Galaxy Note20 Launches on 21st... Maximum Support Fund 240,000 KRW (Comprehensive)

Pre-Order Success Continues... Galaxy Buds+ Offered to Buyers This Month
Official Subsidy Ranges from 80,000 to 270,000 KRW, Similar to S20 Level

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] Samsung Electronics will launch its second half strategic smartphone, the 'Galaxy Note20' series, in 70 countries on the 21st.

Samsung Electronics announced that it will release the Galaxy Note20 in 70 countries worldwide, including South Korea, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and across Europe, as well as Thailand and Vietnam, and plans to expand to 130 countries by mid-September.

The Galaxy Note20 features an S Pen that offers faster response speed and a natural writing feel, and supports Xbox Game Pass, allowing users to enjoy games through the cloud. It is equipped with a 108-megapixel camera and professional video mode, among other features.

Following unexpected success during the pre-order period, Samsung Electronics decided to offer various benefits to Galaxy Note20 series buyers until the end of this month to boost the enthusiasm. As gifts, customers can choose one from ▲ wireless earphones 'Galaxy Buds+' ▲ Xbox game controller and 3-month Game Pass package ▲ Nemonic mini printer ▲ Samsung Care+ 1-year subscription. These benefits are significantly greater than those offered during the Galaxy S20 launch.

This move is interpreted as an effort to compensate for the sluggish sales of the Galaxy S20, which sold only 60-80% compared to its predecessor due to the direct impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the first half of the year. The Galaxy Note20 also faces the variable of the COVID-19 resurgence shortly after its release, which is considered a key factor for its future success. Samsung Electronics will hold an online event called 'Galaxy Fan Party at Home' for Galaxy fans to coincide with the launch.

SK Telecom, KT, and LG Uplus, the three major telecom carriers, have decided not to increase the official subsidies for the Galaxy Note20, officially released on the day, beyond half the level of the previous model. The official subsidies set during the pre-order period range from 170,000 to 240,000 KRW based on the highest 5G rate plan. This is half of the 450,000 KRW subsidy offered for the Note10. Among the carriers, KT offers the highest subsidy ranging from 86,000 to 240,000 KRW depending on the rate plan. SK Telecom provides 87,000 to 170,000 KRW, and LG Uplus offers 82,000 to 227,000 KRW.

For consumers, choosing the 25% selection contract is much more advantageous than receiving official subsidies when purchasing a phone. The three carriers recently faced large fines from the Korea Communications Commission due to illegal 5G subsidies, and with major issues such as 5G facility investment and frequency reassignment pending in the second half of the year, they intend to refrain from 'cutthroat marketing' as in previous years. However, depending on the initial success, competition over carrier subsidies cannot be ruled out.

Meanwhile, Samsung Electronics plans to support software updates that will allow existing flagship smartphones to use the improved Samsung Notes, Samsung DeX wireless connection, and professional video mode featured in the Galaxy Note20. In South Korea, software updates will begin on the 24th, starting with the Galaxy S20.