From CNET: The timing of the new iPhone SE -- which goes on preorder today and arrives April 24 -- could not have been better for Apple. As the coronavirus puts millions of people out of work around the world, a $400 iPhone (£419, AU$749) will appeal to people in search of a budget device that does it all. But Samsung has a $400 competitor already on sale (£329, converts to AU$645) -- the Galaxy A51 -- and on paper at least, Samsung's chances look good.
The Galaxy A line is new to the US, though Samsung itself has a long legacy, and it isn't clear how buyers will respond to the budget and midrange phones. Samsung announced six Galaxy A models coming to the US between now and summer, a step up or perhaps replacement for the Galaxy J series. The real test for Samsung's reputation is if buyers will actually notice the A51 or if the iPhone SE will scoop the wind from Samsung's sails.
That $400 price tag is crucial for both the Galaxy A51 and iPhone SE. Smartphone shipments were already down 38% in February as a result of the pandemic and are expected to plunge to a 10-year low by the end of the year. Low-cost phones are likely to sell far better than pricey handsets like Apple's $1,100 iPhone 11 Pro Max and Samsung's $1,400 Galaxy S20 Ultra.
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