Samsung W26 foldable is here, but you can’t get your hands on it

After the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s global debut, Samsung quietly introduced a more exclusive sibling in China dubbed the Samsung Galaxy W26. On the surface, the specs and features are almost identical to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, but beneath that familiar hinge lies a feature that could reshape how foldables handle emergencies: native satellite calling.

ALSO READ: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 review

Unlike the global Z Fold 7, which supports limited satellite messaging through US carriers like Verizon and T-Mobile, the W26 connects directly to China’s Tiantong satellite network. This means you can make voice calls via satellite, even when you’re off grid, a genuinely lifesaving addition for rural travel or emergency situations.

Samsung didn’t stop there. Buyers in China also get a Telecom privilege card that ensures nationwide coverage through China Telecom. It’s a clever, tightly integrated ecosystem move. One that ties the hardware, network, and emergency communication capabilities together.

Performance-wise, Samsung sweetened the deal further. The W26 packs 16GB of RAM across all variants, up from 12GB on the regular Z Fold 7. The in-box experience is more generous too. Users get a dual-tone Kevlar case and a 25W charger.

Adding to the exclusivity are new Galaxy AI tricks on the China variant of the Z Fold 7:

– Smart Collection for automatic photo curation
– Smart Drag & Drop for fluid multitasking between apps
– Smart Password Manager for quicker and safer logins

Samsung Galaxy W26 price and availability

Before you start reaching for your credit card, you can’t. The Galaxy W26 is strictly a China-only release, priced at CNY 16,999 (approx Rs 2,11,000) for the 512GB model and CNY 18,999 (approx Rs 2,36,500) for the 1TB version.

For now, Samsung seems content keeping its most advanced foldable experience behind China’s digital walls. But the W26 could be a preview of what’s coming next; perhaps the Galaxy Z Fold 8 might finally bring satellite calling and expanded AI features to global markets.