Latest news with #SamsungElectronics'
Asia News Network
14 hours ago
- Business
- Asia News Network
South Korea ends phone subsidy law: Are cheaper smartphones coming?
SEOUL – South Korea is to officially repeal its decade-old handset subsidy law on Tuesday, opening the door to bigger discounts and potentially cheaper smartphones — just in time for the launch of Samsung Electronics' new Galaxy Z Flip7 and Fold7 later this month and Apple's iPhone 17 in the fall. Industry insiders say a 'subsidy war' is likely to break out, as mobile carriers rush to regain market share with aggressive pricing and subsidies. SK Telecom, in particular, is expected to take bold action after losing over 800,000 subscribers in a major April data breach. The repeal marks a major shift in the mobile phone market. Carriers and retailers will no longer be restricted by government-set subsidy limits, allowing for more flexible and competitive pricing. Phones could even be sold at 'zero-cost,' depending on the plan and promotions. To help consumers understand what the repeal means and how to make smart choices in the new free-market landscape, The Korea Herald answers key questions below. Q: What is the subsidy law and why is it repealed? The Mobile Device Distribution Improvement Act was passed in 2014 to make phone pricing more transparent and fair. It capped store discounts at 15 percent on top of official carrier subsidies and required carriers to publish fixed subsidy amounts. But over time, critics said it had the opposite effect — inflating smartphone prices, limiting consumer benefits and making the market harder to navigate. After years of complaints from consumers and industry players alike, the government decided to repeal the law to encourage more competition, bigger discounts and greater pricing flexibility. Q: What's changing now that the law is gone? Carriers no longer need to publicly post fixed subsidy amounts and retailers are no longer restricted to 15 percent discounts. That means devices could be sold with much higher discounts — even for free, depending on the plan. However, retailers must now clearly explain all subsidy conditions in their contracts. Q: Can I still see how much of a subsidy I'm getting? Yes, but only voluntarily. The major carriers — SK Telecom, KT and LG Uplus — have agreed with regulators to continue posting subsidy information online by rate plan, although it is no longer legally mandated. Q: Where do I find extra discounts from stores? Discounts will vary by store. Authorized dealers and independent shops may offer different incentives, so it pays to compare offers before signing a contract. Q: Can I combine the 25% discount with store deals? Yes. You can still choose the 25 percent discount for going contract-free and also get additional discounts from retailers, thanks to looser rules. Q: Do discounts depend on how I sign up? Yes. Retailers can now offer different discounts depending on whether you are switching carriers, starting a new plan or upgrading. That kind of 'discriminatory pricing' was previously restricted, but is now allowed. Q: Is there a limit on how much discount I can get? No. There's no longer a cap on discounts. The carrier, phone-maker and store can set subsidy amounts freely. In theory, this means that even the latest phones could be priced at zero, but only under specific plans or conditions. Q: What counts as unfair pricing now? While pricing can vary by plan and contract type, stores must offer equal subsidies to everyone under the same conditions — the same phone, plan and type of contract. The telecom regulator will monitor for violations. Q: Will phone-makers reveal more about incentives? Yes. Companies like Samsung and Apple must now report monthly data on incentives they give to carriers and retailers. This info will be submitted to the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korea Communications Commission. Q: What should I check before signing a contract? Always review: Who is providing the subsidy (carrier or retailer) How it's being applied Any extra fees or plan requirements Retailers must disclose everything clearly and if they don't, they could face penalties. Q: Are my consumer rights still protected? Yes. Protections remain in place, including bans on: Discrimination based on age, region or disability Being pushed into expensive plans Misleading or false advertising Q: What about vulnerable groups like the elderly? The government says it will pay special attention to 'information-vulnerable' groups like seniors and teenagers, ensuring they are not excluded or misled in the new competitive environment. Q: How is the government keeping watch? A joint task force of regulators and telecom firms will meet at least twice a week to monitor the market and respond quickly to any signs of chaos or abuse. Q: Can I buy new phones cheaper now? Possibly soon. Industry insiders say a 'subsidy war' is inevitable, at least in the short term, as mobile carriers ramp up aggressive marketing and offer larger discounts to win over customers. SK Telecom, which lost over 800,000 subscribers after a major hacking incident in April and dropped below 40 percent market share, is widely expected to launch a bold pricing strategy to regain ground. The timing also adds fuel to the fire: Samsung's latest foldables, the Galaxy Z Flip7 and Fold7, hit the market on July 25, while Apple's iPhone 17 is expected later in the third quarter. These high-profile launches are seen as key moments that could set the tone for how the postsubsidy market unfolds — and whether Korean consumers will finally get their hands on premium smartphones at lower prices.
