[Edaily Reporter Han Kwangbeom ] SamsungElectronics(005930)and the three major mobile carriers are simultaneously launching pre-sales for the next-generation foldable phone “Galaxy Z8” series and new smartwatch models.

SamsungElectronics, SKTelecom, KTCorporation, and LG Uplus will accept pre-orders for the “Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra,” “Galaxy Z Fold8,” “Galaxy Z Flip8,” as well as the “Galaxy Watch Ultra 2” and “Galaxy Watch 9” from midnight on the 28th through August 3. The official launch date is August 7, and customers who pre-order can receive and activate their devices starting August 4.

Along with the start of pre-sales at midnight on the 28th, live commerce events will be held simultaneously across major online and offline channels, including Samsung.com, Coupang, Naver, 11st, and Gmarket.

Due to rising component costs, the manufacturer’s suggested retail prices for the Galaxy Z8 series (based on the 256GB model) have increased by approximately 200,000 won compared to their predecessors. The Galaxy Z Flip8 is priced at 1,683,000 won, the Galaxy Z Fold8 at 2,278,100 won, and the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra at 2,577,300 won. The top-of-the-line Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra 1TB model is priced at 3,451,800 won.

Industry observers believe that, given the price increases, it is most advantageous to take advantage of the benefits offered during the pre-order period. SamsungElectronics is offering a “Double Storage” benefit that upgrades the storage capacity from the 256GB model to the 512GB model, and customers purchasing the 512GB Fold 8 series can upgrade to the 1TB model for an additional payment of approximately half the price. In addition, a variety of freebies, such as AI subscriptions and discount coupons, are available.

For unlocked device buyers, the “New Galaxy AI Subscription Club,” which guarantees up to 50% of the residual value upon device return, will also begin operations on the 28th.

The three major mobile carriers are also going all out with pre-order marketing campaigns, highlighting official subsidies, manufacturer benefits, additional compensation for trade-ins, coupons exclusive to their official online stores, and free gifts. The telecom industry expects that the combined effect of official and manufacturer subsidies will reduce the actual purchase cost by approximately 800,000 won.

The three carriers are accelerating their efforts to attract online customers by offering exclusive discount coupons and tailored promotions. SKTelecom has prepared benefits worth up to 460,000 won, along with T Direct Shop discount coupons, additional benefits through the KakaoTalk channel, and cashback on partner credit cards. KTCorporation is offering a first-come, first-served package at its Direct Shop, a pure gold giveaway event, an immediate 100,000-won discount coupon on devices, and an additional 7% discount on service fees. LG Uplus is launching an all-out marketing campaign featuring discount coupons worth up to 150,000 won redeemable at its official online store, additional rewards through its used phone platform, and discounts on Google AI services.