SKT launches iPhone 17e with expanded storage capacity, maintaining price at 990,000 won.
Published2026.03.11 13:15
A budget model with the A19 chip and Ceramic Shield 2… 256GB standard configuration expands competition among budget smartphones.
As premium smartphone prices continue to rise, major manufacturers and carriers are strengthening their "practical model" strategy, aiming to reduce the burden of price while maintaining performance. In particular, models that offer affordable pricing while maintaining storage capacity and core performance are emerging as consumer choices.
SK Telecom announced on March 11th that it would be releasing the new iPhone 17 series model, the "iPhone 17e." The product will be available nationwide at SK Telecom authorized dealers and its online mall, T Direct Shop, and comes in two storage capacities: 256GB and 512GB. The 256GB model starts at 990,000 won, doubling the base storage capacity while maintaining the same price as the 128GB model of the previous iPhone 16e.
The iPhone 17e features the A19 application processor, the same processor used in the iPhone 17 lineup. The front is made of Ceramic Shield 2 material, providing approximately three times the scratch resistance of its predecessor. It comes in three colors: black, white, and a new color, Soft Pink.
Battery performance has also been improved. It offers up to 26 hours of video playback and supports up to 15W wireless charging through MagSafe compatibility, which is twice as fast as the 7.5W charging of the iPhone 16e. For wired charging, the battery can be charged 50% in about 30 minutes.
A purchase program linked to telecommunications services is also available. Sign up for the online-only "Direct 5G 76" plan at T Direct Shop and select OTT benefits to gain free access to Netflix, Disney Plus, YouTube Premium, or Tving. When combined with a smart device plan, customers can also receive a 12,000 won monthly discount for 24 months when purchasing an Apple Watch SE 3rd generation device.
Device insurance is also available. Upon device activation, you can choose from four insurance products, including the "T All Care Plus 6" series, to protect against damage or loss. Partner card discount programs offer discounts of up to 35,000 won per month, with various discount options available based on card usage.
“This is a model that maintains the key features of the iPhone 17 while reducing the price burden,” said Koo Hyun-chul, head of SK Telecom’s Sales & Marketing Division. “We will continue to expand our diverse smartphone lineup to meet customer preferences.”
The industry predicts that the strategy of boosting the performance of entry-level models through increased storage capacity and the adoption of core chipsets will gradually gain traction in the smartphone market. This analysis suggests that products that share some premium features while maintaining affordability have the potential to shift the competitive landscape of the mid-priced smartphone market.
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