Note5, S6 Edge Plus debut in Korea
Visitors get to experience the Galaxy Note 5, right, and the Galaxy S6 Edge Plus, Samsung Electronics’s new fonblets, first-hand at the electronics giant’s headquarters in Seoul, Thursday, the day of the two devices’ launch in Korea. / Yonhap
By Kim Yoo-chul
Samsung Electronics started selling its new smartphones -- the Note5 and Galaxy S6 Edge Plus (Edge Plus) -- Thursday.
The Note5, which Samsung calls a “fonblet,” combines the specifications of a smartphone and tablet into a single device with a large display. It comes in three colors -- white pearl, black sapphire and gold platinum.
The Edge Plus comes in black sapphire and gold platinum. The Note5 features 32-gigabyte and 64GB models, with the Edge Plus providing 32GB of storage.
The Note5 is 899,800 won for the 32GB model, while the 64GB model is 965,800 won, without carrier subsidies.
“Samsung expects the two models to offer more choice to consumers and create new demand,” Shin Jong-kyun, head of the company’s mobile business division, said.
Samsung has lowered the price of its new devices by about 10 percent amid growing challenges from Chinese handset makers, Samsung officials said.
Korea’s three mobile carriers have started selling the new smartphones across the nation.
SK Telecom said it plans to provide up to 248,000 won in subsidies to customers on a two-year contract. KT will offer 281,000 won in subsidies to customers who agree to pay 99,900 won a month using its wireless service for two years. LG Uplus will offer 285,000 won in subsidies.
The carriers have teamed with Samsung to promote the devices.
SK Telecom will offer additional discounts to customers who purchase the phones via its T-World Direct channel.
KT offers headsets, accessories and a Gear S smartwatch as part of promotional events to attract customers.
Samsung Electronics said its mobile payments application, Samsung Pay, is also available.
Customers using Galaxy S6 or those who have Edge Plus and Note5 can settle payments at selected shops.
Currently, 10 local card companies support the Pay system.
As Samsung Pay supports magnetic secure transmission (MST) technology, as well as near-field communication (NFC) terminals, the Samsung mobile payment application is easy to use, Samsung officials said.
Samsung is in talks with card issuers and local governments to allow customers to pay for transportation.