India

Indian phone maker Micromax is eyeing a comeback

Can it deliver an indigenous phone?

Published

June 20, 2020

Shivam Vahia

Micromax, an India-based smartphone company, is reportedly going to launch three phones in the coming weeks. This will include a budget phone with “premium” features and a “modern look.”

You may have never heard of this brand, but it could play a pivotal role in India’s smartphone market that’s currently led by Xiaomi and dominated by other Chinese brands like OPPO, vivo, and Realme.

The Indian phone maker was prevalent around 2013 for its low-cost Android phones. Along with other brands like Karbonn and Intex, the market was ruled by these companies in the affordable segment. The entry of Motorola’s G-series drastically changed tides, and in the coming years, these brands were nowhere to be found.

While Micromax continues to operate, its foothold is negligible with little presence in the feature phone segment. So, why is this brand such a big deal today?

The anti-China sentiment is at an all-time high and the government is actively asking everyone to reduce dependence on Chinese manufactured goods. Imports worth billions could be subjected to sanctions. Amid this raging protest, smartphone makers are the first ones to face the brunt.

Currently, the majority of the smartphone market is led by Chinese brands. Users are looking for a non-Chinese brand to take the lead. While this could translate into good news for Samsung, Apple, and more, users are now actively seeking “Indian” phones.

India is embroiled in a significant border skirmish with China, and the ongoing crisis shows no sign of deescalating. 20 personnel of the Indian Army attained martyrdom, and the People’s Liberation Army took many hostages. Adding to this, the spread of Coronavirus, whose epicenter is Wuhan, is further adding fuel to the anti-China narrative.

Micromax is viewed as an Indian company that can offer indigenous solutions and reduces the country’s dependence on China. However, it’s worth noting that the brand has a very nasty reputation of rebranding Chinese phones and bringing them to India. It even started a new sub-brand called Yu a few years ago and sold rebranded Coolpad phones in India.

The Indian company could bridge a huge gap, but we’d hold our horses before getting too excited. Incumbents have taken years to mature their products as well as the brand. A feat that cannot be attained within a span of a few weeks.

India

India imposes a ban on imported laptops, tablets, and PCs

Personal orders are still allowed

Published

August 4, 2023

Luigi Leonardo

There’s no doubt that India is a major market for technology. While the country has its own brand preferences outside of the world’s usual, everyone still wants to get a piece of the market. To the dismay of global companies, the country is realizing the potential of its own market. Effective immediately, India has started restricting imports for new laptops, tablets, and PCs.

Recently, India made some headlines in the smartphone industry. A few companies, including Apple, have poured funds into building factories in India. Locally produced devices will allow these companies to attract the Indian market better. With the new regulations out today, it looks like these brands are going to enjoy a head start over others who aren’t in the country yet.

The Indian government introduced a new restriction (via Reuters) against the importation of “laptops, tablets, all-in-one personal computers, and ultra-small form factor computers and servers” made from other countries. Customers, however, will get an exemption. Airline passengers can still bring in these devices in their luggage. Additionally, a single imported device is allowable when bought through e-commerce platforms. Companies can import their products only by applying for a special license.

In a nutshell, bulk orders without a license are out. The government is instead encouraging users to buy locally produced products as part of its “Make in India” program. At the very least, it’s not a total ban on foreign brands. For example, Dell, HP, and Lenovo are exempt from the regulations since they already have production facilities built in the country.

India

Samsung overtakes Xiaomi as top phone brand in India

As of Q4 2022

Published

March 17, 2023

Luigi Leonardo

Attacking a huge smartphone market is difficult. With preferences constantly evolving, it can get tricky to figure out the best lineup to capture most of a market. Samsung, however, has just done it. In the last quarter of 2022, Samsung has taken the crown from Xiaomi as the bestselling smartphone brand in India.

India is an important market for most smartphone brands. It’s one of the largest markets in the world. However, despite its size, the biggest players are often those who offer more affordable devices for consumers. Budget is the name of the game if a brand wants to make it big in the country.

Things are changing, though. According to new market data (via Reuters), Samsung has nabbed the throne from the former leader, Xiaomi. In the last quarter of 2022, the Korean brand grabbed 20 percent of the market, while the latter only got 18 percent.

In a trend dubbed as premiumization, Indian consumers are reportedly enjoying more disposable income, resulting in more willingness to buy pricier products. Additionally, the report hints that consumers have started equating lower prices with inferior quality.

With the market trending towards more premium products, Samsung took the lead with a lineup that consists more of midrange to premium devices. It will also be interesting to see if Apple, an even more premium brand, can also make a dent in the Indian market.

Enterprise

Apple is preparing to open its first stores in India

Based on new job listings

Published

January 10, 2023

Luigi Leonardo

For one of the largest smartphone markets in the world, India is one of the rarer countries where Apple does not outright dominate. Undoubtedly, the company is trying to change that. Ongoing job listings in India are suggesting that Apple is ready to open its first brick-and-mortar store in the country.

First reported by Financial Times, Apple has posted job openings in India for several retail roles including for the iconic Genius Bar. Another clue even indicates that some spots have already been filled ahead of time. A few employees in the country have reportedly posted about their new jobs on LinkedIn.

Unfortunately, none of the job listings show how many stores are planned and where they will be. Narrowing things down by a bit, a few of the confirmed employees are from Mumbai and New Delhi. The report also does not indicate when the stores will open. However, since a few have already been hired, a grand opening might be coming soon.

Apple has a lot to gain by strengthening its foothold in India. The country is an important stronghold for smartphone companies. However, the company might find things harder as time goes by. The country recently dictated that brands must switch to USB-C if they want to sell their devices in India. All over the world, Apple remains the last stalwart against adopting the more universal standard.