Samsung Galaxy S21 could cost $100 less than the predecessor

Samsung Galaxy S21 will launch later this week. Based on rumours and leaks so far, we can safely speculate the new flagship series is going to offer a new design, better cameras, and upgraded specifications. A new report suggests Samsung is looking to push its new flagships with a relatively lower price tag.

According to South Korean leaker Landsk (via CNET), Samsung Galaxy S21 smartphones could be $100 ( ₹7,300 approximately) cheaper than the predecessor. The leaker says Galaxy S21 will start at $850 ( ₹62,400 approx.), the S21 Plus at $1,050 ( ₹77,100 approx.) and the S21 Ultra at $1,250 ( ₹91,780 approx.).

Samsung had launched the Galaxy S20 series in India for a starting price of ₹66,900. The S20+ started at ₹73,999, while the S20 Ultra was the most expensive in the lot with a price tag of ₹92,900. Samsung also bundled a few offers and freebies with the handsets in India.

The CNET report suggests that the decision to offer the new flagship phones at lower prices could be due to the sales drop the company suffered last year.

According to the report, Samsung posted a more than 20% sales drop in the second quarter of 2020. Samsung, just like other smartphone companies, faced the brunt of the Covid-19 pandemic, which led to lockdowns and supply disruptions in many important markets.

Samsung is also looking to make its foldable offerings “more accessible” to customers.

“We believe everyone should have access to the latest mobile technologies and a spectrum of product options that offer unfettered, personalized experiences. In 2021, our diverse product portfolio will deliver breakthrough capabilities that empower you and never hold you back,” Tae-moon Roh, Samsung president and head of mobile communications, said in a post last month.

Samsung Galaxy S21 series is scheduled to debut on January 14. The smartphone series is expected to be accompanied by accessories including new TWS earbuds and a Tile-like SmartTag.