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Samsung May Follow Apple by Launching Smartphone Leasing Program
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People are right to criticize Samsung for copying Apple. But I think this is a win-win for consumers if Samsung manages to free itself from wireless carriers by leasing unlocked phones at a competitive price. In turn, wireless carriers will respond with more competitive pricing and perhaps allow phone manufacturers to bypass carriers when rolling out firmware updates.
Only thing I will say... If this means reduction of bloatware and carrier control of updates then it is a win. If itsz just an opportunity to inject more of their own, then I hope they continue to fail.
Agreed times 2. I've been saying just that for a few years now! The only way we, the customers, get true freedom and mobility to choose and change our carrier at will is for the de-coupling of device cost and network charges.
Apple has been wanting to do that all along, but at the time being a new partner, they needed those carrier subsidies to get their foot in the door. Remember how they originally could only get AT&T (Cingular Wireless then) as a launch partner, and gave them exclusivity for a few years as a reward?
Of course the carriers didn't really want this whole de-coupling thing (easier to hide those network charges in a lump sum, and also more money for them once the device was paid for), but knowing the writing was on the wall, they had little choice but to go along. With these latest upgrade programs from manufacturers themselves now such as Apple and Samsung, there'll be additional downward pressure on monthly network charges.
Go Apple, go Samsung, go T-Mob!
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What I don't get is, why is Apple focusing on the US for this, where the majority of the market are comfortable with 2-year carrier contracts, and there are slight competition amongst the carrier themselves to offer a kind of financing plan. This upgrade plan is more ideal in countries where affordability is a challenge, AND majority of the market are not in contract. Example: SE Asia markets. This financing plans would be ideal, if not perfect, to boost marketshare in this hugely developing market, where affordability of iPhone can be a challenge due to many people buying it at full price.
I can see the uptake to be minimal in the US, unless the traditional subsidy/contract system are completely abolished/gone.
I can see the uptake to be minimal in the US, unless the traditional subsidy/contract system are completely abolished/gone.
Overall, definitely a win-win for consumers.
However, unlike Apple, Samsung does have a plethora of lineup targeting almost every price points. The basic idea of any financing/leasing plan is to improve affordability. Apple pegged their iPhone prices constant throughout the years, while Samsung keep churning multiple mid-low range models in addition to their Galaxy S line.
For consumers wanting to get an iPhone, they have very limited choice. If they cannot afford the new one, they have to settle for the year-old or two-year-old model, and they are still priced on the upper range.
For consumers wanting to get a Samsung phone, they have a ton of choice, from the S lineup to the A, E, J, etc lineups. Sure, some may opt for the leasing plan to get the top of the line, but I would think those that cannot afford the top of the line might be more reluctant to lease a phone where there are alternative Samsung models targeted specifically at the lower price range.
I wouldn't be surprised if they used the pear logo that was used on iCarly (yes, I have daughters.)
I agree. It's pretty pathetic how some people who are anti-Apple fanboys come here just to make negative comments. They know they're just being contrary in "enemy territory" and enjoy it. There are plenty of other places they can go be anti-Apple fanboys.
It's wonderful to have a range of comments and views here but the anti-Apple fanboys who visit just to troll are pretty sad.
Dude I'm talking about the Apple fanboyism. Just because this is a Apple site doesn't mean you have to **** on Android devices or vice versa. And defend everything Apple related.
Oh yeah, it's just by a strange coincidence that everything apple does, Samsung have to follow it. I mean someone have to be totally daft not to see it.
You must be from some parallel universe where things happen slightly differently then in our own!
So the OP thought is was horrible and you don't think so. Instead you try to justify why that poster is wrong.
It's hard to believe that one of the top rated phones of this year by many publications is horrible
So everyone has to agree with you or a publication, that's your justification? The OP did mention that they thought the screen was great.
Based on the OP's wording, he's not an Android user. Anyone coming from iOS to "try" Android is going to not like the way it works without taking the time to understand the differences. I sincerely doubt using a Note 5 in the store gave someone with an open mind, let alone one with a bias, enough time to make an informed decision.
I've used Notes in the past and slowly grew tired of them. I bought my Note 5 thinking I would just flip it in a month or two for the new Moto X, Nexus 6P or 1+2. But after using it for a week, I had no interest in any of those devices; the software and hardware are top notch, and has been a fantastic user experience for me. Something I would have not predicted just using a demo unit in a store.
But really, you know all this...