Samsung has launched the Galaxy Buddy 5 smartphone in partnership with South Korean carrier LG Uplus. The budget-friendly device is available exclusively through LG Uplus for KRW 528,000 (approximately $350).
This release continues Samsung’s strategy of creating carrier-exclusive smartphone variants in its home market. The Galaxy Buddy 5 joins Samsung’s Korea-only portfolios including Galaxy Quantum and Galaxy Jump series – all partnerships with local carriers that typically rebrand existing global models for the domestic market.
The Galaxy Buddy 5 is based on the globally available Galaxy A17 5G, marking the fifth model in LG Uplus’s Galaxy Buddy series that started in 2021. This approach allows Samsung to maintain strong relationships with Korean carriers while giving them exclusive products to differentiate their offerings.
The device features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with full HD+ resolution and houses a triple camera setup with a 50MP main sensor equipped with optical image stabilization. The front-facing camera offers 13MP resolution within an Infinity-U notch design.
Key specifications include:
- 5000mAh battery with 25W fast charging support
- MicroSD card slot supporting up to 2TB storage expansion
- IP54 rating for dust and water resistance
- Three color options: Black, Blue, and Gray
The inclusion of expandable storage stands out as particularly notable. Samsung has removed microSD card support from most of its mid-range and premium smartphones globally, making this feature increasingly rare in the company’s lineup.
LG Uplus is offering promotional incentives for early adopters. Customers can receive 20,000 won in Naver Pay points for any trade-in, with eligible bonus models earning up to 50,000 won in additional points for a limited time.
“The Galaxy Buddy 5 is a practical smartphone that delivers AI features at a reasonable price point, with a slim design and a high-resolution camera equipped with OIS,” said Lee Hyun-seung, Senior Vice President and Head of Device/Seg at LG Uplus. “We will continue to expand our customized smartphone lineup to meet the diverse needs of our customers.”
This launch reflects the ongoing importance of carrier partnerships in South Korea’s competitive mobile market. While global smartphone makers often create universal models, the Korean market’s unique dynamics – including strong local carrier preferences and specific feature demands – continue to drive these customized releases.