AppleInsider Staff
Samsung on Thursday announced a new initiative designed to steal away users of Apple's iPhone, offering current owners of the device a virtually free 30-day "test drive" with one of its latest Galaxy handsets.
Called the "Ultimate Test Drive," Samsung's plan puts a Galaxy S6 Edge Plus or Galaxy Note 5 in the hands of an iPhone owner for one dollar, with no obligation to buy. As the strategy is to lure away Apple customers, the promotion can only be accessed by visiting a special webpage from an iPhone.
Included as part of the 30-day test drive is an activated SIM card attached to a voice and data plan hosted by a user's current carrier, whether it be AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile or Sprint. Samsung also sends along a cable to make streamline file transfers. Following the trial period those who "make the switch," or buy a qualifying Galaxy device, Samsung says, "There's even more love in store for you," though it's not exactly clear what the company means.
According to Tom's Guide, all participants will have to send back their test drive kit — albeit for free — even if they are persuaded to buy one of Samsung's smartphones.
Samsung is fighting hard to stay ahead in the global smartphone market amid harsh market headwinds, flagging sales and, most worrying for the company, incredibly consistent demand for Apple's larger screened iPhone 6 and 6 Plus models. The Galaxy maker attempted to get a head start on Apple this year by releasing flagship Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 Plus models last week, earlier than an expected iPhone launch in September.
Stephen Silver
Christine McKee
Charles Martin
Amber Neely
80 Comments
"Well isn't that special."
You couldn't pay me enough money to have me give up my iPhone 6.
These will count as shipped, so analysts will count them as sold to end user.
So
1) This will read to many here as being a desperate move, but it's also a move a company that is certain about their product might offer. 2) Changing the User Agent on my Mac to iPhone didn't fool Samsung's site for the sign up. I wasn't able to test the iPhone simulator in Xcode. 3) It's interesting that they test phone has to be sent back to Samsung even if you decide to buy that exact phone. 4) I considered doing the demo — I can even sell my iPhone 6 Plus now for a premium — but, of all things, I really don't want to be without iMessages for the next month.