Samsung W27 Foldable Hitting China Shelves October 29

Samsung is scheduled to release the Galaxy W27 in China on October 29, according to a leak from Ice Universe. The date marks the final foldable device from the company for the 2026 calendar year. The device is set to arrive just six days after the leak was published.

Ice Universe shared an image of the smartphone showing its physical design. The handset features a glossy blue back panel. Gold accents surround the triple-camera array on the rear of the device. This styling distinguishes it from the standard global models.

The W27 continues a long-standing tradition of annual China-only releases. These variants usually feature elaborate packaging and distinct cosmetic changes. In practice, the W series acts as a rebranded version of Samsung's top-tier foldable for that specific year. The 2024 model, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition, was an exception that received a wider release.

For 2026, the W27 is built on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. The specifications listed for the new device match those of the Ultra model. The design elements also align with the Ultra. This choice stands out because the standard Galaxy Z Fold 8 features a new shape that has been well received by customers.

The release occurs while wide-format foldables gain popularity in China. Xiaomi's latest foldable uses a virtually identical form factor. Huawei has also been shipping wide foldables for a longer period than any other manufacturer. Analysts predict that foldable display shipments will increase by 44% in 2026 as these wide models enter the market.

Samsung has stated that the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is a commercial success. The company noted that the iPhone Duo has increased attention on its foldable lineup. Samsung has also updated several Galaxy devices to Android 17. The W27 will be the last foldable from the company this year if the leaked date remains accurate.