SEOUL, Dec. 21 (Yonhap) -- The combined sales of high-end smartphones in South Korea hit record-high levels in November, industry data showed Thursday, following the popularity of the Galaxy Note 8 and new iPhones.
According to the data, South Korea's three mobile carriers sold 1.4 million units of smartphones priced 700,000 won (US$648) and higher last month, which took up a whopping 70 percent of their combined sales.
By devices, Samsung Electronics Co.'s Galaxy Note 8 stood as the most popular model, with its daily sales averaging above 10,000 units. Apple Inc.'s iPhone 8 and iPhone X followed, trailed by demand for Samsung's Galaxy S8.
Industry watchers said the popularity of premium smartphones is attributable to mobile carriers currently providing a 25 percent discount in users' subscription plans since September, which marks an increase from the previous 20 percent.
Smartphone users in South Korea are allowed to choose between receiving a one-off discount and a monthly cut in rates. The governmental policy aims to prevent mobile carriers from rolling out excessive discounts on devices to lure each other's clients and to provide more affordable telecom services.
Industry watchers said more than 90 percent of buyers of the Galaxy Note 8 opted for monthly discounts.
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