Samsung W26 foldable launched in China with one feature Galaxy Z Fold 7 owners wish they had

Samsung has unveiled a new foldable smartphone exclusively for the Chinese market, and while it closely resembles the Galaxy Z Fold 7 in both design and specifications, it introduces a crucial feature that could prove invaluable during emergencies.

Samsung W26 launched in China with satellite calling and messaging support

The new device, dubbed the Samsung W26, is essentially an enhanced version of the Galaxy Z Fold 7. It retains the same sleek 8.9mm thin profile and lightweight 215g body, offering a premium folding experience. Both models share identical screen dimensions — a 6.5-inch outer display and an expansive 8-inch foldable inner panel — as well as matching internal hardware.

What truly sets the W26 apart, however, is its direct satellite connectivity feature, enabling emergency calls and messages through Tiantong, China’s national mobile communications satellite system. This function is not available on the globally released Galaxy Z Fold 7, giving the Chinese variant a distinct edge for users in remote areas.

Samsung W26 design, colours and hardware

Samsung has also added some visual flair with two exclusive dual-tone finishes: Dan Xihong (Red and Gold) and Xuan Yao Black (Black and Gold). The W26 comes with 16GB of RAM as standard, paired with either 512GB or 1TB of storage. For comparison, the global 512GB model of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 includes just 12GB of RAM.

Inside the box, buyers receive a dual-tone Kevlar protective case, a 25W fast charger, a USB cable, and a China Telecom co-branded privilege card, adding extra value to the package.

Samsung W26 display

The W26’s displays support a 1–120Hz adaptive refresh rate and reach up to 2,600 nits of peak brightness in HDR mode. The phone also features stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support for a more immersive multimedia experience.

Samsung W26 software

Out of the box, it runs Android 16 with One UI 8.0 and promises seven generations of major Android OS updates. The device includes extra Galaxy AI capabilities, such as Smart Collection, Smart Drag and Drop, and Smart Password Manager, expanding its intelligent productivity features.

Samsung W26 camera

The camera configuration mirrors that of the Galaxy Z Fold 7: a 200MP main sensor with OIS, a 12MP ultra-wide lens with autofocus, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS. On the cover display sits a 10MP selfie camera, while a 4MP under-display shooter is tucked beneath the folding screen. The W26 can capture 8K video at 30fps with its main camera and 4K at 60fps across all other lenses, except the 4MP sensor.

Samsung W26 price

The Samsung W26 is priced at CNY 16,999 (around $2,383) for the 512GB model and CNY 18,999 (around $2,663) for the 1TB variant.