Seoul, April 5: Samsung on Friday launched its first 5G smartphone, the Galaxy S10 5G, in South Korea starting at $1,222, hoping to boost the stagnant smartphone market with the new device designed for the latest mobile network. Three mobile carriers - SK Telecom Co, KT Corp and LG Uplus Corp - started official registration of Samsung's smartphone, Yonhap news agency reported. Samsung Galaxy A20 Smartphone With Dual Rear Camera Launch; Priced in India at Rs 12,490.

They switched on the 5G network for a select group of customers on Wednesday. While the 256 gigabyte model costs 1.39 million won ($1,222), the 512 GB version is priced at 1.55 million won ($1,361) in the South Korean market. WhatsApp, Facebook & Instagram Will Not Work on These Phones From April 30; Is Your Smartphone On The List?.

Users of the new smartphone, which supports both 4G and 5G networks, will have to pay more for their monthly subscriptions than most of the 4G LTE plans as all of the telecom companies' data plans start at the mid-50,000 won range and go over 100,000 won for premium services.

Industry officials expect 5G smartphone users will opt for unlimited plans to enjoy high-quality streaming service as well as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) offered by the carriers. Facebook Beats Google To Become Hot Bed For Political Advertising Ahead of 2019 Lok Sabha Elections.

As the high price tag for the device and subscription plan are considered major market barriers, the carriers are offering subsidies ranging from 134,000 won to 475,000 won depending on the smartphone model and package.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 05, 2019 04:38 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).