Honestly, I didn't anticipate such fierce competition in the domestic mobile phone market at the turn of the new year. And I'm not referring to the launch of new phones; rather, I'm talking about the buzz surrounding the national subsidy program. As per the rules, only phones priced below 6000 yuan qualify for a subsidy of up to 500 yuan. While this bracket includes most domestic models, it initially seemed to exclude top-tier flagship phones. However, in theory, with the willingness of manufacturers and platforms, even the most expensive phones can participate, as the subsidy's restrictions are somewhat unconventional.

Contrary to popular online interpretations, the national subsidy isn't tied to a phone's original price. Manufacturers or platforms can make their phones eligible by lowering their prices below 6000 yuan. For instance, the iPhone 16 128GB, with an official price of 5999 yuan, barely fits the criteria, but a price drop wasn't necessary for it to participate.

Based on this principle, the flexibility is remarkable. JD.com, for example, has revealed that several top flagship phones, including iPhone models, have quietly adjusted their prices. The iPhone 16 128GB is now priced at 4999 yuan, the 256GB at 5899 yuan, and the iPhone 16 Plus 128GB at 5899 yuan. With PDD's 10 billion subsidy program, the iPhone 16's lowest price stands at 4696 yuan. However, on JD.com, stacking the national subsidy on top of the price adjustment brings the iPhone 16 down to just 4499 yuan, an incredible deal.

Previously, PDD's subsidy program offered the most significant price advantage. Now, with the national subsidy, users are likely to switch platforms temporarily. As mentioned, top flagship models on the subsidy threshold can now qualify with minor price adjustments. Older models become even more cost-effective. For example, the iPhone 15 is priced at 4599 yuan on JD.com, but with a 200 yuan consumption voucher and the national subsidy, it drops to just 3899 yuan.

If iPhone manufacturers can adopt this strategy, others naturally follow suit. Furthermore, this could encourage more disciplined pricing among all manufacturers. Some brands have released new models with minimal functional or configuration changes but significantly higher prices. Similarly, older models have seen slight price hikes. The motive behind these actions is quite transparent.

Starting tomorrow, it will be the prime time to buy. With the new year approaching, there's ample time to make a well-informed choice. If the iPhone isn't your cup of tea, there's a plethora of cost-effective Android mid-range phones to consider. In short, there's no reason to wait any longer.

Are any of you excited to grab your favorite model tomorrow?