South Korea’s three major mobile carriers have started aggressive preorder promotions for Samsung’s newest foldable smartphones, with the Galaxy Z Fold8 leading the lineup. The device uses a passport-sized design to improve portability while providing a wider screen ratio for better video streaming and multitasking.
Preorders open with early activation perks
SK Telecom, KT, and LG Uplus began accepting preorders Tuesday for the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8, and Galaxy Z Flip8. The preorder window runs through August 3, with early activation scheduled for August 4—three days before the official launch on August 7.
Samsung markets the Fold8 Ultra as a productivity-focused device, while the Flip8 appeals to those who value portability and style. Storage options range from 256GB to 1TB for the Fold models, and the Flip8 comes in 256GB and 512GB versions.
All carriers are including a free upgrade from 256GB to 512GB under Samsung’s “Double Storage” promotion. They also offer trade-in incentives for customers exchanging their current smartphones.
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Entertainment and digital content take center stage
The promotions highlight Samsung’s focus on larger displays for immersive viewing. Carriers are bundling entertainment and digital content benefits to attract buyers.
SK Telecom is using its partnership with Netflix. Customers who activate their devices and subscribe to a Netflix plan by August 31 will receive 10,000 won ($7) in Naver Pay points. The carrier also provides prizes tied to popular Netflix shows, such as family trips to Jeju Island, styling experiences, and food delivery vouchers. A new membership program for foldable devices offers discounts on subscriptions, dining, and movie tickets.
Such promotions have become common during smartphone launches, often timed with major entertainment releases or seasonal shopping events. The approach reflects an industry shift where hardware sales are linked to subscription services, creating recurring revenue beyond the initial purchase.
KT introduced a Choice Double mobile plan, letting customers bundle premium benefits like YouTube Premium Lite and Netflix Standard with Ads. Early buyers can purchase the 1TB versions of the Fold8 and Fold8 Ultra at the 512GB price through the carrier’s online store.
LG Uplus bundles AI and cloud services
LG Uplus is offering the Google One Plus Compensation Pass Premium Plus package, which includes Google AI and cloud services as part of its compensation program. Customers joining the carrier’s U+LIVE livestream shopping events will receive extra promotional benefits.
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Online preorder customers can get their devices before the official activation date through early delivery. The company is also running a lottery for upgraded storage, better trade-in rewards, and prizes like Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 monitors and Bespoke AirDresser units.
This focus on AI and cloud services matches Samsung’s effort to position foldables as productivity tools. The inclusion of high-end peripherals suggests carriers are targeting professionals who might use these devices for work.
The preorder campaigns show how carriers compete not just on hardware but on bundled services and long-term value. With Samsung’s foldables now in their eighth generation, the promotions aim to attract a broader consumer base beyond early adopters.
Luxury travel choices, like those made by some who prioritize experiences over inheritance, reflect similar shifts in consumer priorities.
