Samsung W26 is a China-only luxury version of the Galaxy Z Fold 7. It adds Tiantong satellite calling and messaging, ships with 16GB RAM by default, and comes in black or deep red with gold accents. Prices start at CNY 16,999 for 16/512 and CNY 18,999 for 16/1TB. Availability is China only.
Table of Contents
What is Samsung W26
Samsung W26 is the newest phone in the long-running “Heart to the World” (心系天下) series that Samsung co-markets with China Telecom. Think of it as a luxe Galaxy Z Fold 7 tailored for China. Hardware and dimensions match the Z Fold 7, but W26 layers on extra connectivity and design touches that appeal to buyers who want something rarer than the global Fold.
Who is it for
Executives and enthusiasts in China who want a thin, light book-style foldable with a premium unboxing, concierge-style perks, and a safety backup when they’re off-grid.
Colors and materials
Two finishes: Xuanyao Black and Danxi Red, both with gold-tone trim, engraved Heart-to-the-World crest, and a textured frame. Back glass and cover glass are Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2, and the frame uses upgraded Armor Aluminum. It looks and feels expensive.
Key specs at a glance
- Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Elite (for Galaxy)
- RAM/Storage: 16GB + 512GB or 16GB + 1TB
- Weight/Thickness: 215 g, 8.9 mm folded, 4.2 mm unfolded
- Displays: 6.5-inch cover, 8.0-inch inner, 2,600-nit peak, 120 Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Rear cameras: 200 MP wide + 12 MP ultrawide + 10 MP 3x tele
- Front cameras: 10 MP cover selfie, 10 MP inner selfie, plus 4 MP UDC as applicable in Samsung’s stack
- Battery: 4,400 mAh, 25 W wired (official bundle may vary by channel)
- Durability: IP48 rating noted in launch coverage, with upgraded hinge and Armor Aluminum
- Extras: Tiantong satellite calling + messaging (China Telecom), Galaxy AI features, One UI 8, Android 16
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Direct satellite calling and messaging via Tiantong for emergencies
- 16 GB RAM standard with up to 1 TB storage
- 2,600-nit panels with 120 Hz and a wide, usable cover screen
- Premium hardware: Ceramic-class glass, Armor Aluminum, lighter 215 g body
Cons
- China-only availability; imports lose official support and satellite service
- Price premium over Z Fold 7
- IP48 is good but not IP68
- 25 W charging feels modest in 2025
What’s new in Samsung W26 vs Galaxy Z Fold 7
The global Galaxy Z Fold 7 set the baseline this year with a thinner 8.9 mm fold, wider 6.5-inch cover screen, 8-inch inner panel, 200 MP main camera, and the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy. W26 keeps all of that and adds a few twists.
Satellite calling and messaging on Tiantong
This is the headline: W26 supports direct satellite connectivity through China’s Tiantong system. You can place satellite calls and send/receive satellite messages when you’re beyond terrestrial coverage. Samsung notes the feature is aimed at emergencies and remote travel. Service works with China Telecom and requires activation; buyers often get a bundled credit to try it.
RAM and storage options
W26 starts at 16 GB RAM in both 512 GB and 1 TB trims. Some Z Fold 7 regions start at lower RAM for the 512 GB model. If you want max multitasking headroom out of the box, W26 gives you that.
Design touches and bundle
You get gold accents, a special gift box, and a themed case in many sales packages. It’s a small thing, but the presentation matters in this segment. The crest and gold rings around the lenses make it stand out next to a standard Fold.
Price and availability in China
- CNY 16,999 for 16 GB + 512 GB
- CNY 18,999 for 16 GB + 1 TB
Sales are through Samsung China and China Telecom channels. As with past W-series models, W26 is China-exclusive and not sold internationally. If you’re outside China, you’ll be looking at imports with limited support and no satellite service.
Cameras and imaging
On paper, W26 mirrors the Z Fold 7 stack and keeps the 200 MP main with Samsung’s ProVisual algorithms. In good light you can expect detailed shots with balanced color. Low-light may lean on multi-frame processing; results are strong for a foldable, though the larger-sensor bar phones still push cleaner shadows.
Useful Galaxy AI photo tools carry over: object erasing, fill/extend edges for skewed shots, and Audio Eraser for video to dial down background noise. If you shoot a lot of documents, the inner screen makes review and markup easier than a slab.
