‘Affordable’ Apple, Really?

The Cupertino-based, Apple, has launched its ‘affordable’ smartphone (as per Apple), iphone SE 2020, targeting the aspiring buyers in the developing nations but, does it hold merit to stop Oneplus from expanding its reach into the luxury segment?

After Corona, two news dominated last month in the almost silent tech world, first was Oneplus breaking barriers by trying to focus more into luxury segment with its eighth generation of smartphones, Oneplus 8 Pro and 8, and second being apple, launching its second generation of iphone SE, called iphone SE 2020 by majority.

We did talk about the prospects of Oneplus launching phones at the moment when entire supply chain stands affected or shut due to COVID-19. But, now apple has also pulled strings of market by doing the same. What does it mean for the Cupertino-based tech giant where it terms it as ‘affordable’?

apple launched iphone SE starting Rs 42,500 in India featuring a 4.7-inch

Retina HD display, paired with Touch ID and a13 Bionic chip. and as usual, it comes in three different ROM versions; 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, and in three colours, Black, White and Red. Ironically, the availability in India is still unknown as the lockdown continues here till may 3, 2020 as of now.

From the apple’s point of view, they have tried to make it affordable without compromising on quality and security. iphone SE 2020 brings out the same old, or rather outdated front design but, justifying it by saying it ‘compact’.

“The first iphone SE was a hit with many customers who loved its unique combination of small size, high-end performance and affordable price; the new second-generation iphone SE builds on that great idea and improves on it in every way — including our best-ever single-camera system for great photos and videos — while still being very affordable,” said Phil Schiller, apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide marketing.

apple is trying to encash the success

considered as aspiration buy in markets like India. iphone SE 2020 will serve the affordable segment of the aspirational niche, however with smaller form factor but with powerful specifications like a13 Bionic chip and enhanced camera features. Consumers with very old generation models like iphone 6, 7 and the s series will have high probability of buying these devices,” said Upasana Joshi, associate Research manager at IDC India. She thinks that the price 40 to 42K, clubbed with some bank offers like cash backs, might help consumers to upgrade within the IOS segment only.

iphone SE comes with 1334×750 resolution, and is designed to withstand dust and water resistance with IP67 certification. In optics, iphone SE comes with a 12mp rear camera having f/1.8 with Portrait mode and a 7mp selfie lens of f/2.2.

“It’s a very good phone in terms of specs at that price point. It is also indeed an affordable proposition from apple. But, it’s still high end premium for consumers in India. So the mismatch. I don’t see it doing some great change for iphone in India. I have always maintained apple must not go for affordable segment and keep its niche even if that means less sales for sometime. market will evolve eventually. It is still the most aspirational smartphone and there is nothing a user can buy after iphone. So it’s the summit of Smartphones,” said Faisal Kawoosa, Founder and Chief analyst at techarc.

What apple thinks ‘affordable’ is not very true for India. Rs 42,500 is a huge sum and especially when the country’s

with IOS.

and what apple has to offer is a 4.7 inch screen, two cameras in total, a13 Bionic chipset, etc in iphone SE. Can you imagine in an era of maximum content consumption via smartphones all you get is a 4.7 inch display here? For me, those interested in buying iphone SE 2020 are more ‘brand’ focused rather than what it really has to offer.

Just for the apple’s logo but, there’s no denying that millions in developing nations aspire to own an iphone so this maybe their best chance to experience the IOS world. “4.7 inch size is indeed an issue when the trend is towards large screens to give more immersive view of the content being consumed,” Faisal added. But, he further quotes, “Camera performance depends on many things, not just how many cameras. This has been a strong area for apple so far and I am sure SE will also not disappoint.”

Now that Oneplus is trying to cement its hold in the luxury segment with Oneplus 8 series, the newly launched iphone SE could be a threat. Going by the brand perception people would rather prefer apple due to the trust they’ve built over the years in terms of security. and for Oneplus or any other Chinese brand per say, there’s a strong negative sentiment prevailing among buyers at the moment post COVID-19 breakout. But, Faisal