[Edaily Reporter Yun Junghoon ] With pre-orders for Apple’s first foldable smartphone, the “iPhone Duo,” set to begin at 9 p.m. on the 16th, the competition among South Korea’s three major mobile carriers to attract subscribers is heating up. Given that this is a high-end product with a list price ranging from 3.29 million won to 5.09 million won, the carriers are vying for customers by offering credit card discounts, device discounts, and benefits on accessories and subscription services.

KTCorporation is offering credit card partnership discounts, SKTelecom is promoting artificial intelligence (AI) and over-the-top (OTT) subscription benefits, and LG Uplus is highlighting support for smart glasses and cloud service fees. However, since the applicable rate plans, credit card spending requirements, and subscription types vary by benefit, the actual discount amount will differ depending on the customer’s circumstances.

KTCorporation Card: Up to 1.44 million won off with “Double Discount”

KTCorporation(030200)KTCorporation has introduced a “Double Discount” card that combines the “KTCorporation Installment Plus KB Kookmin Card” and the “KTCorporation Family Satisfaction Installment Shinhan Card.” If customers meet the monthly spending requirements for 24 months, they can receive up to approximately 1.29 million won in discounts on monthly fees and device costs. When combined with cashback from each card issuer (KB Kookmin: 100,000 won; Shinhan: 50,000 won), customers can receive a total of 1.44 million won in cash-equivalent benefits through the card partnership alone. Customers using the official online store, “KTCorporation Direct Shop,” are also eligible for an exclusive 7% service fee discount (up to 210,000 won).

SKTelecom(017670)SAMSUNG CARD CO., LTD. offers up to 840,000 won in discounts over two years when paying via the “Samsung Card T Premium” installment plan. Additionally, through the “Lucky Roulette” event held on the official T Direct Shop, customers who purchase a device will be entered into a drawing for coupons worth up to 300,000 won that can be used immediately.

#LG Uplus is also offering device discount coupons worth up to 300,000 won to customers who pre-order through its official online store by porting their phone numbers, and has countered with up to 100,000 won in cashback and interest-free installment plans for payments made with Samsung CARD CO., LTD. or Hyundai Cards.

Device Bundle Benefits... LG U+’s “690,000 won Smart Glasses” vs. KTCorporation’s “AirPods Pro 3 for 0 won”

The competition between LG Uplus and KTCorporation is fierce when it comes to promotions offering high-end wearables and audio devices for free or at a discount.

LG Uplus has rolled out an unprecedented gift offer. Customers switching carriers who sign up for the online-exclusive “Nugget 65” plan and purchase AI smart glasses worth 690,000 won (manufacturer’s suggested retail price) will have 100% of their installment payments waived. Customers upgrading their devices also receive an 80% discount. Additionally, those who sign up for the “Apple Device Plus Plan 105” or higher will have the full 24-month installment payments for the AirPods 5 wireless charging model covered.

KTCorporation is highlighting in-kind benefits for new audio devices. Customers who sign up for the “Choice Double Device” plan by October 31 and select the “AirPods Pro 3” can receive the new AirPods at an effective purchase price of 0 won (excluding installment fees) based on a 24-month installment plan. Customers on plans costing 90,000 won or more who simultaneously purchase an Apple Watch Series 12 or Ultra 4 will also receive a 200,000 won discount on the installment principal.

SKT has reduced the financial burden for customers on major plans, such as “Best 109,” by offering monthly installment reductions of 12,000 to 24,000 won for up to 36 months when they purchase AirPods, Apple Watches, iPads, and other devices together.

Subscription and Membership Benefits... SKT’s “Rich Lifestyle Benefits” vs. LGU+’s “200GB iCloud”

Beyond device discounts, SKT and LG Uplus took the lead in the subscription and membership service categories, which offer tangible benefits in consumers’ daily lives.

SKT is giving all new subscribers a free 2-month subscription to “T Universe” Google AI Plus (400GB) and a free 6-month subscription to TVING (ad-supported). Through the “Club iPhone Duo” program for new subscribers, customers received a wealth of practical lifestyle benefits, including a 50,000-won Outback Steakhouse coupon, a 2-month subscription to Kakao Emoticon Plus, and a 2-month membership to Baemin Club. Raffle prizes targeting fans—such as retro-style “Speed 011” and “TTL” phone cases, as well as cases autographed by the T1 esports team—also drew attention.

LG Uplus offered a card covering the full 24-month subscription fee for “iCloud+ 200GB,” taking into account the high storage capacity typical of foldable devices.

KTCorporation emphasized the flexibility of its “Choice Double” plan, which allows users to freely combine services such as YouTube Premium, Netflix, Disney+, and Google AI Plus.

Meanwhile, the iPhone Duo is a “book-style” device that folds inward like a book. When folded, the screen size is 5.4 inches (136.0 mm) and the thickness is 11.3 mm; when unfolded, the screen size is 7.6 inches (193.0 mm) and the thickness is 5.2 mm. It weighs 254 g.

Storage options include 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB, with prices ranging from 3.29 million won to 5.09 million won. It comes in two colors: Star White and Night Sky.