Eleven months after Apple’s next-generation smartphone hit stores worldwide, the iPhone 4 was launched on Friday in India, the world’s second biggest market for mobile phones.
Declaring the rollout of one of the most expected smartphone in the world by Bharti airtel in Kolkata and in 34 other cities in India, Airtel CEO (West Bengal and Orissa) P.D. Sharma told PTI the iPhone 4 will create a separate space from the clutter of smartphone in the market, many of them having copied Apple features.
“iPhone 4 will stand out for its original applications and cater to the middle segment as well, with attractive pricing which will not create a pinch both in the long and short term,” Mr. Sharma said on the sidelines of the launch in Kolkata.
Asked about the delay of almost one year in the product arriving in India after its June launch in the U.S., Mr. Sharma said, “With third generation (3G) mobile networks only coming of age in recent times in India, there was no other option but the iPhone 4 to wait.”
“The handset will be priced at Rs. 34,500 with 16 GB capacity and Rs. 40,900 with 32 GB capacity, which is attractive considering the long-term use. The set is powered by Apple’s A4 (operating system), boasts of a retina display, FaceTime for video chat, 5 MP rear facing camera with LED flash and HD video recording,” he said.
The iPhone 4 has a higher-quality screen and longer battery life than the previous model, he said, adding that Bharti already sells earlier models of the iPhone in India.
“With the high number of mobile users, smartphone market will grow in the country,” he said.
The iPhone 4 was launched in June 2010 in the U.S., followed by other countries.
The iPhone 4 was launched in the city by Tollywood actress Paoli Dam, who was among the 35 celebrities in different cities of the country gifted a handset on the occasion of the launch.
