Three Major Carriers Begin Activating Galaxy Z Fold7 and Flip7 for Pre-order Customers

Foldable Phone Competition Heats Up
Carriers Attract Customers with AI and Compensation Benefits

The three major carriers are targeting pre-order customers for Samsung Electronics' flagship smartphone, the Galaxy Z Fold7

Starting on July 22, the three major mobile carriers in South Korea began activating Samsung Electronics' latest foldable smartphones, the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7, for customers who pre-ordered the devices. The official release is scheduled for July 25. The carriers are aiming to attract customers by highlighting enhanced AI features, compensation programs, and partnership discounts.

SK Telecom announced that 66% of pre-order customers on its online store, T Direct Shop, chose the Fold7. More than 60% of these customers were in their 30s and 40s, with Jet Black being the most popular color. SKT is offering discounts of up to 1.68 million won for customers who use both the 'T Premium Samsung Card' and the 'Hyundai Card M3 Communication Discount 2.0.' Additional promotions include damage insurance for unlocked device customers, OK Cashback points of up to 500,000 won for trading in an old phone, and a free three-month subscription to TVING.

KT announced that it has started activations through its stores nationwide and its official online mall, KT.com. During the pre-order period, the Fold7 model accounted for more than half of reservations, with Blue Shadow being the most popular color. KT is offering a 'Pre-compensation Program' that provides half of the device's retail price in advance, as well as card discounts of up to 1.1 million won, insurance for loss and damage, and a membership program (Y-Dumb) exclusively for 5G subscribers aged 34 and under.

LG Uplus is providing its AI subscription service, 'Udocpick AI (Liner+Canva),' free for six months, and offering up to 130,000 won in cashback for customers using a partner card. Customers who purchase the device outright will also receive a full exemption from installment payments for the Galaxy Watch8 40mm. Those who join the 'New Galaxy AI Subscription Club with Phone Change Pass' will receive integrated support for device repair, compensation, and Samsung Care services. U+ is also providing its proprietary AI call app, 'ixi-O,' which includes deep voice recognition features without requiring a separate installation.

The three carriers are also running various events at their official online stores and experience centers. Starting July 25, activations for general customers will begin in earnest, and competition is expected to intensify with marketing campaigns focused on offering gifts and benefits linked to specific rate plans.