Smartphone enthusiasts could be forgiven for thinking Samsung had already completed its foldable phone lineup for 2026.

The South Korean technology giant has introduced the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and Galaxy Z Flip 8. Yet another special model is apparently on the way, with its debut expected in just a few days.

According to an announcement posted on Samsung's official Weibo account, the company will unveil a new device in China on October 29, local time.

The accompanying teaser shows a foldable smartphone with an eye-catching gold-colored frame, suggesting a more luxurious appearance than Samsung's conventional models.

The announcement quickly attracted attention among technology enthusiasts, particularly because Samsung has a history of developing exclusive foldable smartphones for the Chinese market.

Shortly after the teaser appeared, prominent technology leaker Ice Universe identified the upcoming device as the Samsung W27.

According to the tipster, the W27 will be a China-exclusive version of the recently unveiled Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra.

Leaked images suggest the device shares its overall form factor and camera module design with Samsung's flagship foldable.

However, the W27 appears to have several distinctive visual touches. Most notably, it features a vivid blue rear panel complemented by gold accents around the camera housing.

The branding on the back also differs from that of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra sold internationally.

The international version of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra reportedly comes in three color options, none of which includes the blue finish shown in the W27 images.

The combination of blue and gold gives the special edition a distinctive identity, potentially appealing to consumers seeking premium devices that stand out from conventional smartphones.

Still, the teaser and leaked images do not reveal every detail of the final commercial design. Buyers will have to wait until the official launch to discover whether Samsung has made any other changes.

Samsung W27 specifications: 8-inch foldable display and flagship Snapdragon chip

According to Ice Universe, the Samsung W27 will largely share its hardware specifications with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra.

If accurate, the device will feature an 8-inch inner foldable display and a 6.5-inch external cover screen.

Both displays are expected to support a 120Hz refresh rate, allowing for smoother scrolling, animations and touchscreen interactions.

The phone is also tipped to run on Qualcomm's flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor.

Memory configurations could reach up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of internal storage, providing ample capacity for multitasking, productivity on the larger display and storing extensive media libraries.

For photography, the Samsung W27 is rumored to feature a triple rear-camera system consisting of a 200MP main sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide camera and a 10MP telephoto camera.

Such a setup would offer versatility across different shooting scenarios, from expansive landscapes to subjects photographed at a distance.

The device could also pack a 5,000mAh battery with support for 45W wired fast charging and 20W wireless charging.

These would be notable specifications for a premium foldable smartphone, a category in which manufacturers must balance battery life, processing performance and the limited internal space available for components.

However, most of these specifications remain based on leaks rather than official confirmation.

Samsung has yet to disclose the W27's complete hardware configuration, meaning the reported details will need to be verified at the October 29 launch event.

Will the Samsung W27 be available in Vietnam?

Based on currently available information, the Samsung W27 is expected to be exclusive to China.

That means consumers in Vietnam who want to own the device will likely need to purchase it through independent importers rather than Samsung's official local distribution channels.

Importing a smartphone intended for the Chinese domestic market, however, can come with potential limitations involving software, language support, online services, mobile network compatibility and warranty coverage.

Prospective buyers should carefully check whether the device supports the applications, networks and services they regularly use in Vietnam before making a purchase.

With its distinctive blue and gold design, reportedly Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra-level specifications and the possibility of exclusive features, the Samsung W27 could become one of the more interesting premium foldable smartphones arriving in late October.

Its actual appeal, however, will depend on the upgrades Samsung reveals at the October 29 event, along with the final price and availability after launch.

Hai Phong