Samsung W Series: W27 Price, Specs and Every Galaxy W Phone Compared

The Samsung W series is Samsung’s China-only luxury smartphone line, developed with China Telecom and sold under the “Heart of the World” identity. The current model is the Samsung W27 (often listed as the Galaxy W27), a luxury foldable based on the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra that launched on October 29, 2026. Like every Samsung W phone, it is not sold officially outside China.

The W27 costs CNY 18,999 for 16GB/512GB and CNY 21,999 for 16GB/1TB, about $2,850 to $3,300 | AED 10,465 to AED 12,120 before import costs, according to Notebookcheck. Sales in China begin on November 13. Last year’s W26 is still available from importers. Samsung did not make a W version of the regular Fold8 or the Flip8 this year.

Before Importing a Samsung W Series Phone

Quick answer: Samsung’s W series is a premium China-market smartphone family, from earlier executive flip phones to recent Galaxy Fold-derived models. Buyers searching for a Samsung W series phone should check the specific model’s launch market, carrier compatibility, warranty, supported languages and software services instead of assuming it is identical to the international Galaxy Z Fold version.

Because these premium models are principally intended for the Chinese market, an overseas buyer should verify supported cellular bands, eSIM and physical SIM options, software language, warranty coverage, Google services, tax and return conditions for the exact model. A currency conversion of the Chinese price does not represent an official USA or UAE retail offer.

Samsung W Series 2026: Current Model and Price

The newest Samsung W phone, the W27, starts at CNY 18,999 for 16GB/512GB and reaches CNY 21,999 for 16GB/1TB, roughly $2,850 to $3,300 | AED 10,465 to AED 12,120. The previous W26 launched at CNY 16,999 and CNY 18,999, about $2,390 to $2,670 | AED 8,780 to AED 9,810. For the full W27 spec sheet, see our Samsung Galaxy W27 price and specs breakdown.

The Samsung W series began as an expensive dual-screen executive flip-phone line and later evolved into luxury versions of Samsung’s Galaxy foldables. This guide covers the Samsung W series history, every major model from the W699 era through the W27, prices, specifications, and whether you can realistically use one in the USA or UAE.

The newest model is the Samsung W27, which uses the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chip, 200MP main camera and 5,000mAh battery, with red or blue panels, gold trim and satellite calling on China’s Tiantong network. The previous Samsung W26, a luxury foldable closely related to the Galaxy Z Fold7, is still sold by importers. For the W26, Samsung China highlights its 8.0-inch inner display, 6.5-inch cover display, 200 MP main camera, 16 GB memory configurations, premium black-and-gold or red-and-gold design, and China-specific “Heart of the World” branding.

Samsung China currently lists the W26 in two configurations: 16GB RAM with 512GB storage for CNY 16,999, and 16GB with 1TB for CNY 18,999. The W26 also adds premium W-series packaging and China-specific features, including satellite calling and messaging through China’s Tiantong network. Those services are market-specific and should not be assumed to work for imported devices in the USA or UAE.

This guide covers only Samsung W-series phones that have been officially launched. Samsung launched the W27 in China on October 29, 2026, as GSMArena reported. For the W26, Android Authority confirmed the CNY 16,999 and CNY 18,999 launch prices and reported that Samsung has no plans for an international release.

Samsung W Series vs Galaxy S Series Phones

Unlike mainstream Galaxy S series phones, which are sold widely in the USA, UAE and many other markets, the Samsung W series is a China-focused luxury phone family. Recent W models are premium foldables rather than ordinary Galaxy S models. Buyers comparing Samsung phones should not confuse the W27 or W26 with the Galaxy S26 Ultra or assume identical regional software, warranty and network support.

What Is the Samsung W Series Phone?

The Samsung W series is a premium smartphone line made specifically for the Chinese market. Samsung has developed the range with China Telecom for years, combining flagship hardware with distinctive materials, gold accents, high-capacity storage, exclusive software elements and premium packaging.

Samsung’s own design history describes the W line as a China-specific premium flip-phone family built around the idea of “DAQI,” a design language associated with sophistication, quality and status. Modern W-series devices follow a similar formula: take Samsung’s newest foldable hardware, give it a more exclusive finish and China-specific feature set, then price it above the standard Galaxy model.

Typical W-series differences include:

• Gold, rose-gold or jewel-like frame and camera details
• Premium ceramic or special-finish rear panels on several generations
• Higher RAM and storage configurations
• Exclusive “Heart of the World” branding, wallpapers and software elements
• China-specific network and service features
• Premium accessories and packaging
• No official retail launch through Samsung USA or Samsung UAE

  

Samsung Galaxy W Series Models: Complete Timeline

The W series predates Samsung’s modern Galaxy Z foldables. Historical references and Samsung’s own design archive show that the line evolved year by year through a sequence of luxury flip phones before switching to foldable-screen devices in 2019.

Samsung W Series Flip Phones: The Classic Era

Samsung W699, W799 and W899

The modern W-series story began in the late 2000s with expensive dual-screen flip phones designed for China’s premium business market. Contemporary Chinese reports identify the W699 as an early landmark model, followed by the W799 and W899. The phones established the series’ signature combination of dual displays, premium materials and high-end positioning.

