14 DAY TRIAL // Samsung has recently confirmed to the Korean media that its upcoming Galaxy S8 flagship will be available for pre-order beginning April 7. As expected, customers in South Korea will be the first to be able to pre-order the smartphone.
Both Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ will be announced on March 29 at a dedicated event that will be held at the same time in New York and London.
According to ETNews, the pre-orders period will last between April 7 and April 17. Samsung Galaxy S8 will eventually make its global debut on the market on April 21.
Now things become interesting, as the Korean media reports that Samsung plans to hold pre-launch events on April 18, but only in South Korea. These pre-launch events will be organized by all three major carriers in South Korea at their stores.
The pre-launched events will be reserved to carrier subscribers, who will also be given the chance to win some prizes if they decide to participate.
Carrier subscribers can win consistent prizes at pre-launch events
It appears that the highest prize that one can get is 3 million won ($2,650). Other prizes that will be awarded at these pre-launch events include Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ smartphones, as well as Gear S3 smartwatches.
It's quite unusual for Samsung and South Korean carriers to hold pre-launch events three days before a smartphone goes on sale. Usually, the carriers accept reservations one day before the launch and hold events on the day the smartphone hits the shelves.
One Samsung official confirmed for the Korean media that the “Galaxy S8 pre-launch events was decided suddenly.” He also added that they are not intended to increase the number of subscribers for South Korean carriers.
It's also worth noting that mobile carriers will be open for subscribers who wish to test the Galaxy S8/S8+ from April 18 to 20. The smartphones will be available for purchase on the next day, April 21.