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IN A DESPERATE BID TO TAKE ON APPLE, Samsung has launched a scheme that will offer iPhone users the chance to try out a Galaxy device for 30 days.

Ultimate Test Drive is available to confused punters in the US and is aimed at iPhone users who fancy a change of scenery and wouldn't mind trying out the Galaxy S6 Edge+ or Galaxy Note 5.

These loan phones, for which you'll have to pay $1 to borrow, ship with a free activated SIM card, and it doesn't appear as if they need to be on a specific carrier.

"For just $1, you can try one of our latest Samsung phones for 30 days with no obligation. Your test drive kit will come with the phone of your choice, an activated SIM card, and a step-by-step guide to help you start your test drive," a note on the Samsung website explained.

The firm added that those who become quite fond of the device and decide to defect from iOS to Android will continue to receive the special treatment.

"After 30 days, if you buy a qualifying Samsung device, there’s even more love in store for you," Samsung said.

BlackBerry or Windows Phone users who wouldn't mind giving them a try: bad luck. Samsung noted that the programme is only a ploy to steal customers away from rival Apple, so much so that they must sign up to it using their iPhone.

"Our programme gives iPhone users the opportunity to learn more about our latest Galaxy phones," Samsung said. "Due to the design of the programme, we request that you enroll from your iPhone device to receive your Test Drive phone."

The launch of Samsung's Ultimate Test Drive promotion comes, conveniently, just a day after Gartner revealed that the firm is shedding market share at the hands of Apple.

The analyst outfit's latest quarterly numbers show that Samsung's share of the market fell to 19.9 percent in Q2 2015, compared with 26.2 percent this time last year and 24.2 percent in the first quarter.

On the other hand, Apple gained 2.4 percentage points in market share during Q2, thanks to strong iPhone replacements in emerging and mature markets, and particularly in China where total iPhone sales grew 68 percent to 11.9 million units.​

http://m.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2422937/samsung-will-let-iphone-owners-test-drive-a-galaxy-note-5-for-free