[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Jo] Samsung Electronics' locally exclusive version of the Galaxy Z Fold3, the 'W22 5G,' developed targeting the Chinese premium market, has been leaked in renderings.
On the 16th (local time), IT tipster Evan Blass revealed a smartphone rendering image along with the phrase 'W22 5G' on his Twitter.
The W22 5G is a China-exclusive model based on the Z Fold3. It shares the same basic specifications as the Z Fold3 but may be differentiated by some design elements. Last year, Samsung Electronics also introduced the 'Simgyecheonha W21 5G,' which added a gold color preferred by Chinese consumers, design, logo, and exclusive services to the Galaxy Z Fold2.
IT specialized media SamMobile reported, "It is the successor to the W21 5G released last year," adding, "The W21 5G was based on the Z Fold2 but was released in different color combinations and sizes." The soon-to-be-released W22 5G is also expected to have slight modifications in design and finish and a slightly different size compared to the Z Fold3.
Details such as price and release date have not been disclosed. Industry insiders estimate that the W22 5G will be sold around $3,000, considering that the W21 5G was about 50% more expensive than the Z Fold2.
So far, Samsung Electronics has partnered with Chinese telecom operator China Telecom to launch premium smartphones targeting the top tier under the 'W' brand. Previously, the 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 Z Fold2 in design by engraving vertical stripes and the Simgyecheonha logo on the back.
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