[DigitalToday reporter Jin-ho Lee (이진호)] South Korea's three mobile carriers began taking preorders for Samsung Electronics' Galaxy S26 on Feb. 26 and launched a drive to attract subscribers. They are offering benefits through March 5 including free storage upgrades, device replacement programmes and bundled AI subscription services.

◆ SKT differentiates with experience event tickets and a membership package

SK Telecom preorder customers can buy the 512GB model at the price of the 256GB model through Samsung Electronics' double storage benefit. It will also draw 300 early activation customers to offer tickets to popular events including Chuncheon Marathon 2026, Pokemon Run 2026 in Seoul and Seoul Jazz Festival 2026, along with gourmet vouchers.

At its official online store T Direct Shop, it strengthened cost-saving benefits. The first 300 customers who return their existing phones will receive up to 150,000 won in additional compensation. Customers who buy the Galaxy S26 using OK Cashbag via T Moa Coupon will be refunded up to 100,000 won in OK Cashbag equivalent to the amount used. Customers who preorder using Samsung Card will receive up to 100,000 won in cash back, limited to the first 500 customers.

Galaxy S26 Ultra buyers who join the New Galaxy AI Subscription Club with T Naneun Phone Replacement will have the monthly fee of 5,000 won waived for 2 years. When they change devices after 2 years, they will receive an additional 200,000 OK Cashbag points.

It will continue benefits after the preorder period. Customers who activate by March 31 will receive the T Membership Club Galaxy S26 package, which bundles partnerships in OTT, subscriptions and lifestyle services. The package combines discounts for delivery, coffee, convenience stores and subscription services with prize draws.

◆ KT offers exclusive 1TB model and runs experience zones

KT is offering the double storage benefit, accessory discount coupons and content subscription passes. On KT.com, it will exclusively launch the Galaxy S26 Ultra 1TB model and run a capacity upgrade event offering 1TB at the price of 512GB for customers who sign up for plans costing 69,000 won or more.

It also introduced the Device One More programme tied to mobile plans. Customers who choose certain Choice plans will receive discounts or free additional devices or home appliances such as wireless earphones, smartwatches and TVs. It also said applying double discounts with partner cards allows customers to receive combined plan and device discounts worth up to 1.33 million won. Through the New Galaxy AI Subscription Club with 245 Phone Change, it will run a replacement programme that compensates up to 50 percent when customers return the device after 2 years of use. It also supports damage and loss coverage and phishing and hacking compensation through the 365 Phone Care product.

KT will also run programmes at major stores nationwide where customers can directly experience the Galaxy S26's AI features. Three flagship stores will operate experience zones through March 13. At KT Onmaj i Gwanghwamun flagship store, it will introduce a 360-degree photo booth. Hongdae Adshop Plus has set up a space specialised for video content. At KT Avenue, customers can experience AI features with customised experience kits.

◆ LG Uplus introduces Google AI plan and live commerce

LG Uplus is offering a Google One Pack that includes Google's AI service Gemini 3 and storage of up to 2TB for this preorder. It is also running the New Galaxy AI Subscription Club with Compensation Pass to reduce the burden of buying a device. Under the structure, customers who return the device after 2 or 3 years will be compensated up to 50 percent of the launch price. LG Uplus is the only carrier that allows customers to set a 3-year subscription period.

On its official online store, it is offering discount coupons, interest-free card instalments and cashback, and additional compensation for used phones. Through live commerce, it introduces new features and preorder benefits, and it also supports product experiences at offline experience spaces. LG Uplus is also running an online-only Early Dream service that customers can receive after preordering the Galaxy S26 series and before activation.