Samsung W999 (2011)

The W999 was developed with China Telecom and ran Android 2.3 Gingerbread. It used two 3.5-inch Super AMOLED displays, a dual-core Qualcomm processor and dual-SIM support. Samsung later highlighted the W999 in its own W-series design history as the 2011 generation built around a “dignity” design concept.

Samsung W2013 to W2017

Beginning with the W2013, Samsung changed the naming convention so the annual W phone reflected its model year. Samsung’s design archive specifically documents the W2013, W2014 and W2015 as successive premium flip-phone generations. The W2017 later brought flagship-class hardware including a Snapdragon 820, 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB storage, dual 4.2-inch Full HD Super AMOLED screens and a 12 MP rear camera.

Samsung W2018 (2017)

The W2018 continued the high-end dual-screen clamshell design with two 4.2-inch Full HD AMOLED displays and Snapdragon 835-class hardware. Its camera used a bright f/1.5 aperture, making it one of Samsung’s most ambitious flip phones of the period.

Samsung W2019 (2018): The Last Classic Keypad W Phone

The W2019 closed the classic keypad era with a Snapdragon 845, 6 GB of RAM, up to 256 GB storage, dual 12 MP rear cameras and two 4.2-inch Super AMOLED displays. After this generation, Samsung shifted the W family to modern foldable-screen hardware.

The Samsung W Foldable Era

Samsung W20 5G (2019)

The W20 5G marked the transition from traditional flip phones to flexible displays. It was closely related to Samsung’s original Galaxy Fold, but positioned specifically for the Chinese premium market with 5G connectivity and W-series styling.

Samsung W21 5G (2020)

Based on the Galaxy Z Fold2 generation, the W21 5G used premium gold styling and China-specific features while retaining the large book-style folding format that became the standard design for the main W series.

Samsung W22 5G (2021)

The W22 5G followed the Galaxy Z Fold3 generation and added the W-series visual treatment, including a black-and-gold finish, premium detailing and “Heart of the World” branding.

Samsung W23 and W23 Flip (2022)

Samsung expanded the family to two foldable formats in 2022. The W23 was based on the Galaxy Z Fold4 generation, while the W23 Flip brought the W identity to Samsung’s compact Galaxy Z Flip4-style clamshell foldable.

Samsung W24 and W24 Flip (2023)

The W24 generation was based on the Galaxy Z Fold5 and Z Flip5 families. The W24 offered 16 GB of RAM and 1 TB storage, while the W24 Flip paired 12 GB of RAM with 1 TB storage. Both emphasized premium finishes, ceramic-inspired materials and gold-colored details.

Samsung W25 and W25 Flip (2024)

The W25 moved to a larger 8-inch inner display, a 200 MP main camera and 16 GB of RAM. Samsung China’s official product material also highlights its ceramic back, gold detailing and 512 GB or 1 TB storage options. The W25 Flip served as the compact companion model.

Samsung W26 (2025)

The Samsung W26 was the 2025 model, and importers still sell it. It has an 8.0-inch inner display, a 6.5-inch cover display, a 200 MP main camera, a Snapdragon flagship platform for Galaxy and a body that measures about 4.2 mm unfolded, 8.9 mm folded and 215 g. Samsung offers black-and-gold and red-and-gold designs with exclusive W-series visual treatments.

Samsung W27 (2026)

The Samsung W27 is the newest Galaxy W phone and the first built on the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra. It pairs an 8-inch inner screen and 6.5-inch cover screen with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, 16GB of RAM on every model, a 200MP main camera and a 5,000mAh battery with 45W charging. Its dual-tone red or blue finish comes with a gold frame, hinge and camera rings, and the box adds a 45W charger and Kevlar case. Our Samsung Galaxy W27 price and specs article has the full details.

Samsung W26 vs Galaxy Z Fold7: Compare Samsung Phones

The W26 is closely related to the Galaxy Z Fold7 generation, but its purpose is different. The Galaxy Z Fold7 is a global flagship designed for mainstream premium buyers, while the W26 is a China-focused luxury edition with exclusive styling, W-series branding and China-specific services.

• Design: W26 uses more distinctive red/gold or black/gold luxury styling.
• Memory: W-series configurations emphasize high RAM and storage tiers.
• Software and services: W26 runs China firmware. Notebookcheck reported full Google Play compatibility, but updates and some regional services differ from global models.
• Availability: Galaxy Z Fold models are officially supported internationally; W-series phones are not.
• Value: Most buyers in the USA and UAE will get better warranty, network compatibility and software support from the regular Galaxy Z Fold.

Thinking about the newest model instead? Our Samsung W26 vs Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra comparison shows how the W26 stacks up against Samsung’s latest foldable on price, battery and cameras.

Samsung W Series Prices

W-series pricing changes significantly by generation, exchange rate and storage configuration, and many older models are now available only through collectors or grey-market importers. Historically, flagship W-series phones have often cost substantially more than the Galaxy devices on which they are based.

