Apple and Samsung’s battle of the budget phones is about to begin, with iPhone SE vs Galaxy A Series

Samsung looks set to launch budget-friendly smartphones on the same day Apple releases its cheapest iPhone SE. Let battle commence.

A battle of the budget devices is brewing in smartphones, as two of the world’s biggest manufacturers face off with devices costing well under $1000.

Apple is poised to release its cheapest iPhone into stores on March 18, while Samsung announces a cost-saving range of smartphones on the very same day.

Analysts say consumers could be the winners from this head-to-head competition, though they warn some “budget” smartphones might not be as cheap as buyers expect.

The Cupertino tech giant kicked off the latest smartphone battle, unveiling a new version of its iPhone SE during its first launch event of 2022.

Apple CEO Tim Cook showcases the new iPhone SE at Apple Park in Cupertino, California. Picture: Brooks Kraft / Apple, Inc. / AFP

The cheapest iPhone on the market adds a 5G connection for the first time, gets the same A15 Bionic chip as the pricier iPhone 13, and has a larger battery promising an extra two hours of use.

It has a smaller form, with a 4.7-inch screen, however, and is the only handset left with a Touch ID fingerprint scanner on its facade.

The new iPhone SE is likely to go head-to-head with more than one budget-friendly smartphone from its biggest rival, Samsung, after invitations to a launch event hinted at new models in its A Series line.

Rumours are rife that the announcement will reveal Galaxy A53 and A73 handsets – follow-ups to its popular line.

Finder editor-at-large Angus Kidman says both new ranges are likely to appeal to increasingly savvy smartphone buyers, many of whom are looking to save money on tech purchases in 2022.

A Finder survey of more than 1000 Australians recently revealed that more than one in three intended to buy a new smartphone this year but the average buyer wanted to spend a maximum of $698 – just short of Apple’s newest phone.

Landscape photo captured with the iPhone SE 2022 smartphone.

Kidman says that people’s price expectations might be set low but there are also a lot of opportunities for smartphone makers to take advantage of a growing audience of bargain hunters.

“There is an untapped market there,” he says.

“It’s becoming harder and harder to get people to spend top dollar. The iPhone SE, at $719, by Apple standards is cheap but it’s not cheap for the dominant device in the market.”

Samsung’s new A Series smartphones are expected to offer more price options.

Telsyte managing director Foad Fadaghi says that despite asking higher prices than some consumers might have expected, the current generation of budget-conscious smartphones did add more features from top-tier handsets and could attract upgrades.

“With 5G ticked off, the iPhone SE will be a lot more attractive to buyers,” he says.

Kidman says new phone buyers can also save money in other ways in order to invest in the new smartphones, including buying their device outright and switching providers.

“It’s a good time to think about your phone plan,” he says.

“If you’ve been on the same phone plan for three years, I guarantee you can get a better data plan. If you don’t ask, you won’t get it.”

Other ways to save costs include investigating budget carriers, considering pre-order offers and, if they fall short, looking at the second-hand market.

APPLE’S CHEAPEST IPHONE REVIEW

Apple iPhone SE (2022)

$719-$969, apple.com/au

The newest iPhone SE doesn’t immediately feel new in your hand.

With its 4.7-inch touchscreen, thick borders, and chunky Touch ID scanner, it feels like a flashback to 2017. It might even feel like a phone you’ve owned before.

Buyers almost have to take Apple’s word for it that there’ve been significant improvements inside this device. Thankfully, they’re right to do so.

While the iPhone SE for 2022 looks retro, it fires up apps noticeably faster, thanks to a chip borrowed from the pricier iPhone 13, and it can download those apps faster because of its 5G connection. Its build quality is modern, with waterproofing.

Buyers do only get a single, 12-megapixel camera on the back of this device, but it’s capable of taking sharp shots and tapping into the latest Portrait mode styles, and it’s boosted with plenty of software smarts to improve lighting.

This budget-friendly phone might not be for everyone, however.

Potentially, Apple upgraders may miss greater photographic options, be challenged by its 64GB capacity, and rue its limited colour options and lack of MagSafe or fast charging.

But small phone fans should appreciate its light weight and pocketable size, its fingerprint scanner’s usefulness in a time of face masks and, of course, that sub-$1000 price.

Originally published as Apple and Samsung’s battle of the budget phones is about to begin, with iPhone SE vs Galaxy A Series