Unlocked Phone vs Carrier Subsidy Calculator
Compare 2-year total costs between carrier subsidies, 25% contract discounts, and unlocked phone + MVNO combinations
Buying a new smartphone? Compare the 24-month total cost of carrier device subsidies (support funds), carrier contract discounts (25% off monthly bills), and buying an unlocked (SIM-free) device paired with an MVNO (prepaid/discount) plan. Find the best financial choice instantly.
도구를 불러오는 중…
🔒 Everything runs 100% in your browser. Your files and input are never uploaded to any server.
How to use
- Enter the official retail price of the smartphone.
- Input the carrier plan monthly cost and the device subsidy (support fund) amount offered.
- Adjust the dealer extra subsidy percentage (up to 15% legally in Korea).
- For the unlocked option, enter the actual price you would pay (e.g. at Amazon/retailers with card discounts) and the MVNO monthly plan price.
- Review the 2-year cost comparison chart and read our smart buying recommendation.
FAQ
- Can I combine the carrier device subsidy and the 25% contract discount?
- No, they cannot be combined. You must choose either the upfront device discount (Carrier Subsidy) or the ongoing monthly service discount (Contract Discount). Use this calculator to compare which option yields a lower 2-year total cost.
- What is the dealer extra subsidy?
- It is an additional discount that dealers/retailers can legally offer from their own commissions, capped at 15% of the carrier's official device subsidy under Korean telecommunication regulations.