Samsung phones are 2.5 times pricier here: lawmaker

Samsung Electronics’ smartphones were being sold at an average price 2.5 times higher in Korea than in other countries, a lawmaker said on Sunday.

Rep. Jun Byung-hun of the main opposition Democratic United Party said the average price of Samsung handsets released through three mobile carriers since last year was set at 797,612 won ($717.76). This price tag compares with the 311,123 won ($280) worldwide average.

Samsung launched a total of 15 smartphone models through Korea’s top telecom company SK Telecom. It has also launched 13 models through No. 2 KT and nine through LG Uplus since last year.

Jun said that the average price of all Samsung handsets being sold globally average up to $149.50, or 165,945 won, but the average price of Samsung handsets sold domestically is 714,479 won ― 4.3 times higher.

However, it should be noted that Samsung has largely reduced the portion of the typically less expensive feature phones running on the second-generation networks in Korea.

“Although a premium lineup centering on smartphones has been showcased in the nation compared to the overseas markets, which have a wider lineup depending on their network situations, it is hard not to admit that the Korean consumers are experiencing reverse discrimination,” he said.

By Cho Ji-hyun (sharon@heraldcorp.com)