Samsung Electronics plans to launch its own direct-to-consumer device leasing program in the US for its Galaxy smartphones, according to a Forbes report, following Apple’s (NASDAQ: AAPL) introduction of such an initiative. Even mobile carriers have been shifting away from two-year mobile phone contracts. With true purchase costs now much more visible, manufacturers have a strong incentive to offer attractive financing in order to encourage regular upgrades …
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Samsung is tipped to announce a phone rental scheme for impatient smartphone fanatics, matching Apple’s iPhone Upgrade Program that will launch in the United States on Friday. The iPhone maker leasing program will start at $32.41 a month.
Samsung is probably one of only a few OEMs outside of Apple that could launch a similar leasing program.
Samsung remains optimistic about its market performance as it emphasises it is not just about the sales volume but also about the type of user who patronises the smartphones.
“So far, Samsung partnered with Corning on various handsets, but the company might be working on display protection technology of its own”.
Rumor has it that prototypes that are already in development are fashioned out of magnesium alloy and have a unibody design, this would make the Galaxy S7 Samsung’s first full-metal flagship smartphone. Samsung smartphone enthusiasts will hope that the Galaxy S7 comes running on the latest Android operating system straight out of the box. The initiative helps Apple build a more direct relationship with customers by cutting out the carriers and softens the blow of off-contract prices.
Will Samsung be able to make the same strides with its upcoming leasing program is anyone’s guess at this point.
In case you missed the Apple program announcement, it involved ditching carrier partners and instead opting in to a model that only involves Apple and their AppleCare program. Unsurprisingly, Samsung is now said to be eying something similar.
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At the moment, we don’t really know how Samsung plans to name the next-generation A series, but as soon as information on the topic becomes available, we’ll be sure to update you on the matter.
