2025 Trade-in Subsidy Policy for Digital Products: Can High-End Flagship Phones Benefit?

2025 Trade-in Subsidy Policy for Digital Products: Can High-End Flagship Phones Benefit?The National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Finance recently jointly issued a notice on strengthening and expanding the large-scale equipment renewal and consumer goods trade-in subsidy program in 2025. The notice explicitly states that subsidies will be provided for individual consumers purchasing three categories of digital products: mobile phones, tablets, and smart watches/bands

2025 Trade-in Subsidy Policy for Digital Products: Can High-End Flagship Phones Benefit?

The National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Finance recently jointly issued a notice on strengthening and expanding the large-scale equipment renewal and consumer goods trade-in subsidy program in 2025. The notice explicitly states that subsidies will be provided for individual consumers purchasing three categories of digital products: mobile phones, tablets, and smart watches/bands. The subsidy will be 15% of the product's selling price, with a maximum selling price of 6,000 yuan per item. Each consumer is limited to one subsidized item per category, with a maximum subsidy of 500 yuan per item. While this policy is expected to stimulate the digital product consumer market, it has sparked heated discussions about whether high-end flagship phones can benefit from the subsidy.

According to the policy, the subsidy applies to digital products with a selling price of no more than 6,000 yuan per item. This price limit directly excludes many high-end flagship phones. Taking Xiaomi as an example, the well-known digital blogger @DigitalChatStation explicitly stated that the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, expected to start at 6,499 yuan, will "definitely miss out" on the national subsidy, as a price reduction is highly unlikely. This shows that even popular flagship models cannot receive government subsidies if their pricing exceeds the subsidy cap.

The OPPO Find X series, representing high-end imaging flagship phones, has also become a focal point of discussion. @DigitalChatStation pointed out that the OPPO Find X7 Ultra, released last year, started at 5,999 yuan, barely meeting the subsidy requirements. However, he also predicted that the upcoming OPPO Find X8 Ultra will see a price increase. This means that even if the OPPO Find X7 Ultra qualified for the subsidy, the OPPO Find X8 Ultra may lose its eligibility due to a price hike.

The success of the OPPO Find X7 Ultra is inseparable from its powerful imaging system. As the world's first mobile phone equipped with a dual-periscope quad-main camera system, it boasts a one-inch Sony IMX989 main camera, two 50-megapixel periscope telephoto lenses, and a Sony IMX890 ultra-wide-angle lens, providing users with an unprecedented imaging experience. It also features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and self-developed Tide architecture, delivering flagship-level performance. Its 5,999 yuan price point was also competitive in the high-end flagship market at the time.

However, with technological advancements and rising costs, the prices of high-end flagship phones continue to climb. The OPPO Find X8 Ultra, as an upgraded model, is expected to further enhance its imaging system and performance, inevitably pushing up its price. If the price exceeds 6,000 yuan, it will be ineligible for the national subsidy, which would be a disappointment for consumers.

It's noteworthy that Zhou Yi Bao, head of OPPO's Find series product line, recently revealed some new information about the Find X8 Ultra. He confirmed the inclusion of a dedicated camera button and indicated that the user experience will be further upgraded. Furthermore, he revealed that the new phone's PPS (Programmable Power Supply) fast charging technology will be further improved, meaning better charging compatibility. Even more excitingly, he hinted at the potential future release of PC remote control software for the phone, further enriching the user experience.

The addition of these new features and technologies will undoubtedly further enhance the competitiveness of the OPPO Find X8 Ultra, but it will also increase its research and development and manufacturing costs. This may be the main reason for the price increase of the OPPO Find X8 Ultra.

Currently, the 2025 trade-in subsidy policy for digital products seems more inclined to benefit mid-range market consumers. High-end flagship phones, due to their high prices, are largely excluded from the subsidy program. While some high-end models may initially meet the subsidy criteria, their prices are likely to increase over time with subsequent model updates, ultimately making them ineligible for the subsidy.

This policy reflects the government's intention to encourage consumer upgrades, but it also needs to consider the needs and affordability of different consumer groups. Balancing the promotion of digital product consumption with the inclusion of various price ranges is a matter that policymakers need to continuously address. The market positioning of high-end flagship phones inherently dictates their price range, limiting their eligibility for subsidies. Therefore, consumers should rationally assess their needs and budgets and fully understand the specific provisions of the national subsidy policy when purchasing high-end flagship phones.

In conclusion, while the 2025 trade-in subsidy policy for digital products offers benefits to consumers, whether high-end flagship phones can benefit largely depends on their pricing. Manufacturers need to balance product costs, market competition, and consumer acceptance in their pricing strategies to meet consumer needs and achieve long-term development. Consumers, in turn, should choose digital products that suit their circumstances. Consumers expecting subsidies for high-end flagship phones may need to adjust their expectations, as the likelihood of benefiting from this policy is not high. The policy's aim is to stimulate consumption and boost domestic demand; the high price of high-end models means they are not the primary beneficiaries of this policy.