Galaxy S9 price and release date tipped for Korea, more expensive than the S8
Hot on the heels of the rumor that the Galaxy S9 and S9+ will be the most expensive duo in the history of the Galaxy S line now comes a report out of Samsung's home country that reiterate that speculation, albeit for the home turf of South Korea. The two phones will be available on all three major carriers in Korea, but "although the domestic price of the Galaxy S9 will increase, it will be decided at a level where consumers do not feel burdened," divulged a source from inside one of those carriers.
How much is that level, compared to the Galaxy S8 starting price in Korea? Well, the S8 took off at 935,000 Korean won (~$875) there, and the Galaxy S9 is said to start at 950,000 to 999,000 Korean won (~$890-$935). In the US, the Galaxy S8 started at $750, so if we apply that same logic, the S9 should cost at a maximum 10% more which would still put it dangerously near the $800 territory we dreaded might happen based on the "record S Line price" rumor from last week.
As far as further info on specs and availability, the S9 will allegedly have "a reservation sale with Samsung Electronics for 7 days from March 2-8," according to carrier sources, which is shortly after the February 25 unveiling at the MWC expo next month. According to one unnamed Samsung official: "The Galaxy S9 series is more focused on user convenience than the new design. The detailed sales schedule and price will be released after the unpacking event."
Still, the sources claim that the upcoming spring flagships will have thinner bezels, which doesn't really become evident from the allegedly legit renders of the S9 and S9+ that leaked last week. Oh well, we'll be flocking en masse to the MWC expo in a few weeks' time anyway, and relay to you all official info about the S9 as soon as we get it from Samsung.
source: ETNews (translated)
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