Displays, size, and durability
You get the wider 6.5-inch cover screen that types like a normal phone, and an 8-inch inner display that’s great for split-screen work. Peak brightness hits 2,600 nits for outdoor readability, and 120 Hz adaptive refresh keeps scrolling smooth. The crease is shallower than older generations.
Build uses Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 on the back and cover, an upgraded Armor Aluminum frame, and Samsung’s thin precision hinge. Several Chinese outlets mention IP48 dust and water protection this year. That’s short of IP68, but it’s better than the old IPX8 pattern for dust.
Performance and software
The Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy is snappy. It improves CPU, GPU, and NPU performance over last year, and together with One UI’s foldable tweaks you can park three apps comfortably, run floating windows, and use taskbar shortcuts. Battery is 4,400 mAh; plan on a full day with mixed use. Wired charging is 25 W. Wireless charging support may vary by SKU in listings; check the box contents if you’re shopping offline.
Galaxy AI features like live translate, note summarization, transcription, and image assist are present. Some features may require Samsung accounts or partner apps in China.
Should you import one
If you live in China and travel off-grid, W26 makes sense because satellite calling is more than a gimmick. If you live elsewhere, the Z Fold 7 is the safer buy: easier service, full feature support, and lower price. Satellite functions won’t work outside the Tiantong footprint, and band support may miss your carrier’s 5G mix.
Comparison table: Samsung W26 vs Galaxy Z Fold 7
| Feature | Samsung W26 (China) | Galaxy Z Fold 7 (Global) |
|---|---|---|
| Satellite connectivity | Tiantong satellite calling + messaging | No |
| RAM baseline | 16 GB | Region-dependent (often 12–16 GB) |
| Storage options | 512 GB, 1 TB | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB (region-dependent) |
| Price at launch | CNY 16,999 / 18,999 | Lower in China for standard Z Fold 7 |
| Colors | Xuanyao Black, Danxi Red with gold accents | Blue Shadow, Silver Shadow, Jet Black, Mint |
| Weight / Thickness | 215 g, 8.9 mm folded, 4.2 mm unfolded | 215 g, 8.9 mm folded, 4.2 mm unfolded |
| Displays | 6.5-inch cover, 8.0-inch inner, 120 Hz, 2,600 nits | Same |
| Cameras | 200 MP wide + 12 MP ultra + 10 MP 3x | Same |
| Materials | Ceramic 2 glass, Armor Aluminum, precision hinge | Same industrial platform |
| Water/Dust | IP48 noted in China coverage | IP rating varies by market, see Samsung page |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is W26’s satellite calling always on?
No. It activates when you’re outside terrestrial coverage and depends on China Telecom Tiantong service and plan.
Does W26 support 5G eSIM?
Chinese flagships generally support eSIM or multiple SIM options, but availability differs by carrier. Check the retail listing in China.
What is the W-series history?
Samsung has released China-specific luxury folds each year with gold accents and unique bundles under the Heart-to-the-World brand.
How bright are the screens?
Up to 2,600 nits peak, with 120 Hz adaptive refresh for both panels.
What’s the battery and charging?
4,400 mAh; 25 W wired. You may or may not get a charger in the box depending on channel.
Is it water resistant?
China launch coverage cites IP48 dust and water protection. Avoid submersion.
Checklist
- Buying in China: pick 16/512 unless you truly need the 1 TB tier
- Activate Tiantong satellite only if you expect no signal on trips
- Get a case that doesn’t block the gold-accent frame if aesthetics matter
- If you’re outside China, prefer Galaxy Z Fold 7 for updates, warranty, and bands
Featured Snippet Boxes
What makes Samsung W26 different from Galaxy Z Fold 7?
W26 adds Tiantong satellite calling and messaging, ships with 16 GB RAM by default, and comes in premium black or deep red with gold accents. Otherwise it shares the Fold 7’s size, screens, cameras, chip, and battery.
How much does Samsung W26 cost in China?
CNY 16,999 for 16 GB + 512 GB and CNY 18,999 for 16 GB + 1 TB. It’s sold through Samsung China and China Telecom.
Is Samsung W26 available globally?
No. W26 is China only. The closest global model is the Galaxy Z Fold 7, which lacks satellite calling.
