[Asia Economy Reporter Seolgina Jo] Samsung Electronics' foldable phone 'Galaxy Z Flip' was released domestically on the 14th. The three mobile carriers, including SK Telecom, set official subsidies of up to 210,000 KRW. Based on the 69,000 KRW monthly plan, SK Telecom offers 135,000 KRW, KT 140,000 KRW, and LG Uplus 138,000 KRW.
According to the related industry on the 14th, Samsung Electronics and the three mobile carriers started online and offline sales of the Galaxy Z Flip from 9 a.m. that day. Online channels such as Samsung.com and Coupang have also been selling unlocked units since that day. Samsung Electronics aims for 5 million units, more than the 'Galaxy Fold' released last year. It is estimated that about 20,000 units will be distributed domestically in the first week.
SK Telecom set the official subsidies for the Galaxy Z Flip based on the T Plan (LTE plan) as follows: ▲Save 65,000 KRW ▲Safe 2.5G 89,000 KRW ▲Safe 4G 109,000 KRW ▲Essence 135,000 KRW ▲Special 158,000 KRW ▲Max 210,000 KRW.
KT provides official subsidies ranging from a minimum of 45,000 KRW to a maximum of 153,000 KRW depending on the plan. By plan: ▲Y Junior/Senior 19.8 45,000 KRW ▲LTE Basic 70,000 KRW ▲ON Talk 101,000 KRW ▲ON Video 140,000 KRW ▲ON Premium 153,000 KRW. LG Uplus offers ▲Data44 113,000 KRW ▲Data49 118,000 KRW ▲Data59 128,000 KRW ▲Data69 138,000 KRW ▲Data78 148,000 KRW ▲Data88 158,000 KRW ▲Data105 175,000 KRW, etc.
Based on the most popular 69,000 KRW monthly LTE plan, the official subsidy ranges from 135,000 to 140,000 KRW. After applying the subsidy discount, the device installment payment of about 1.5 million KRW must be paid over 24 months. The mobile industry believes that considering the scale of the official subsidy, the 25% selective contract discount on the monthly fee is more advantageous. Official subsidies and monthly fee discounts cannot be applied simultaneously. An industry insider said, "Since this is not a flagship model but a model emphasizing technology and design, the quantity is not large, so the official subsidy scale is not big," adding, "It is better to receive the selective contract discount."
The Galaxy Z Flip's strength lies in its compact size that fits comfortably in one hand when folded, and it features a 6.7-inch display with Samsung Ultra Thin Glass. The retail price is 1.65 million KRW, and the colors are Mirror Purple and Mirror Black.
The three carriers are also conducting various giveaways and prize events for customers who purchase the Galaxy Z Flip. SK Telecom will give all customers who purchase the Galaxy Z Flip from the online shop T World Direct two types of Arari cases exclusive to the Galaxy Z Flip. Additionally, from the 14th to the 27th, 422 customers will be selected by lottery to receive ▲Samsung The Serif TV (2 units) ▲Samsung Jet vacuum cleaner (20 units) ▲Shinsegae gift certificates worth 30,000 KRW (400 units).
LG Uplus will launch a new phone loss and damage insurance product on the 20th. The newly introduced ‘Fold Loss & Damage 190’ compensates up to 1.9 million KRW by paying a 20% deductible in case of phone loss or damage, with a monthly premium of 7,700 KRW, which is the lowest in the industry relative to the coverage limit.
Furthermore, together with Samsung Electronics, customers who newly subscribe by the 29th will receive a clutch bag and pouch, and those who subscribe by the end of March will get a coupon to purchase Galaxy Buds Plus wireless earphones worth 179,300 KRW for 99,000 KRW. Customers who newly subscribe to the Galaxy Z Flip by the 28th will receive a 4-month YouTube Premium service voucher. Customers subscribing through U+Shop will also receive various gifts such as wireless charging pads, car chargers, and portable batteries.
However, considering the impact of COVID-19, the three carriers did not hold separate activation events.
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