KT Raises Official Subsidy for iPhone 12 Mini Up to 420,000 KRW
Online Communities Share Reviews of Purchases in the 200,000 KRW Range
[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] Among the iPhone 12 series, only the cheapest model, the 'iPhone 12 Mini,' saw an increase in the official subsidy. Reviews have surfaced claiming that it can be purchased for around 200,000 KRW at collective markets and places commonly referred to as "Seongji."
On the 28th, KT raised the official subsidy for the iPhone 12 Mini model to a maximum of 420,000 KRW. The official subsidies for the other three models remain at a maximum of 240,000 KRW. KT alone increased the official subsidy for the iPhone 12 Mini from 63,000 KRW?240,000 KRW to 150,000 KRW?420,000 KRW. This change came about a week after the iPhone 12 Mini was released.
By plan, the official subsidies for the iPhone 12 Mini are as follows: ▲5G Save 150,000 KRW ▲5G Slim 250,000 KRW ▲5G Simple 320,000 KRW ▲Super Plan Basic 370,000 KRW ▲Super Plan Basic Choice 390,000 KRW ▲Super Plan Special 390,000 KRW ▲Super Plan Premium Choice 420,000 KRW.
It is unusual to see the official subsidy nearly double within a week of release. It is interpreted that KT raised the subsidy only for the iPhone 12 Mini, the only model under 1,000,000 KRW and the cheapest in the iPhone 12 series, to attract 5G subscribers.
If subscribing to the iPhone 12 Mini with KT’s Super Plan Basic Choice, a plan priced in the 90,000 KRW range, customers can open a line for 501,500 KRW including the official subsidy of 390,000 KRW and an additional support fund of 58,500 KRW. The discount on the monthly fee is slightly more advantageous than the official subsidy. With a 25% discount on the monthly fee, customers can save 540,000 KRW.
KT’s increase in official subsidies is signaling a potential frenzy for the iPhone 12 Mini. A user on a community forum posted that "If you port or upgrade your KT number with the iPhone 12 Mini in Sindorim, it is sold in the 200,000 KRW range." Similar posts are appearing from other regions, stating that the iPhone 12 Mini can be purchased for around 200,000 KRW through KT upgrades.
Normally, even when using plans priced above 80,000 KRW at general dealerships, purchasing the phone for 400,000?500,000 KRW is standard, but it appears that subsidies exceeding 200,000 KRW are being provided. When carriers set high sales incentives for retailers, dealerships often return these as subsidies, but they frequently require expensive plans or additional service subscriptions as conditions, so caution is advised.
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