Smartphone makers offer discriminative warranty services in S. Korea
SEOUL, March 20 (Yonhap) -- The quality of smartphone manufacturers' warranty services provided in South Korea fall behind those of other countries despite the average sales prices being higher here, industry watchers said Tuesday.
Samsung Electronics Co. is currently preparing the launch of the so-called Samsung Mobile Care service in South Korea, where users can extend a warranty period for a year, and receive discounts in replacement of batteries and displays. Subscriptions to the service come with a monthly fee of 5,300 won (US$4.93).
The South Korean tech giant, however, has been offering a similar "Butler Service" in China since last year. The program has a shorter warranty period, but includes free display replacement. An official from Samsung said the company decided to roll out a more aggressive marketing program in China to expand market share.
LG Electronics Inc. also offers a better warranty service in the United States than on its home turf. Samsung's smaller rival has extended its warranty period in the U.S. market to two years, compared with one year in South Korea.
"It is due to different circumstances in market competition," an official from LG said.
U.S. tech giant Apple Inc. is also yet to release the AppleCare Protection Plan in South Korea, a program which also covers accidental damages to its devices. An official from the local branch of Apple said it currently does not have any plans to release the service here.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)
-
'Queen of Tears' weaves rich tapestry of Korean contemporary art
-
Ateez member Yunho throws first pitch at MLB match between Dodgers, Mets
-
N. Korea says Kim guided simulated nuclear counterattack drills for 1st time
-
N. Korea calls envisioned U.S. aid to Ukraine 'hallucinogen'
-
N. Korea calls on party propaganda officials to work harder
-
'Queen of Tears' weaves rich tapestry of Korean contemporary art
-
Experts see possibility of N.K. conducting nuclear test before U.S. presidential vote
-
Details of meeting between Yoon, opposition leader undecided: presidential office
-
N. Korea says Kim guided simulated nuclear counterattack drills for 1st time
-
Looming weekly closure of major hospitals feared to worsen medical service crisis
-
S. Korea eliminated in Olympic football qualifiers as poor defense, undisciplined play prove costly
-
Indonesia coach left with mixed feelings after eliminating native S. Korea in Olympic football qualifiers
-
ADOR CEO calls conflict with Hybe 'worst experience of my life'
-
(LEAD) 10-man S. Korea lose to Indonesia to miss out on Paris Olympic football qualification
-
S. Korea to acquire SM-3 shipborne missiles by 2030