If we compare the prices of smartphones in 2019 and 2020, flagship phones will undoubtedly see a sharp rise in prices. This means that if users want to buy the top flagship of a particular brand, they will have to spend more than before. Even if you want a standard flagship model that resembles the past, it costs a lot of money.
All Android flagship smartphones Increased prices
The first thing that the price increase for the flagship models clearly shows is that there are many brands out there developing and launching premium smartphones. Suppose that in addition to the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra, the Huawei P40 Pro + and the Xiaomi Mi 10 Ultra, there are also amazing models from the OPPO Find series, OnePlus and others.
After comparing the starting prices of the high-end products from different manufacturers in 2019 and 2020, it is not difficult to determine that in addition to the price decline of the Apple iPhone Pro Max series, the top products from other brands also have a certain price rise, rise . At the same time, alongside OnePlus, the big brands have introduced new names to interpret their new products.
Among other things, the Samsung Note series was changed from 7,999 yuan ($ 1225) for the Note 10+ 5G version to 9199 yuan ($ 1,409) for the Note 20 Ultra 5G version. The Huawei Mate series has changed from 6,899 yuan ($ 1,056) for the Mate30 Pro to 8,999 yuan ($ 1,378) for the Mate40 Pro +. Xiaomi switched from Mi 9 Pro 5G for the Mi 10 Ultra for 3699 yuan ($ 566) to 5299 yuan ($ 811). OnePlus changed from 4599 yuan ($ 704) for OnePlus 7T Pro to 5399 yuan ($ 827) for OnePlus 8 Pro.
It’s also worth noting that Apple not only cut the price of the Pro Max series from 9599 yuan ($ 1470) to 9299 yuan ($ 1424), but also cut the model’s initial capacity from 64GB to 128GB has expanded. So this corresponds not only to a price reduction, but also to a doubling of capacity.
Samsung and Apple are generally not making many changes to their “standard” models
Despite the high prices for top flagship models from various brands, manufacturers such as Samsung and Apple are also keeping prices for standard flagship models unchanged.
The price of the Samsung Galaxy S20 series at the beginning of the release is undoubtedly the same as 2019. The price of the Galaxy S20 starts at 6,999 yuan ($ 1,072) while the price of the Galaxy S10 in 2019 starts at 5,999 Yuan ($ 819). So the price has increased by 1,000 yuan. However, Samsung also launched the Galaxy S20 FE in the second half of the year. The price was 4999 yuan ($ 765) and stayed at the same level as the 2019 Galaxy S10e.
Coincidentally, Apple’s iPhone 12 starts at 6,299 yuan ($ 964), which is 800 yuan compared to 5,499 yuan ($ 842) on the iPhone 11 in 2019. However, Apple also launched the iPhone 12 mini with a small size as a selling point. Price at 5499 yuan ($ 842). So it stayed on the same level as the iPhone 11.
Undoubtedly, Samsung and Apple are launching new flagship models to fill the gaps in the market caused by the rise in the price of standard flagship models. At the same time, the processor and its main functions have not been reduced in size. Thus, for most of the daily tasks, the product can achieve almost the same experience as the top products.
Who is the pressure?
However, the 2020 flagship killers’ price hike may result in some consumers potentially missing out not only on the top flagship in the future, but also gradually missing out on the standard flagship configuration. Just like the Core i9 model in the current PC market, not all consumers wanted to empty their pockets.
The price of the Xiaomi Mi 9 in 2019 started at 2,999 yuan, and in 2020 the price of the Xiaomi Mi 10 will start at 3,999 yuan ($ 612). The company also stated at the time, ‘This configuration can cost more than 4,000 yuan for friends. ‘
The price for the OnePlus 7 2019 also starts at 2,999 yuan ($ 459). In 2020, the OnePlus 8 price also changed to 3999 yuan ($ 612).
Obviously, rising smartphone prices are leaving many customers waiting for better configurations and functions. With the price spike, users with limited financial resources are unlikely to buy flagship models. After all, the financial burden of buying a new flagship phone will grow.