Three Major Carriers Launch Budget-Friendly Apple 'iPhone 17e'... Targeting Value for Money

Benefits Include Free OTT Access and Installment Discounts

The three major Korean mobile carriers have launched targeted marketing campaigns for consumers in response to the release of Apple’s new addition to the iPhone 17 lineup, the ‘iPhone 17e’.

On March 11, SK Telecom announced that it would begin selling the iPhone 17e at all official SKT retail stores nationwide and through its official online mall, T Direct Shop.

The iPhone 17e is available in two storage capacities: 256GB and 512GB. The device comes in three colors: the existing black and white, plus a new soft pink. The launch price for the 256GB model is 990,000 won. By doubling the storage compared to the previous iPhone 16e’s 128GB model while maintaining the same launch price, Apple is aiming to offer greater value for money.

The iPhone 17e features the A19 chip as its application processor (AP), which acts as the phone’s “brain.” The front is equipped with the same ‘Ceramic Shield 2’ material found in the iPhone 17, improving scratch resistance by three times compared to the iPhone 16e.

Additionally, it offers up to 26 hours of video playback on a single charge. Thanks to MagSafe compatibility, the maximum wireless charging speed has doubled to 15W from the iPhone 16e’s 7.5W.

SK Telecom is also providing various purchase benefits. Customers who subscribe to the online-exclusive ‘Direct 5G 76’ plan via T Direct Shop and select an online video service (OTT) benefit can use one OTT platform of their choice (Netflix, Disney Plus, YouTube Premium, or Tving) for free.

Koo Hyunchul, Head of Sales and Marketing at SK Telecom, stated, “We will continue to offer a diverse smartphone lineup tailored to various customer preferences, just as we are with the iPhone 17e—a practical device that delivers most of the excellent features of the iPhone 17 while reducing the price burden.”

Apple's new model in the iPhone 17 lineup, the 'iPhone 17e'.

Lowering the Burden with Family Bundle Discounts and Affiliated Card Discounts

To celebrate the launch of the iPhone 17e, KT has introduced a variety of additional discounts to attract customers.

KT customers who subscribe to the 5G Choice Special plan and use the KT Premium Family Bundle can receive both the selective contract discount (25%) and the premium family bundle discount (25%), for a total discount of up to 50% on their plan. They can enjoy unlimited data, VVIP membership, content benefits, and free data sharing for a monthly plan price in the 50,000 won range.

With the affiliated card double discount, customers can receive approximately 1,150,000 won in device discount and interest-free installment benefits. The 365 Phone Care and 245 Phone Change programs further ease the burden of device use by offering loss and damage coverage, as well as up to 50% compensation when returning the device.

On KT’s official online mall, KT.com, customers who write a purchase review will receive an AirTag. In addition, customers can choose between 50% support on the installment principal for the third-generation AirPods Pro or an additional subsidy of 300,000 won for the Apple Watch SE. The 7% plan discount offered by KT.com also helps reduce communication costs.

There is also a ‘One More Device’ benefit linked to the 5G Choice plan. Customers can choose from the AirPods 4 with active noise canceling, Shokz OpenDot One, or Garmin Forerunner 165. Samsung’s 32-inch Moving Style or 55-inch UHD TV are also available. Those who sign up for both internet and TV services can receive a discount on a large-size TV, up to 75 inches.

At 11:00 a.m. on the day of release, LG Uplus held a live broadcast to commemorate the launch of the iPhone 17e through the integrated app U+one’s ‘Uplus Live’ feature. Customers who watched the live broadcast received a 50,000 won coupon that can be used at the U+ Official Online Store’s accessory mall.

Previously, LG Uplus offered a pre-order promotion through the U+ Official Online Store, providing customers with a device discount coupon of up to 100,000 won, and on the day of release, same-day morning delivery service was available for the iPhone 17e.

LG Uplus is also offering discounts on devices that can be used together with the iPhone 17e. Customers who activate the iPhone 17e with LG Uplus, subscribe to a plan of 105,000 won or more per month, and select the Apple Device Pack benefit will have the full 24-month installment payment for the Apple AirPods 4 waived.

Customers who purchase the iPhone 17e can also use additional devices such as tablets or smartwatches at a lower plan rate. Customers subscribing to the 5G Signature plan (130,000 won per month) or the 5G Premier Super plan (115,000 won per month) can apply for a plan discount service to enjoy discounted monthly device plans for tablets or smart devices.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.