Samsung has joined the trend of aggressively discounting flagship hardware, mirroring Google’s approach. Recently, Samsung reduced the prices for higher storage options of its Galaxy S24 Plus and Ultra models. Now, you can purchase the 256GB version for the same price as the 512GB unit, saving $120 on each.
In addition to these discounts, Samsung is offering enhanced trade-in values for old devices, up to $600 for the Galaxy S24 Plus and $750 for the Ultra. These deals are part of a series of promotions since the devices launched in January.
Last month, Samsung offered the Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus for free with qualifying TV purchases. In April, it bundled the new Galaxy Tab S6 Lite with Galaxy S24 purchases. In March, the company ran a “7 days” promotion, offering 10% off all Galaxy S24 handsets. Over the past six months, Samsung has also provided random price cuts and a year’s free Disney Plus subscription for select Galaxy owners. Additionally, there’s been a consistent 5% discount on all purchases made through Samsung’s official app.
Samsung’s aggressive marketing and discount strategies are nothing new. In 2015, the company’s “test drive” campaign allowed iPhone users to try a Galaxy Note 5 for a month, which convinced some to switch to Samsung. This campaign evolved into the “try galaxy” app for iPhones, showcasing the Galaxy AI experience, highlighting Samsung’s ongoing rivalry with Apple. Recently, Samsung released a video mocking Apple’s poorly received iPad advert, continuing its tradition of taking jabs at its competitor.
These ongoing discounts from both Google and Samsung have proven popular. With Samsung’s summer Galaxy Unpacked event in Paris this July, more significant deals are expected. Anticipate the Galaxy Ring being bundled with new foldable phones and the existing S24 lineup, alongside attractive trade-in prices for old iPhones. The Galaxy S24 may see a price drop at the July event, potentially close to the $200 discounts typical during Black Friday sales. Pre-order prices for the new Z Fold 5 and Flip are also expected to be generous.
This aggressive pricing strategy coincides with a massive rollout of generative AI from major tech manufacturers. Companies aim to integrate as many users as possible into their ecosystems, anticipating that AI-powered features will attract paying subscribers. Samsung has already warned that its Galaxy AI suite will be free only until the end of 2025.
If AI is indeed a transformative technology, comparable to the advent of the web, then aggressive hardware pricing to facilitate its adoption makes sense.
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