Intense Focus on Z Flip3... Top 3 Mobile Carriers Announce 'Up to 500,000 Won' Official Subsidy (Comprehensive)

Pre-orders start today... Actual purchase price below 700,000 KRW
Z Fold3 up to 240,000 KRW... Amount confirmed on pre-opening day

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Joesulgina] Samsung Electronics' 3rd generation foldable smartphone, the 'Galaxy Z Flip3,' is expected to receive a maximum official subsidy of 500,000 KRW. As a result, the actual purchase price drops to the high 600,000 KRW range. In contrast, the 'Galaxy Z Fold3,' also unveiled, has subsidies at about half that level, indicating that initial promotional efforts are focused on the Z Flip3.

According to the telecommunications industry on the 17th, SK Telecom set the preliminary subsidies for the Z Flip3, which began pre-orders that day, at 255,000 to 500,000 KRW depending on the plan. LG Uplus also announced a 500,000 KRW subsidy for all its main plans priced above 85,000 KRW per month. KT's subsidies are similarly between 255,000 and 500,000 KRW.

Including additional subsidies from distribution channels, 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. The clamshell design of the Z Flip3 features a cover display that is four times larger than the previous model and offers a wider variety of colors.

On the same day, the three carriers set the preliminary subsidies for the other new foldable phone, the Z Fold3, at a maximum of 240,000 KRW. By carrier, SK Telecom offers 170,000 KRW, KT 240,000 KRW, and LG Uplus 230,000 KRW. The Z Fold3, based on the 256GB model, is priced at 1,998,700 KRW, marking the first time the Z Fold series is launched in the 1 million KRW range. However, the announced subsidies fall far short compared to the Z Flip3. Even with additional subsidies, the actual purchase price remains in the 1.8 million KRW range, which is still a significant financial burden. For consumers, receiving a 25% selection discount is much more advantageous than the official subsidy.

The official subsidy combines contributions from smartphone manufacturers and carriers and is set differently according to each company's sales strategy. The market expects Samsung Electronics to actively market foldable phones, focusing on popularizing them, especially since it is not releasing the popular 'Galaxy Note' line.

The pre-order period for the Z Flip3 and Z Fold3 lasts seven days until the 23rd. The subsidies announced on this day will be finalized on the 24th, when activation begins for pre-order customers. Samsung Electronics will gift customers who activate their devices by the 27th with wireless earbuds 'Galaxy Buds2' and a one-year Samsung Care+ subscription. The three carriers have also prepared various promotional events, including lottery events and limited edition model releases.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.