A concept design for Samsung’s Galaxy S25 series
SEOUL, Jan. 6 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea’s annual evaluation of mobile network quality, conducted by telecommunications authorities, relies exclusively on Samsung Galaxy smartphones, raising questions about the testing process.
The latest assessment, conducted in 2024, used the Galaxy S23 Ultra, despite the S24’s release earlier that year. Apple iPhones have never been included in these evaluations.
Why Only Samsung?
Samsung’s dominance in the tests is attributed to its openness in providing device status data, such as battery temperature and CPU usage, which are critical for ensuring consistent and accurate results.
Apple, on the other hand, does not share such data, making its iPhones unsuitable for the methodology used in these evaluations.
Telecom authorities argue that access to device data allows them to measure network performance under uniform conditions. For example, when comparing download speeds across major carriers—SK Telecom, KT, and LG Uplus—similar device conditions ensure a fairer comparison.
An image of telecommunications service quality being tested. (Image provided by the Ministry of Science and ICT)
Market Share Reflects Device Choice
Samsung’s overwhelming presence in South Korea also justifies its selection for these tests. According to a July 2024 survey by Gallup Korea, 69% of South Koreans aged 18 and older use Samsung Galaxy smartphones, compared to 23% who use Apple iPhones.
iPhones Included in User-Based Tests
Although excluded from official tests, iPhones are part of consumer-driven assessments where participants use a quality measurement app in everyday settings. These tests focus on real-world performance rather than controlled conditions, offering a broader perspective on network quality.
Key Findings from 5G Evaluations
In the 2024 5G quality assessment, SK Telecom retained the top spot, narrowly edging out KT. However, KT ranked first in densely populated areas such as Seoul and major urban centers, as well as in critical facilities.
The continued reliance on Samsung devices for official evaluations underscores both practical considerations and broader market dynamics in South Korea’s telecommunications industry.
However, the exclusion of iPhones from these tests highlights the challenges of achieving a universally inclusive methodology.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
