Samsung to Release China-Exclusive Galaxy Z Fold3 'W22 5G'

Samsung Electronics released the Sim Gye Cheon Ha W21 5G, based on the Galaxy Z Fold2, in the Chinese market.

[Asia Economy Reporter Joeslgina] Samsung Electronics is launching the foldable smartphone 'W22 5G' targeting the premium market in China again this year. It is a China-exclusive model based on the soon-to-be-released Galaxy Z Fold3. Last year, Samsung Electronics introduced the 'Simgyecheonha W21 5G,' which added the gold color preferred by Chinese consumers, design, logo, and exclusive services to the Galaxy Z Fold2.

IT specialized media SamMobile reported on the 22nd (local time) that Samsung Electronics will release the premium foldable smartphone W22 5G following the W21 5G in the Chinese market in the second half of this year.

The W22 5G is registered under the model number SM-W2022 and is based on the Galaxy Z Fold3. It is known to have 512GB storage capacity and comes in black color. While the basic specifications are the same as the Galaxy Z Fold3, some design elements may be differentiated as in the previous model. The retail price is also likely to be set higher than the regular Galaxy Z Fold3.

So far, Samsung Electronics has partnered with Chinese telecom operator China Telecom to introduce premium smartphones targeting the upper class under the 'W' brand. Previously, Galaxy Fold and Z Fold2 were released under the W brand. The W21 5G sold last year emphasized the gold color, which Chinese people regard as a symbol of wealth, and differentiated itself from the Galaxy Z Fold2 in terms of design by engraving the Simgyecheonha logo along with vertical stripes on the back. The retail price at that time was 19,999 yuan (about 3,000 dollars), much more expensive than the regular Galaxy Z Fold2.

SamMobile stated, "The Chinese luxury market is thriving, and there is no doubt that Samsung Electronics is putting its life on the line in the Chinese top-tier smartphone market," adding, "It is not surprising that they are selling a China-exclusive Galaxy Z Fold3." The media added, "Although the W21 5G sold out quickly after its release despite the 3,000-dollar price, it is unknown how many devices Samsung Electronics has prepared for the Chinese market."

Meanwhile, Samsung Electronics' new foldable smartphones, including the Galaxy Z Fold3, are expected to be unveiled at the August Galaxy Unpacked event.