India
Indians open to ‘foldable’ phones with price tags of over Rs 100,000 | India News – Times of India
NEW DELHI: Foldable phones or phones that double screens are becoming increasingly popular as video and content consumption remains strong and these ultra-premium devices also offer buyers a show-off factor. And many financing optionswhich allows buyers to pay for the devices (which in most cases cost over Rs 100,000) via EMIs, making the purchase relatively easier.
While Samsung was the first to enter the category in 2019, others have joined the trend. In June, Vivo debuted the X Fold3, while Motorola sells the Motorola Razr and OnePlus Open. Oppo also launched the Find N3 Flip in October last year.
In line with the current trend of devices becoming increasingly intelligent, most dual-screen smartphones are now largely AI-based, offering features like circle to search, chat assistant, and sketch to draw an image.
Samsung is using AI as a strong pull factor to bring to market the sixth-generation of its flagship Galaxy Z Fold6, which it launched on Wednesday with a starting price of Rs 1.6 lakh (256GB version). Samsung’s Flip has a price tag of Rs 1.1 lakh.
“The dual screens are gradually getting their own buyers, largely because devices are aspirational, offer a large screen size to view content and have a novelty factor,” Raju Pullam, senior VP of Samsung’s India mobile business, told TOI. “We are seeing a lot of consumer upgrades to dual screens, especially in the Rs 30,000-50,000 category.”
Nearly one million foldable phones were sold in India last year, according to IDC, a small number compared to the industry’s total sales of 146 million units. But companies say adoption will only increase as higher content consumption and faster networks like 5G push people to opt for bigger screens.
“Foldable smartphones offer larger displays, making work and entertainment more accessible and enjoyable. Potential buyers of foldable devices are not only looking for a premium smartphone experience, but also a device that enables efficient multitasking for long hours on the go, along with primary functions,” said a Vivo executive.
While Samsung was the first to enter the category in 2019, others have joined the trend. In June, Vivo debuted the X Fold3, while Motorola sells the Motorola Razr and OnePlus Open. Oppo also launched the Find N3 Flip in October last year.
In line with the current trend of devices becoming increasingly intelligent, most dual-screen smartphones are now largely AI-based, offering features like circle to search, chat assistant, and sketch to draw an image.
Samsung is using AI as a strong pull factor to bring to market the sixth-generation of its flagship Galaxy Z Fold6, which it launched on Wednesday with a starting price of Rs 1.6 lakh (256GB version). Samsung’s Flip has a price tag of Rs 1.1 lakh.
“The dual screens are gradually getting their own buyers, largely because devices are aspirational, offer a large screen size to view content and have a novelty factor,” Raju Pullam, senior VP of Samsung’s India mobile business, told TOI. “We are seeing a lot of consumer upgrades to dual screens, especially in the Rs 30,000-50,000 category.”
Nearly one million foldable phones were sold in India last year, according to IDC, a small number compared to the industry’s total sales of 146 million units. But companies say adoption will only increase as higher content consumption and faster networks like 5G push people to opt for bigger screens.
“Foldable smartphones offer larger displays, making work and entertainment more accessible and enjoyable. Potential buyers of foldable devices are not only looking for a premium smartphone experience, but also a device that enables efficient multitasking for long hours on the go, along with primary functions,” said a Vivo executive.