Business Times
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- Business Times
LG Electronics shares jump on report of AI chip gear development
[HONG KONG] LG Electronics shares advanced in Seoul after a local media report that the company is developing cutting-edge tools for making the memory chips that work alongside artificial intelligence (AI) processors designed by Nvidia and others. The South Korean company is targeting mass production of hybrid bonders for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips in 2028, Seoul Economic Daily reported, citing unidentified sources. LG Electronics said that it is conducting technical research on hybrid bonders for HBM, but the specific timing of mass production has not been confirmed. South Korea is home to SK Hynix, a key supplier of HBM, which comprises stacks of Dram chips. Hybrid bonders are critical to the manufacture of HBM, enabling thinner stacks by directly bonding the electrodes of adjacent layers. Other South Korean companies already making hybrid bonding equipment include Hanmi Semiconductor, Samsung Electronics' Semes and Hanwha Vision's Hanwha Semitech unit. Hanmi Semiconductor's shares slid as much as 6.5 per cent on Monday (Jul 14) while Hanwha Vision's fell 4.7 per cent and Samsung Electronics' dipped 1.3 per cent. 'The entry barrier for the bonder market is quite steep, and the real edge lies with those who have been mastering the craft for years,' said Greg Roh, an analyst at Hyundai Motor Securities. 'It makes sense to explore new business while the market is growing, but with strong players already in the game, it will require validation.' The company could also face competition from abroad, with Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Sean Chen noting Hong Kong-listed ASMPT and the Netherlands' BE Semiconductor Industries as potential rivals in hybrid bonders. 'LG Electronics could face earnings pressure with rising R&D and capex, while sales contribution is likely to be limited to 2030,' he wrote in a report. BLOOMBERG
Indian Express
11-07-2025
- Indian Express
Samsung smartphone head breaks silence on tri-fold phones, hints at 2025 debut
Ever since Huawei launched the Mate XT Ultimate Edition – the world's first tri-fold phone, rumour had it that Samsung was also working on a similar device. Recently, Samsung rolled out a One UI 8 beta build, which features new animations that suggested that a tri-fold phone was indeed in development. Now, Samsung Electronics' Device Experience Division head Roh Tae-moon has confirmed that the company is indeed working to launch a tri-fold phone by the end of the year. 'We are working hard on a tri-fold smartphone with the goal of launching it at the end of this year. We are now focusing on perfecting the product and its usability, but we have not decided its name. As the product nears completion, we are planning to make a final decision soon', said Roh in a press conference. In a statement to Android Authority, a Samsung executive said they had decided on the tri-fold design, but the company was debating whether the market had demand for the new form factor. The recently leaked animation from the One UI 8 beta build hints that, unlike the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Edition, Samsung's tri-fold phone, which may bear the Galaxy G Fold moniker, may have hinges that fold inwards instead of outwards. It also suggests that Samsung's tri-fold phone will have two hinges of different sizes, with the left side folding inwards and the right side sandwiching on the top. And like the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Edition, Samsung might warn users that they are not to fold the right panel side as the protruding camera island may prevent the phone from folding flat and damage it. This means that it will be similar to the G-shaped prototype, which the company showcased earlier this year at the Mobile World Congress. And while not much is known about Samsung's tri-fold phone, it will likely feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset and cross the $3,000 price mark. Rumour also has it that the phone will have a screen size of between 9 and 10 inches when unfolded, which might make it more appealing for power users who want a tablet-like device in their pocket.
