[Edaily Reporter Yun Junghoon ] Ahead of the launch of SamsungElectronics(005930)’s 8th-generation foldable smartphone, the three major mobile carriers have simultaneously launched pre-order marketing campaigns. They are actively highlighting that the pre-order period is the cheapest time of the year to purchase the device, considering the combination of government-subsidized support, manufacturer incentives, free storage upgrades, and additional compensation for trading in used phones.

According to the telecommunications industry on the 27th, SKTelecom, KTCorporation, and LG Uplus will begin pre-orders for SamsungElectronics’ “Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra,” “Galaxy Z Fold8,” and “Galaxy Z Flip8” starting at midnight on the 28th. Pre-sales will run through the 3rd of next month, with the official launch set for August 7. A key advantage for pre-order customers is that they can receive their devices quickly, even before the official launch.

The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices for these new models, based on the 256GB configuration, are 2,278,100 won for the Galaxy Z Fold8, 2,577,300 won for the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, and 1,683,000 won for the Galaxy Z Flip8. The top-of-the-line Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra 1TB model exceeds 3.45 million won. Due to rising memory prices, prices have increased by approximately 200,000 won compared to the previous generation.

Industry experts agree that the pre-order period is the most advantageous time of the year to purchase a Samsung smartphone. This is because benefits—such as the “Double Storage” offer available only during the pre-order period, various free gifts, reward points, and 3- to 6-month subscriptions to AI content—are concentrated during this time.

The telecommunications industry estimates that carrier subsidies will be around 500,000 won at most, while manufacturer subsidies will be approximately 300,000 won. If all subsidies are applied, the out-of-pocket cost for consumers is expected to decrease by approximately 800,000 won. Accordingly, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is expected to be available in the 1.5 million won range, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra in the 1.7 million won range, and the Galaxy Z Flip 8 in the low 1 million won range.

In addition to common benefits, the three major carriers have launched all-out, differentiated marketing campaigns centered on their official online stores.

SKTelecom is offering benefits worth up to 460,000 won to pre-order customers. Along with a promotion allowing customers to purchase the 1TB model at the price of the 512GB model, the company has arranged additional trade-in incentives, up to 100,000 won in cashback for using partner credit cards, and 24-month interest-free installment plans. In collaboration with MinTit, it also offers additional compensation for returning used phones.

Additionally, all customers who make a purchase will receive a T-Gift worth 30,000 won, and customers who add the T Direct Shop KakaoTalk channel will also receive a 30,000-won discount coupon. Customers who previously signed up for pre-order notifications will be entered into a drawing to win Naver Pay points and vouchers worth up to 300,000 won.

KTCorporation is focusing on attracting online customers through its “KTCorporation Direct Shop.” It is offering a Fold 8 exclusive package to the first 1,150 customers on a first-come, first-served basis, and has organized an event where customers who port their numbers will receive 0.1g of pure gold and a magnetic wireless charger.

In addition, it offers a 100,000 won instant discount coupon on the device, an additional 7% discount on monthly service fees, up to 100,000 won in trade-in compensation for used phones, interest-free installment plans with credit cards, and cashback. A “Double Storage” benefit is also available, and select customers will be offered the opportunity to upgrade to 1TB on a first-come, first-served basis.

LGU+ is issuing instant discount coupons worth up to 150,000 won to customers who sign up for pre-release notifications. These coupons can be used at the official U+ online store and are available to the first 1,500 customers on a first-come, first-served basis. The company has also arranged additional compensation through the used phone trading platform “Cello” and discounts on Google AI services. Customers from other carriers who sign up for pre-notifications will be entered into a drawing to win Naver Pay points, and there will also be a giveaway event for a set of a WOOYANG CO., LTD. water bottle and a portable fan.

Benefits for unlocked phone buyers have also been expanded. Starting with this launch, SamsungElectronics is introducing the “New Galaxy AI Subscription Club,” a program that guarantees up to 50% of the device’s residual value if it is returned after a certain period of use. The company is also actively targeting demand for unlocked phones by offering Samsung Care+ and discounts on accessories.

However, despite aggressive marketing by carriers and manufacturers, the industry’s outlook on the smartphone market is not as optimistic as in previous years due to “chipflation.”

An official from a telecom carrier stated, “With the smartphone market having fully entered a ‘red ocean,’ the support measures and promotions offered by the three major carriers to lower the prices consumers actually pay—which have risen due to higher component costs—have become the key factors determining success.” The official added, “The fact that the scale of benefits is concentrated during the pre-order period is also partly due to the price increase of the Galaxy Z8 series.”