The Galaxy S sequence is essentially the most premium and hottest set of telephones Samsung sells worldwide, whereas the Galaxy A sequence comes under the “S” sequence in Samsung’s smartphone portfolio, because it consists of telephones ranging from $200 and going as much as $600 all over the world.
Then we now have the Galaxy M and Galaxy F sequence, which give attention to growing markets like India and South America. They have an inclination to have a much less premium design than the “A” sequence however symbolize a really comparable worth throughout the $150-500 value vary.
The Galaxy Z sequence, after all, is what you’re on the lookout for in order for you a foldable cellphone – whether or not it’s a clamshell or a tablet-style, whereas the Galaxy W sequence is the equal of the foldable Z sequence however for the Chinese language market.
Now, one other letter makes a comeback into Samsung’s lineup, and that’s the “C” sequence, marking the return of the newly-launched Galaxy C55, which is similar cellphone because the Galaxy M55 (lately launched in Europe and India) however in a brand new, leatherbound disguise!
Why is that this price speaking about? Effectively, for just a few causes… For one, I like leather-back telephones. But in addition, that is the primary actual leather-back Galaxy cellphone to see the sunshine of day, making this a monumental second for Samsung.
For these questioning, the 2013 and 2014 Galaxy Word 3 and Word 4 used a plastic again solely designed to resemble fake leather-based (with ornamental “stitching” over the plastic, and so on.)
However why?!
Samsung begins promoting a surprising $280 leather-based cellphone in China, however Chinese language folks don’t even need Samsung telephones – folks within the US and Europe do!
The Galaxy C55 appears higher than every other mid-range Samsung cellphone I can bear in mind. It’s a disgrace you possibly can’t purchase it…
Though they’re virtually the identical cellphone, the Galaxy C55 begins on the equal of €260 in China, whereas European patrons must spend €550 for the Galaxy M55 (with 8GB as an alternative of 12GB of RAM). Humorous sufficient, Motorola is the opposite phone-maker that lately launched the identical cellphone at two wildly completely different value factors. The Motorola Edge 50 Professional goes for €700 in Europe however no more than €350 in India.
In a nutshell, one may argue the Galaxy C55 is what the Galaxy M55 ought to’ve and will’ve been. The C55 comes with 256GB of base storage and it has a 12GB RAM possibility – each very uncommon for an reasonably priced Samsung cellphone.
Extra importantly, the C55 brings an unique leather-based again not discovered on every other Samsung cellphone, interval. And to rub salt on European patrons’ wounds, the Galaxy C55 begins on the equal of €260, which is greater than half the worth of the Galaxy Galaxy M55 bought in Europe…
Unsurprisingly, Samsung is nowhere to be seen amongst China’s prime 6 cellphone distributors in Q1 2024.
See, on one hand, it is smart that Samsung is making an attempt “one thing new” and making an attempt more durable in terms of the Chinese language market, as a result of this has traditionally been the toughest marketplace for Samsung to penetrate. For one, it’s extremely aggressive, but in addition – Chinese language folks merely have a tendency to purchase Chinese language telephones (duh). In truth, they a lot want shopping for the American iPhone over the South Korean Galaxy.
Surprising or not, the iPhone was the best-selling cellphone in China in 2023. Vivo is presently holding the title for Q1 2024, with Huawei anticipated to dominate the Chinese language market in 2024 due to political elements, in addition to the wonderful new Huawei P70 sequence. Samsung’s presence on the Chinese language market continues to be abysmal.
However this similar argument makes for the right counterpoint for. In different phrases, why attempt laborious(er) solely within the one market the place you aren’t appreciated? When you can launch the identical cellphone (that you simply’re manufacturing anyway) in markets like Europe, South America, and India the place folks love and purchase hundreds of thousands of your telephones, Samsung?
There’s extra proof that Samsung places a stunning quantity of effort into the Chinese language market: Is that this unfair to American, European, and Indian patrons?
Jealous or not, the Chinese language Galaxy W24 makes the $1,800 Galaxy Z Fold 5 appear like a finances knockoff.
To offer one other instance with the China-exclusive Galaxy W sequence I discussed at first of the story, it’s a little bit of a bummer for worldwide prospects that the foldable Galaxy W sequence is definitely extra meticulously crafted than the Z sequence bought globally.
Though the Galaxy W24 and W24 Flip appear to be the identical because the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Flip 5, they’re truly a very good bit extra premium due to a ceramic construct (as an alternative of glass), and fancy-looking gold design parts.
Furthermore, the Chinese language model of Samsung’s foldables include tremendous beneficiant RAM and storage choices (beginning at 1GB/12GB), and ship with a ton of equipment out of the field, like a premium case, charger, and even an unique field.
It goes with out saying, the Chinese language equivalents of Samsung’s foldable flagships are additionally a very good deal cheaper than their world equivalents – a minimum of if we’re changing into {dollars}/euros. Though, undoubtedly not half the worth just like the (fairly surprising) case of the Galaxy C55 vs M55.
Expensive Samsung (and the remainder of Android)… It’s time to cease treating America and Europe just like the small markets they may turn out to be (for those who maintain doing that)
As superior because the China-only Galaxy C55 appears, Apple gained’t hesitate to eat Samsung’s lunch with the boring-looking however globally-available iPhone SE 4.
To summarize, I’m not saying “don’t launch China-exclusive telephones”… I’m saying… perhaps take into consideration releasing these telephones elsewhere too.
As a European, I additionally desire a leather-back cellphone, Samsujng! I’ve been asking phone-makers to begin utilizing vegan leather-based as an alternative of glass for years now… Leatherbacks don’t break, they usually’d be cheaper to interchange in the event that they get broken. And don’t come at me with the “leather-based wears off” argument – 90% of individuals put their cellphone in a case anyway.
As a European, I additionally need 12 as an alternative of 8GB of RAM… I additionally need 256GB of storage as an alternative of 128… It goes with out saying, I’d like it if my cellphone was $100-200 cheaper, or a minimum of ticked all the above packing containers when it’s actually twice as costly as the identical cellphone bought in China/India.
Certain, Apple could be getting sued laborious proper now, however this can solely make Tim Cook dinner & Co hungrier! And a greedier… sorry, hungrier Apple sounds scary. Be careful for the $500 iPhone SE 4, Samsung. Not like your lovely leather-based cellphone that’s unique to China, this one’s coming in all places!