Korea Herald
11-07-2025
- Korea Herald
Hands-on: Samsung's Z Flip7 and Fold7 refine design, boost performance
Samsung Electronics' latest foldables — the Galaxy Z Flip7 and Z Fold7 — surprised with sleeker designs and more powerful performance at Galaxy Unpacked 2025 in New York, and The Korea Herald got an early hands-on look the following day in Seoul. The Galaxy Z Flip7 arrived with a noticeably sleeker aesthetic. The bezel has been slimmed down to just 1.25 millimeters, while the front-facing Flex Window has grown to 4.1 inches — an 11 percent increase over its predecessor — offering a more intuitive experience. The expanded Flex Window allows easier photo capturing with the phone folded, turning the entire front panel, excluding the camera lens, into a usable preview screen. The new zoom functionality within the Flex Window enabled this reporter to freely adjust zoom levels without opening the device. A real-time filter application was also available while the device was closed, enhancing the appeal for selfie lovers and content creators alike. Beyond photography, the Flip7's external display supports a broader range of functions. Unlike the Flip6, which only offered basic notifications, users can reply to messages, control music, track workouts and check local weather conditions, all without opening the phone. Battery life has improved. For the first time in the Flip series, the tech giant has equipped the device with a 4,300 milliampere-hour battery — a step up from the 4,000mAh capacity of the previous generation. Coupled with a cutting-edge 3-nanometer processor, the Flip7 delivers an additional 8 hours of video playback on a single charge. If the Flip7 impresses with refinement, the Galaxy Z Fold7 turns heads with transformation. Shedding its long-standing 'heavy and bulky' image, the Fold7 boasts a slimmer profile and ultralightweight build, comparable in thickness to Samsung's flagship Galaxy S25 Ultra when folded and lighter. Once unfolded, this reporter was greeted with an expansive 8-inch display — akin to a compact tablet — that delivers an immersive viewing experience. The device's side thickness measured just 4.2mm, although the sleekness resulted in a slightly slippery grip and some wobble when laid flat due to the raised camera module. The Fold7 shares the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor as the Galaxy S25 Ultra, enabling seamless execution of AI-driven tasks such as real-time language translation and generative image editing. In terms of imaging, Samsung has matched the Fold7 with the S25 Ultra's powerful 200MP camera system. Photos can be shot with four times the clarity and videos up to 44 percent brighter, taking mobile photography to new heights. One of the most notable upgrades is the enhanced Circle to Search feature. Evolving from basic text-based search, it now even works during mobile gaming, allowing users to quickly circle in-game items or concepts to access information in real-time without pausing or disrupting gameplay. The Galaxy Z Flip7 and Z Fold7 will be released in Korea on July 25, with seven-day preorders starting Tuesday. The price tag of the Z Flip7 ranges between 1.49 million won ($1,085) and 1.64 million won, depending on storage, while the Z Fold7 is priced between 2.38 million won and 2.93 million won.
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Samsung expects profit to halve as tariffs and export curbs bite
A new forecast from the memory chip and smartphone maker Samsung Electronics fell significantly short of market expectations in the second quarter this year. The warnings arrive as trade tariffs and US restrictions on China continue to take a toll on the South Korean tech giant. Operating profit is expected to be approximately 4.6 trillion Korean won (€2.86 bn), 56% less than the 10.44tn won Samsung reported a year ago. The firm forecasts its sales revenue to be around 74tn Korean won (€46 billion) for the three months ending in June 2025, which is unchanged compared to the previous year. 'Samsung Electronics' recent struggles continued as it warned on profit,' said AJ Bell investment analyst Dan Coatsworth. 'The company has been heavily impacted by US restrictions on the sale of AI chips to China.' Washington first started to restrict the flow of semiconductors from the US to China in 2022 as a means to hamper Beijing's tech ambitions. The White House has since ramped up these measures several times, also hurting American chip firms like Nvidia that sell into China. Related Samsung ups earnings guidance as chip sales soar on tariff concerns Samsung sees revenue increase but gives gloomy tariff-related outlook Trump sends tariff letters, placing 25% duty on Japan and South Korea Samsung is one of the biggest smartphone manufacturers in the world and is also a leading maker of memory chips, used in devices such as laptops and servers. The company's semiconductor business also saw a profit decline due to inventory-related costs, and the firm is being negatively impacted by new tariffs from the White House. US President Donald Trump has announced a 25% tax on goods imported from Japan and South Korea, along with new tariff rates on other countries, starting on 1 August. Before the latest US tariff rate was announced, promising export data from South Korea raised hopes that semiconductors could drive up the country's exports. They hit a record in June, rising 11.6%. Samsung also announced a 3.9 trillion won stock buyback program to enhance shareholder value. When a company buys back its own shares, the stock price usually goes up due to higher demand. Typically, the repurchased shares are cancelled, reducing the total number of shares outstanding. This gives remaining shareholders a proportionally larger ownership stake in the company. The share price was down 0.5% at the close in Seoul, but Samsung's stock is still up 15% year to date. The company will report quarterly results at the end of July.
