Given the performance of its mobile business last year Samsung really needs the Galaxy S6 to do wonders in the market. It has a lot riding on the new flagship but it looks like Apple won't give the company enough breathing space. The Cupertino company is reportedly launching a new trade-in program for Android users. They will be able to bring in an Android device and get store credit in return which they can use to purchase a new iPhone. Samsung makes Android smartphones and one can expect that its devices are likely going to account for the majority of Android devices that are traded-in.
It's the timing of this program that is conspicuous to say the least. Apple is believed to be launching its new program in the coming weeks. Possibly before April 10 when Samsung brings the Galaxy S6 to market. This may spell trouble for sales of the Galaxy S6. Apple will be able to capture current Galaxy S5 owners who are thinking about upgrading their device. Even those in the U.S. that have recently got done with their two-year contracts and are now considering an upgrade. That's not all. Samsung also has to fend off the HTC One M9. HTC's new flagship hits shelves on March 31st, a full ten days before the Galaxy S6 arrives.
It seems Samsung's competitors won't make it easy for the company to hit the ground running with the Galaxy S6. However there's one major argument that Samsung can make. It can justify the possibly higher price for the Galaxy S6 by driving home the point that its new flagship is considerably better than the iPhone 6. An aggressive marketing push based on this argument could go a long way to ensure that the Galaxy S6 performs well in the market.