Samsung to Sell $1,000 Premium W27 Foldable in China This Week

Samsung will introduce a new foldable smartphone in China on October 29, according to information released by leaker Ice Universe.

The device, named the Galaxy W27, features a glossy blue back panel with gold accents surrounding a triple-camera array. This design distinguishes it from standard international models. Ice Universe shared an image of the phone, confirming its visual identity ahead of the launch date.

The W27 is built on the same hardware specifications and design as the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. This marks a shift from previous years, where the China-exclusive W series typically mirrored the standard foldable model rather than the premium Ultra variant. The choice to base the device on the Ultra line highlights a strategic decision to align with the company's top-performing hardware.

Samsung has maintained a tradition of releasing a specially styled, China-only version of its top foldable every year. These devices often feature elaborate packaging and unique design elements not found in global releases. The only exception to this pattern occurred in 2024, when the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition received a wider distribution. That model served as a precursor to the release of the Galaxy Z Fold 7.

The arrival of the W27 occurs while wide-format foldables gain traction in the Chinese market. Competitors such as Xiaomi and Huawei have been producing devices with similar form factors. Analysts project that foldable display shipments will increase by 44 percent in 2026, driven largely by the adoption of these wider designs. Samsung has noted that the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is performing well and that the iPhone Duo has increased attention on the category.

If the leaked schedule holds, the W27 will be the final foldable launch from Samsung for 2026. The company has several new foldable devices planned for the following year, but none are scheduled to arrive before the end of the current year.