Samsung to launch $1,000 premium blue foldable in China on October 29

Samsung is expected to release the Galaxy W27 in China on October 29. According to leaker Ice Universe, the device will hit store shelves in six days, marking the final foldable launch for Samsung this year. The phone features a glossy blue back with gold accents surrounding the triple-camera array.

The W27 is built on the same hardware as the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. This model commands a price point that is approximately $1,000 higher than the standard Z Fold 8. The design choices align with the Ultra variant rather than the standard foldable, which recently introduced a new shape that has resonated well with consumers.

This release continues a yearly pattern for Samsung in the Chinese market. The company typically releases a China-only variant of its top foldable each year. These devices, known as the W series, are essentially rebranded versions of Samsung's flagship foldables, often featuring elaborate packaging and extra styling. The 2024 Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition was the only recent exception, as it received a broader release before the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold 7.

The timing coincides with growing interest in wide-format foldables in China. Competitors such as Huawei have been releasing these devices for years, and Xiaomi's latest model shares a similar form factor. Analysts project that foldable display shipments will increase by 44% in 2026 as these wider devices become more common.

Samsung has noted that the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is performing well, with the iPhone Duo drawing additional attention to the category. The company has also updated several Galaxy devices to Android 17. If the leaked date holds, the W27 will be the last new foldable from Samsung until next year, when several new models are planned.

The device is slated for an exclusive release in China, maintaining the W series' status as a regional product. The specifications match the top-tier Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, positioning the W27 as a premium option for local buyers. The launch will add to the competitive landscape in the Chinese mobile market, where wide foldables are gaining ground against traditional designs.