After making strong inroads into the Indian telecom infrastructure industry, Huawei Technologies is now all set to storm the domestic mobile handset market, promising hi-tech, feature-rich phones at affordable prices. Among the first ones that would be introduced in the Indian market in the next few weeks is the Android-powered smartphone at sub-Rs.10,000.
So far, Huawei has been bundling its handsets with leading Indian operators that got good response, but now in view of the Indian handset market's growing potential, the Chinese telecom equipment major has decided to explore the opportunities in retail market. From smartphones to tablets and basic handsets, exciting offerings from Huawei will cover the entire gamut of handset market.
Range
“After studying the Indian market in depth, we have decided to take the retail route in partnership with leading multi-brand retailers. We plan to launch vast range of handsets — right from basic models to our latest Android-based smartphones — at prices much lower than what is now available in India. Our smartphones and tablets will compliment India's foray into the 3G era,” Huawei India Head (Branding and PR) Suresh Vaidyanathan told The Hindu .
Huawei's new handset devices ‘Hangout' and Android-series would have advanced chipset solutions by Qualcomm, a world leader and innovator of 3G and other advanced mobile technologies. “Our high-quality, innovatively designed, easy-to-use, and affordable devices embody the company's ‘Smart device, simple world' philosophy. These devices will be made directly available to consumers in India,” Mr. Vaidyanathan added.
Crucial factor
Stating that Huawei research and development (R&D) teams have designed phones keeping in mind specific needs of Indian users, he said: “Pricing is one crucial factor that they have taken care of, but without compromising on the quality and design elements of the handsets. For instance, our Hangout series includes a full range of stylish and feature-rich devices on multi-technologies (GSM/CDMA/UMTS) that cater to entry, mid and mid-high segments. We stand ahead in flexible customisation and offering quality, affordable range of products.”
Similarly, the Android series was based on the open source smart phone platform developed by Google. This range includes series of smartphones right from affordable to high-end devices on Android platform with loads of applications catering to mid and high-end consumers.
“Today, we see big brand selling Android-based handsets priced at about Rs.15,000, but ours that would have a variety of applications will be sold at sub-Rs.10,000, which would change the dynamics of Indian smartphone market,” Mr. Vaidyanathan added.
