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The price of the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge is likely to be lower around the world as early as Aug. Since the launch price of the Galaxy S6 Edge already went down in Korea, only the price of the Galaxy S6 is expected to be reduced this time.
Samsung Electronics is planning to make the price of existing products flexible, before unveiling the Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 Edge Plus during this month. However, some in the industry are saying that amid the slowdown in global premium smartphone market growth, competition between major smartphone makers to slash prices may begin in earnest.
According to industry sources on Aug. 2, Samsung mentioned the possibility of adjusting the launch price of the Galaxy S6 series during its briefing on results for the second quarter of this year. Hence, much attention is being paid to the start date of a reduction in price and the amount of price adjustment.
"A shortfall in the supply of the Galaxy S6 Edge in the first half of this year is already being addressed. In the latter half, our company will make the price of the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge flexible, in line with market conditions," said Park Jin-young, executive of Samsung Electronics' IT & Mobile Division, at the briefing. He added, "We will try hard to ensure that the sale of high-end smartphones remains steady by introducing new models." Previously, the Korean tech giant cut the launch price of the Galaxy S6 Edge in the nation by 100,000 won in July. The price of the flagship model that was rolled out last April was reduced just three months after its launch.
However, as some in the industry are raising the possibility of a reduction in the price of the Galaxy S6, observers say that Samsung might generally cut the price of its flagship smartphones.
The Android phone maker is going to showcase the Galaxy S6 Edge Plus with a bigger screen than the Galaxy S6 Edge in New York, NY, on Aug. 13, together with the Galaxy Note 5. As Samsung adjusted the price of the Galaxy S6 Edge in July, the industry is paying attention to how much new products will cost. With competition in the premium smartphone market intensifying, many handset makers have set the launch price of new models lower than expected.
According to SamMobile, the 32GB Galaxy S6 Edge Plus will probably cost 799.99 euros (1.02 million won, or US$878.11) per unit in Europe.
The launch price of the 32GB Galaxy S6 Edge that was released earlier was 849.99 euros (1.08 million won, or US$932.99). If the prediction comes true, the price of a new product with the same specs will be cheaper than an old model, despite the bigger screen size. Industry analysts are saying that if the Galaxy S6 Edge Plus is sold for 799.99 euros per unit, the existing Galaxy S6 Edge may be cheaper by 100 euros (128,000 won, or US$109.77).