Samsung has launched the Samsung W27 foldable smartphone in China, introducing an ultra-premium variant of its flagship book-style folding device on Thursday. The handset features an eight-inch internal display, two 10-megapixel front cameras, and dedicated hardware support for the Tiantong satellite communication network, starting at 18,999 yuan.
Key points
- Samsung announced the W27 foldable in China on 29 October 2026, priced from 18,999 yuan for the base 512GB edition.
- The handset runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, paired with 16GB of RAM across all configurations.
- Hardware specifications include an eight-inch foldable inner panel, a 200-megapixel primary camera sensor, and two 10-megapixel selfie cameras.
- Unlike standard global models, the retail package includes a protective case and a mains charging adapter.
Hardware specifications and performance
The new device builds directly on the technical foundation of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. At its core sits the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 system-on-chip, supported by 16GB of system memory regardless of the storage option selected. Buyers can configure the phone with either 512GB or 1TB of onboard storage.
Opening the device reveals an eight-inch foldable main screen. For imaging, Samsung fitted the handset with a 200-megapixel primary rear sensor. Front-facing photography and video calls rely on two distinct 10-megapixel selfie cameras positioned across the exterior cover and internal screens.
Samsung also added hardware optimisations for China’s Tiantong satellite communication system. The integration allows the phone to transmit messages and connect to emergency services in remote regions outside regular cellular base station coverage.
Design accents and retail packaging
The W-series has long served as Samsung’s bespoke luxury line for the Chinese enterprise and executive market. For the W27, the design departs from standard matte finishes by incorporating gold-toned accents along the frame and hinge mechanism. The rear panel comes in two deep colour finishes: a dark red and a dark blue.
Retail packaging also diverges from the minimalist presentation seen in western markets. While standard flagship buyers must purchase charging hardware separately, Samsung ships the W27 with a bundled protective phone case and a wall charging adapter in the box.
Technical specifications and configuration details appear on Samsung’s product portal, which lists regional network compatibility and pre-installed software features tailored for domestic enterprise users.
Pricing and market position
The luxury hardware commands a substantial price premium over mainstream folding handsets. The base 512GB version of the Samsung W27 foldable retails at 18,999 yuan, which converts to approximately $2,800. Stepping up to the top-tier 1TB model raises the price to 21,999 yuan, or roughly $3,300.
By comparison, the standard international edition of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra tops out at $2,699 for a 1TB model. The markup reflects the low-volume manufacturing, specialist materials, and regional carrier support that define the W-series partnership with China Telecom.
Samsung has not announced plans to sell the W27 outside mainland China. The company will begin fulfilling regional pre-orders through domestic retail channels and carrier partners over the coming weeks.
