Galaxy S21 Pre-order Competition... KT Also Raises Official Subsidy Up to 500,000 Won

Following LGU+, KT also adjusts up to 500,000 KRW
KT offers 150,000~500,000 KRW, LGU+ 260,000~500,000 KRW
Official subsidies finalized on the 22nd during pre-activation

Samsung Electronics held the 'Galaxy Unpacked 2021' event early on the 15th and unveiled the smartphone 'Galaxy S21' series. Citizens visiting the Samsung Electronics Delight Shop in Gangnam-gu on the day are examining the products. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] KT has also increased the official subsidies for the Galaxy S21 series. Following LG Uplus's exclusive offer of up to 500,000 KRW in official subsidies, KT has raised its subsidies as well to compete for pre-order customers.

On the 16th, KT raised the official subsidies for the Galaxy S21 to between 150,000 KRW and 500,000 KRW. This came just two days after the start of Galaxy S21 pre-orders. On the first day of pre-orders, the 15th, the subsidies were set at 100,000 KRW to 240,000 KRW, more than doubling the amount.

KT's official subsidies by plan are ▲5G Save 150,000 KRW ▲5G Y Teen 220,000 KRW ▲5G Slim 262,000 KRW ▲5G Simple 340,000 KRW ▲Super Plan Basic 400,000 KRW ▲Super Plan Basic Choice 450,000 KRW ▲Super Plan Special Choice 450,000 KRW ▲Super Plan Premium Choice 500,000 KRW.

Until now, carriers have set lower official subsidies during the first month of release, but this time LG Uplus took a bold step by exclusively setting the highest subsidy at 500,000 KRW.

LG Uplus announced it would set official subsidies between 268,000 KRW and 500,000 KRW. LG Uplus's subsidies by plan are ▲5G Light 326,000 KRW ▲5G Standard 442,000 KRW ▲5GX Premium Essential 500,000 KRW. Plans starting from the 80,000 KRW range are eligible for the 500,000 KRW subsidy.

On the 15th, citizens are examining the 'Galaxy S21' product at the Samsung Electronics Delight Shop in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Photo by Mun Honam munonam@

SK Telecom set official subsidies ranging from 87,000 KRW to 170,000 KRW. By plan, these are ▲0 Teen 5G 87,000 KRW ▲Slim 100,000 KRW ▲5GX Standard 123,000 KRW ▲5GX Prime 150,000 KRW ▲5GX Platinum 170,000 KRW. Since the official subsidies will be finalized on the 22nd when pre-activation begins, SK Telecom may also raise its subsidies.

Samsung Electronics unveiled the Galaxy S21 series on the 15th. Galaxy S21 pre-orders run until the 21st, with the official release on the 28th. The retail price is about 240,000 KRW cheaper than the previous model. The prices by model are ▲Galaxy S21 999,000 KRW ▲Galaxy S21+ 1,199,000 KRW ▲Galaxy S21 Ultra 1,452,000 KRW (256GB), 1,599,400 KRW (512GB). Manufacturer gifts include ▲Galaxy S21 and S21+ Galaxy Buds Live and Galaxy SmartTag ▲Galaxy S21 Ultra Galaxy Buds Pro, S Pen, and silicone cover.