"Oppa, You Don't Seriously Use Gallegi?" iPhone Love Among Teens and Twenties [Youth Report]

9 out of 10 American Teens Use 'iPhone'
Old Phones and More... 'Galaxy' Put-Downs Continue

Recently, the preference for iPhones has continued mainly among the 10s and 20s age group. Among teenagers who are particularly sensitive to trends, there is even a joking saying that "if you don't use an iPhone, you're an outcast." Unlike Samsung smartphones, which have a wide range of products from mid-range to high-end models, iPhones are concentrated only in the high-end lineup, yet young people choose iPhones despite the high cost.

In Both Korea and the US, the 10s and 20s Generation is Crazy About iPhones

Member Haerin of the group 'NewJeans' filming with an iPhone. [Image source=HYBE official YouTube]

According to the '2023 Smartphone Usage & Brand' survey released by Gallup Korea last July, 65% of Koreans aged 18 to 29 use Apple's iPhone. The percentage of those who said they use Samsung Galaxy was only 32%. Especially among female users, the preference for iPhones was clear. It was found that 71% of women aged 18 to 29 use iPhones.

However, looking at the entire Korean market, Galaxy still overwhelmingly leads over iPhone. 69% of survey respondents said they use Galaxy. By age group, the Galaxy usage rate was highest among ▲those in their 60s (86%) ▲50s (85%) ▲40s (78%). Only among the youth aged 18 to 29 did the iPhone usage rate reach twice that of Galaxy, showing a clear advantage.

This phenomenon is not limited to Korea. A survey also showed that most teenagers in the United States use iPhones.

According to the semi-annual annual report released this month by US investment bank Piper Sandler, 87% of American teenagers said they use iPhones. Additionally, 88% of teenagers said they would choose an iPhone as their next smartphone. The survey was conducted from April 4 to 27 among 9,193 teenagers residing in the US.

The British media Financial Times described the iPhone craze among the US 'Generation Z (born after 1996)' as "the social pressure to have an iPhone has reached a crazy level."

"Guys Using Galaxy Are Not Popular"... Controversy Over Unusual iPhone Loyalty

[Image source=Seong Si-kyung official YouTube channel]

As smartphone preferences sharply diverge by age group, Galaxy has been stigmatized as an "old man's phone." Galaxy has long been criticized for not matching the iPhone in terms of design and emotional appeal. While Galaxy's unique features like call recording and Samsung Pay are convenient, they are not considered trendy enough to attract young people's attention. As a result, a derogatory term "Gallegi (Galaxy + garbage)" has emerged.

Recently, some YouTube channels also uploaded videos disparaging Galaxy, sparking controversy. On the official YouTube channel of Chungju City, operated by Kim Seon-tae, known as the so-called "promoter," critical opinions from young people about Galaxy were featured and became a hot topic.

In the problematic video, when Kim asked, "Is it a bit awkward to use Galaxy? I'm curious about the atmosphere among college students these days," a college student A replied, "I don't mind, but I hope they don't film me with that phone."

A also said, "My friend was asked for her number, but the guy had a Galaxy phone. She was really embarrassed," and "She said she didn't contact that guy." When Kim asked again, "Did you not contact him because the phone he used to ask for your number was a Galaxy?" A answered, "Yes." The video was deleted after the controversy.

Meanwhile, singer Sung Si-kyung also expressed his opinion about Galaxy on his YouTube channel on the 5th. He said, "I recently met a young girl who asked me, 'Oppa, do you use Gallegi?'" and added, "Kids naturally think it has to be an iPhone. (Galaxy is) a phone for older men." He also added, "Personally, I think Galaxy photos look warmer and better than iPhone photos."

Analysis Suggests Celebrities' Love for iPhones Influenced Teenagers

On the 13th, the official domestic release date of the iPhone 15 series, customers are experiencing the products at the Apple Store Myeongdong in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jin-Hyung Kang aymsdream@

One reason iPhones have a "young and trendy" image is the love for Apple shown by celebrities. Famous celebrities who have great influence on the 10s and 20s generation using iPhones have helped the iPhone gain a sophisticated image. In fact, the idol group NewJeans made headlines for filming the music video for "ETA" using an iPhone 14 Pro.

Blackpink members, who once promoted Galaxy models, have also been seen using iPhones after their contracts ended. In particular, member Jisoo posted a selfie taken with an iPhone on her Instagram after her contract expired, writing, "Wow, finally changed. New phone, cute case."

Additionally, features exclusive to iPhone users, such as AirDrop and iMessage, are analyzed to have influenced the "peer culture" among teenagers. These iPhone-only features are said to have strengthened the sense of homogeneity among users.

In response, Samsung Electronics is also making various attempts to approach the younger generation. For example, the Galaxy Z Flip series has collaborated with luxury brands like Thom Browne and Maison Margiela, and the company is increasing "phone decoration" accessories to cater to young people who value individuality.

No Tae-moon, President of Samsung Electronics' MX Division, said at a press conference in July, "It is Samsung Electronics' duty and desire to provide products and features that can be comfortably used by all regions and all classes globally," adding, "It is not a desirable phenomenon that preferences are divided among specific groups as they are now." He continued, "In the Korean market, the sales and marketing teams are analyzing the causes and are making various efforts to improve the situation."