After Xiaomi and Oppo, another Chinese handset maker OnePlus is now gearing up to launch its product in India on December 2. OnePlus has partnered eCommerce firm Amazon to launch its 'One' in the country. Though the pricing is yet to be divulged, the handset would be priced aggressively in the mid-range, between Rs 15,000-25,000.
The company has also put in place a local team, led by OnePlus India General Manager Vikas Agarwal. India is the first country outside of its headquarters to have a physical presence. This will also be the first region in which a localised service infrastructure is established, offering phone and walk-in support to users around the country.
"Our company focuses first on our users and our product. We want to provide the best possible experience for our Indian users who have been so supportive of our vision," OnePlus CEO Pete Lau said. To do that, OnePlus is investing heavily in Indian operations and partnering e-commerce company, Amazon.In, he added.
Keeping in line with the global invite system, users in India will receive India-specific invites through OnePlus and Amazon.In. Starting today, users interested in buying the handset can log onto the company's website to register for receiving an invite. After receiving the invite, they can buy the device on Amazon.In starting December 2.
India, which is one of the fastest growing smartphone markets globally, is also one of the most lucrative opportunities that handset makers are vying for. In the last few months, new players like Xiaomi, Oppo and Jolla have entered the Indian market to challenge established players like Samsung, Micromax and Nokia (now Microsoft Devices).
According to IDC, about 44 million smartphones were sold last year. For 2014, it expects the number to cross 80.57 million units.
