Samsung Woos iPhone Owners With $1 Galaxy Note 5, S6 Edge+ 30-Day Test Drive
However, Samsung does have one trick up its sleeve; one that it is hoping will help lure a user base that is reluctant to switch sides. That’s right, Samsung is going directly after Apple iPhone users in a new “switch” program that it is labeling the “Ultimate Test Drive.” Current iPhone customers will be able to trial one of three Galaxy smartphones for 30 days with no further obligation or commitment to purchase.
Those that choose to participate in the Ultimate Test Drive can select from three Galaxy smartphones: the Galaxy S6 Edge, Galaxy S6 Edge+ and the Galaxy Note 5. They will also be given the choice of four wireless carriers to choose from: AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, and Verizon Wireless. So not only will you be able take your pick of Samsung’s flagship smartphones, but you’ll also be able to test out a competing wireless carrier’s network to see if its coverage suits your needs (if you were thinking about making a switch).
Samsung is charging just a $1 processing fee to signup for the program, and the monthly wireless service charges are waived. Each phone is delivered with a prepaid shipping label, so that you can return it to Samsung once the 30-day trial has ended. If you send back a damaged smartphone (i.e. cracked screen, water damage), you’ll be charged $100. If you simply fail to send back the phone within 30 days (plus the additional five-day grace period that Samsung is generously providing) you will be charged the full replacement cost for the device that you selected ($720 for the Galaxy S6, $820 for the Galaxy S6 Edge).
Here’s one final wrinkle in Samsung’s Ultimate Test Drive promotion. Samsung wants to make sure that only iPhone users take advantage of the promotion, and it checks to make sure that you are using the Mobile Safari browser to signup. However, some users over at Slickdeals have discovered that using the User-Agent Switcher extension for Chrome or Firefox will allow you to identify your browser as Mobile Safari and signup without issue.