Samsung offers iPhone lovers a change of scenery with a one-month "ultimate test drive." According to the tech giant's website, iPhone users can rent and try one of Samsung's latest handsets "with no obligation," all for just a buck.
The website further explains that for iPhone users to avail the offer, they must go to SamsungPromotions.com on their iPhones, choose their preferred handsets and test drive them for 30 days. The "test drive kit" comes with an activated SIM card, handset and manual. If a user decides to jump ship, he or she must purchase a "qualifying Samsung device."
However, CNN Money notes that if a user prefers to stay with his or her iPhone, the handset can be shipped back to Samsung free-of-charge. The company's newly released models, the Galaxy S6 Edge+ and Note 5, as well as the slightly older Galaxy S6 Edge, will be available for test drive.
NBC News describes both the Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6+ Edge as having 5.7-inch high-definition screens. This is a big leap from Galaxy S6 Edge's 5.1-inch screen, considering that the latest models are just five millimeters wider and 0.1 millimeters thinner than their predecessor. Also, Samsung claims that storing battery life is made easier in their new models as both have built-in wireless charging.
On Thursday, Gartner released a report, which revealed that during the second quarter of this year, Samsung fell by 4.3 points in market share and declined by 5.3 percent in unit sales. However, this is not the case for Apple. The company achieved a whopping 36 percent sales growth and gained 2.4 points overseas. A large part of this boost came from China, where the total iPhone sales grew to 68 percent with 11.9 million units sold.
This bold move from Samsung stirred a lot of speculations on the internet. An article from Computerworld shows bloggers’ doubts and reactions on the company's latest promotion.
Carly Page of The Inquirer says that it is a "desperate bid" for the company. She further comments that Samsung has conveniently announced this promotion a day after the Gartner report.
James Vincent of The Verge also notes that users, who agree to pay the $1 fee, give Samsung the authority to charge them in case something happens to the rented units.
Jay McGregor of Forbes also warns users, saying, "Beware, if you damage or lose [it], you could end up paying a high cost. ... The full-priced replacement for the Galaxy S6 Edge is $820. ... If you’re keen on giving this a go make sure you read the full terms and conditions."
CNN Money, however, says that the promotion's goal is not about "converting" users but "perception and brand awareness."
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