Estimated 450,000 Units Sold by Last Weekend
Carrier Supply & Self-Purchase Popularity
11st, Diph, Samsung.com 'Out of Stock'
Expected to Sell 10 Times More Than Last Year's Galaxy Fold 2
[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] Pre-orders for Samsung Electronics' new smartphones, the 'Galaxy Z Fold3' and 'Galaxy Z Flip3,' are expected to reach 800,000 units, driven by carrier allocations and the popularity of unlocked sales. The pre-order period ends on the 23rd, but most of the reservation stock has already sold out both online and offline malls.
According to the telecommunications industry on the 22nd, approximately 450,000 units of the Z Fold3 and Flip3 were pre-ordered from the 17th through the past weekend. Even considering the slowdown in sales speed toward the end of the pre-order period, it is estimated that the total number of units through carriers could reach 600,000. Adding unlocked sales volume, the total could reach up to 800,000 units.
Samsung Electronics launched pre-orders through various sales channels including Samsung.com, Coupang, 11st, Market Kurly, and other online and offline malls. The purchasing enthusiasm is also high at offline stores such as Emart Traders, Electromart, Digital Plaza, and Hi-Mart. On the morning of the 17th, 11st’s live broadcast for two hours recorded its highest-ever transaction amount of 9.5 billion KRW. The number of real-time live broadcast viewers also surpassed 600,000.
Considering the relative sluggishness of last year’s 'Galaxy Z Fold2' and this year’s first half 'Galaxy S21' series, this is seen as a meaningful achievement. The Z Fold2 is estimated to have sold only about 80,000 units combining carrier and unlocked sales. This is more than twice the volume of the Galaxy S21 series launched in January this year.
In particular, the clamshell form factor Z Flip3, armed with sophisticated colors, gained popularity among the younger 20s and 30s demographic. The Z Flip3 is praised for combining style and functionality with its sleek and compact design, improved camera, and a cover display four times larger than its predecessor. It was released in four colors: Cream, Green, Lavender, and Phantom Black. According to a survey conducted by online phone distribution site MN Price targeting 6,696 pre-order customers, the Z Flip3 (57%) was chosen more than the Z Fold3 (43%).
Lowering the price also reduced psychological resistance. SK Telecom set the announced subsidies for Z Flip3 pre-orders by plan between 255,000 and 500,000 KRW. LG Uplus also announced a 500,000 KRW subsidy for all main plans priced above 85,000 KRW per month. KT’s subsidies are similarly between 255,000 and 500,000 KRW. Including additional distribution network subsidies, the actual purchase price of the Z Flip3 drops to around 670,000 KRW. The Z Flip3’s retail price is 1,254,000 KRW, about 400,000 KRW cheaper than its predecessor.
Samsung Electronics is also actively communicating with the younger generation. On the evening of the 27th, it will hold the 'Galaxy Fan Party Foldable Day' on SK Telecom’s metaverse platform 'ifland.' Featuring artists such as Lil Boi, BIBI, Choi Jun, and Naneor PD, this event is open online to anyone who has pre-ordered the Z Fold3 or Z Flip3 or is an existing Galaxy user. Participation applications can be made through Samsung.com until 6 PM on the 23rd.
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