USD and AED figures are conversions (AED at 3.6725 per USD), not official USA or UAE prices. Prices checked October 31, 2026, using launch prices from China. Prices outside China can be much higher because importers add shipping, taxes, sourcing costs and their own margin. For that reason, imported W-series pricing in the USA or UAE should not be treated as an official Samsung price.

Can You Buy a Samsung W Series Phone in the USA?

Not officially. Samsung does not sell the W series through Samsung USA. A grey-market importer may be able to source one, but buyers should check supported network bands, eSIM and physical SIM behavior, software language options, Google service compatibility, warranty coverage and repair availability before importing.

For most USA buyers, a current Galaxy Z Fold is the safer choice because it is officially supported by Samsung and USA carriers.

Can You Buy a Samsung W Series Phone in the UAE?

Samsung does not officially sell the W series through Samsung UAE either. Imported units may appear through specialist retailers or resellers, but official UAE warranty and local after-sales support should not be assumed.

If you want a Samsung foldable that is easier to own in the UAE, start with our Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 guide. You can also read our iPhone Duo vs Galaxy Z Fold 8 comparison or compare Samsung with another Chinese foldable in our Xiaomi 18 Fold guide. For foldables that are officially sold in the USA and UAE, see our best foldable phones in 2026 list, and for another luxury China-first flagship, read our Huawei Mate 80 Pro Max guide.

Does the Samsung W Series Have Google Play?

Recent ones do. Notebookcheck reported that the W26 ships with full Google Play compatibility, even though it runs China firmware. Ask the seller to confirm the same for any W27 you buy, and expect update timing and some regional services to differ from an officially sold USA or UAE Galaxy phone.

Why Is the Samsung W Series So Expensive?

The W series is deliberately positioned as a prestige product. Buyers are paying for limited-market availability, distinctive materials and finishes, high storage configurations, W-series branding, premium packaging, China-specific services and the status associated with Samsung’s “Heart of the World” line. It is not intended to be the value-oriented version of the Galaxy Z Fold.

For the newest model, see our Samsung Galaxy W27 price and specs breakdown. If you live outside China, our guide to buying the Samsung Galaxy W27 in the USA and UAE explains importers, real costs and warranty risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the latest Samsung W series phone?

The Samsung W27, launched on October 29, 2026. It is based on the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra and sold in China through Samsung and China Telecom, with sales starting November 13.

What is a Samsung Galaxy W phone?

Galaxy W is another name people use for Samsung’s W series: China-only luxury editions of Samsung’s top foldable, with gold trim, special colors, extra memory and a premium gift box.

Is there a Samsung W26 Flip or W27 Flip?

No. The last flip model was the W25 Flip in 2024. Samsung skipped a W26 Flip, and this year it only made a W version of the Fold8 Ultra, so there is no W27 Flip either.

Can you buy the Samsung W27 outside China?

Not officially. Buyers in the USA and UAE have to go through importers or resellers. Our Samsung Galaxy W27 import guide covers where to buy, real landed costs and warranty risks.

Is the Samsung W series China exclusive?

Yes. Every modern Samsung W series phone has launched only in mainland China, mainly through Samsung China and China Telecom. Samsung does not sell W-series models through Samsung USA or Samsung UAE, so buyers in those markets can only get one through importers.

Is Samsung still making the W series?

Yes. Samsung has released a new W-series phone almost every year since 2008. The W26 arrived in October 2025 and the W27 followed on October 29, 2026.

How much does the Samsung W26 cost?

The W26 costs CNY 16,999 for 16GB and 512GB, or CNY 18,999 for 16GB and 1TB. That is about $2,390 to $2,670 | AED 8,780 to AED 9,810 as a direct conversion before import costs.

What does the W in Samsung W series stand for?

Samsung does not use the W-series name in the same way as its old global Galaxy W naming category. In China, the premium line is associated with the “Heart of the World” identity and a long-running China Telecom partnership.

Is Samsung W26 better than the Galaxy Z Fold7?

It is more exclusive rather than universally better. The W26 adds W-series styling, premium configurations and China-specific features, but the Galaxy Z Fold7 is much easier to buy, service and use internationally.

Why is the Samsung W series only sold in China?

The range was developed specifically for China’s premium business market and grew through Samsung’s long partnership with China Telecom. Its hardware, software, branding and services are tailored to that market.

Can I use a Samsung W phone in the USA?

Possibly, but compatibility depends on the specific model and carrier. Before importing, check supported LTE and 5G bands, SIM support, Google services, warranty and software language options.

Can I use a Samsung W phone in the UAE?

An imported model may work on supported network bands, but it is not an officially sold Samsung UAE device. Warranty, repairs, Google services and some network features may be limited.

How We Research the Samsung W Series

We prioritize Samsung’s official China product pages and Samsung’s own design archive for confirmed specifications and W-series history. We only cover W-series models that Samsung has officially launched, and we add new models once Samsung publishes their official product pages. USD and AED figures are approximate when converted from historical launch pricing.

Sources: Samsung China W26, Samsung Global Newsroom W-series design history, GSMArena W26 launch pricing, plus historical reporting from Android Authority, Android Police, GSMArena and other established technology publications.

Image credits: Photo: 茅野ふたば, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.