Korean Media: Samsung and Apple are intoxicated by "premium", while Chinese phones make a sudden rise!
On October 13, the Korean media "Chosun Ilbo" published an article stating that the strategies of the two major players in the smartphone market, Samsung and Apple, can be summarized in two words: high performance and premium. They have led the innovation of foldable phones and have annually improved the performance of the iPhone Pro series, which has undoubtedly contributed to technological progress.
However, there are also criticisms pointing out that this strategy focusing on the premium market has cast a shadow over the lack of entry-level phones. Particularly noteworthy is that Chinese phone manufacturers are taking advantage of this gap in the domestic market and are rapidly rising, sounding an alarm for Samsung and Apple.
In recent years, Samsung and Apple have invested a lot of resources and technology in foldable phones and flagship models. Therefore, we have witnessed the stunning design innovations of the Galaxy Z series, as well as the impressive camera and gaming performance of the iPhone Pro. However, these innovations have also led to price increases, with smartphones priced over 1 million won (about 5,130 yuan RMB) and even 2 million won now being common.
The problem is that the importance of the low-to-mid-range market is being overlooked. Especially, Samsung's entry-level strategy in the South Korean market has been widely criticized. Since the Galaxy A36, the company has not launched any new affordable models, which severely limits consumer choices.
The Galaxy A series, once known for its cost-effectiveness, has long lost its reputation for value for money. Although Apple also has the SE series, the performance is significantly different from that of flagship models, and both performance and design are disappointing.
While Samsung and Apple focus on the premium market, the entry-level smartphone market in South Korea is gradually becoming a battlefield for Chinese brands. Chinese brands that focus on cost-effectiveness, such as Xiaomi, Realme, ZTE, OnePlus, OPPO, and vivo, are rapidly expanding their market share by launching products with good performance and design within the price range of 300,000 to 500,000 won.
Although these Chinese phones lack the brand influence of Samsung or Apple, they are gradually winning the favor of consumers who seek more reasonable prices by providing basic functions. Especially for students, the elderly, or users buying a second phone who find high-priced flagship models burdensome, they are very attractive alternatives.
Smartphones are no longer exclusive to a few people. Everyone should have the right to enjoy the latest technology at a convenient and affordable price. It is important for Samsung and Apple to lead the premium market, but it is equally important to provide affordable phones that meet the needs of most consumers.
If they continue to ignore the gap in the entry-level market, they will face a harsh reality: not only in the South Korean market, but also globally, they will lose to Chinese brands. And this situation will soon spread to the premium market as well.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1845832554702848/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.