[Edaily Reporter Han Kwangbeom ] Domestic sales of SamsungElectronics(005930)’s foldable smartphone, the “Galaxy Z Fold 8,” have actually increased since the launch of Apple’s first foldable phone, the “iPhone Duo.” Buoyed by strong sales, SamsungElectronics is extending the enrollment period for its “New Galaxy AI Subscription Club” by one month and stepping up year-end promotional activities.
According to the telecommunications industry on the 3rd, domestic weekly sales of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 are reported to have increased by more than 20% since the launch of the iPhone Duo on the 23rd of last month. As competition in the foldable phone market has intensified with the arrival of the iPhone Duo, it is interpreted that the launch of competing models has not led to a decline in sales of existing products but has instead heightened overall market interest.
SamsungElectronics attributes the sales increase to the product’s competitive strengths, including hinge technology and durability accumulated over eight generations, as well as artificial intelligence (AI) features. Previously, the Galaxy Z8 series set a new record for Galaxy smartphone pre-sales in South Korea, selling 1.44 million units during a one-week pre-sale period last July.
SamsungElectronics is extending the enrollment period for the “New Galaxy AI Subscription Club”—a program for customers who purchase the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Fold8, or Flip8—until the 30th of this month. Although the program was originally scheduled to end in late October, the company decided to extend it for another month based on the assessment that customer interest in the Galaxy Z Fold8 remains strong.
The Subscription Club is a program that guarantees the residual value of devices used for a certain period to customers who purchase unlocked smartphones and provides additional benefits such as damage and loss coverage. When subscribers return their devices, they are guaranteed a residual value of up to 50% of the Samsung.com list price for the 1-year plan, 40% for the 2-year plan, and 25% for the 3-year plan. However, the residual value guarantee rate for the two-year plan of the Galaxy Z Flip 8 is 50%.
During the subscription period, Samsung Care+ coverage for damage or loss is provided depending on the subscription plan. Customers on the 3-year plan also receive benefits such as free repairs, battery replacements, and in-home repair services.
An additional trade-in bonus for used smartphones is also available. Throughout the month of November, customers who purchase the Galaxy Z8 series, Galaxy S26 series, Galaxy S26 FE, or Galaxy S25 Edge and return their existing smartphone to a MinTit ATM will receive up to 100,000 won on top of the standard trade-in value.
SamsungElectronics is hosting the “Galaxy Year-End Festa” through the 31st of next month. Customers who purchase an eligible smartphone and write a product review on the Samsung.com app will receive up to 80,000 Samsung Wallet points. Samsung Stores and mobile carrier stores nationwide are also running an event where customers who try out features like “Quick Share” and “Smart Switch” will receive a 5,000-won Olive Young mobile gift card.
Benefits have also been prepared for students preparing for the 2027 College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT). Customers who purchase eligible products will receive a 30% discount coupon for the Galaxy Buds4 series, and through a raffle, winners will receive a Pingu merchandise package and the opportunity to participate in an AI offline special lecture.
