The Galaxy Z Fold 2 just became available for pre-orders in South Korea, promising a first-hand experience of the latest and greatest mobile tech from not just Samsung, but the entire smartphone industry. Yet it's the 19-month-old Galaxy S10 5G that's currently expected to experience a popularity surge on Samsung's home turf. What's more, these two developments aren't just related, but joined at the hip.
As is customary for every new flagship release, the imminent arrival of the Galaxy Z Fold 2 prompted Samsung and its distribution partners to permanently discount a number of older models in the same category. Most notably, the Galaxy S10 5G can currently be purchased for peanuts relative to its then-unprecedented introductory price.
From $1,300 to zero currency in a year
Based on one's choice of a handset color, not even peanuts may be required for getting your hands on a brand-new Galaxy S10 5G in South Korea as of today. Because combined with some promotions, the 2019 flagship can currently be obtained on a 100% discount alongside a two-year mobile subscription plan. The same is also true for the Galaxy S9, but its year-younger successor is more attractive to customers for obvious reasons, as revealed by Phone Master, a self-proclaimed “online pre-booking café” specializing in consumer electronics deals.
The incoming release of the Galaxy Z Fold 2, scheduled for next Friday, September 18th, also prompted permanent price corrections of several other high-end smartphones from Samsung, including the Galaxy Note 10 and Galaxy S20 which can currently be purchased at $250 and $170 respectively. So, while the commercial debut of by far the best foldable to date is certainly news in South Korea – especially given how its super-extra-special version required a lottery system for early adopters – it would appear the majority of consumers on Samsung's home turf will be celebrating this event with exactly zero intention of buying the actual device.
SamsungGalaxy Z Fold 2
SamsungGalaxy S10 5G