'Kids Safe Even When Thrown' Three Major Telecoms Unveil New Semester Kids Phones

SKT 'Jaem Kkureogi Phone'... KT 'Sinbi Kids Phone 2'
LG Uplus 'U+ Kids Phone with Little Kakao Friends'
Waterproof and Dustproof Features... Differentiated Educational Content and Child Protection Functions

[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] Mobile carriers are launching three kids' phones with enhanced waterproof and dustproof features ahead of the school entrance and opening seasons. Samsung Electronics' rugged smartphone, which maximizes durability, has been reborn as a customized smartphone for active children.

The three major carriers unveiled their new kids' phone lineups based on Samsung Electronics' 'Galaxy XCover5' model on the 14th. These include SK Telecom's 'ZEM Kkureogi Phone,' KT's 'Shinbi Kids Phone 2,' and LG Uplus's 'U+ Kids Phone with Little Kakao Friends.'

The new model, XCover5, is Samsung's entry-level rugged smartphone. It features a compact 5.3-inch display for enhanced portability and has an IP68 waterproof and dustproof rating. It is resistant to scratches and shocks and comes with a detachable 3000mAh battery. The AP specification is Exynos 850, and the front and rear cameras have 5MP and 16MP resolutions, respectively.

SK Telecom's ZEM Kkureogi Phone comes pre-installed with the 'ZEM' application, a child care software. It allows management of smartphone app lists and usage time, and users can check their child's location and fine dust information. The 'ReadingN' app, containing 207 English books, and the 'Ilpro Calculation' app are also provided free for one year. The package includes a crossbody bag and a jelly case.

KT's Shinbi Kids Phone 2 differentiates itself with characters from the popular animation 'Shinbi Apartment.' In addition to Shinbi and Geumbi, a Jubi theme has been added. The phone also includes the 'Shinbi Study Friend' app, which helps children develop study habits. Buyers receive a DIY Jibbitz case and necklace strap, four Shinbi character Jibbitz, and a six-month subscription to the English vocabulary learning app 'Lido Voca.'

U+ Kids Phone with Little Kakao Friends is LG Uplus's fifth kids' phone, emphasizing Kakao Friends characters. It features the child protection app 'Kiwi Play Plus (+)' and a 'Record Book' function where children can log and share their reading and allowance. All purchasers receive a six-month free course of 'Siwon School Super Kids,' access to 'Siwon School AI Tutor,' and a 'Smart Tag' for location tracking.

As a kids' phone, the retail price is affordably set between 292,000 and 322,000 KRW. Using family bundle discounts or child-focused 5G/LTE junior plans with enhanced voice call benefits allows for tailored usage.

Meanwhile, Samsung Electronics is also selling a self-supplied model of the XCover5 to meet purchase demand from adult customers who enjoy outdoor hobbies. The self-supplied model is a product purchased directly by customers at retail stores without going through a carrier.