategic move. Samsung traditionally reserves its W series for the Chinese market due to a longstanding partnership with China Telecom. The series is designed to appeal to local tastes and is often positioned as a high-status luxury item rather than a mass-market smartphone. Consequently, it will be sold alongside the standard Galaxy Z Fold 7 within China.
(Source: Android Authority)
