Google Looking to Launch Mid-Range Pixel Handset in July

BY Rajesh Pandey

Published 2 Apr 2018

In a bid to gain a formidable market share in India, Google is working on a new strategy that will see the company bring many of its products to the country. This includes the new Pixelbook, Nest home automation products, Google Home smart speakers, and even a new mid-range Pixel smartphone meant specifically for India.

The Economic Times report does not provide much information about this mid-range Pixel smartphone except for stating that it could launch around July-August. This will help Google take advantage of the festive season in the country during which period the most number of smartphones are sold in the country.

Apart from India, this mid-range Pixel handset will also help Google capture the market in other emerging Asian markets.

The Indian smartphone market is a price sensitive one so the launch of a mid-range Pixel will help Google in enticing more customers. The high-end smartphone market in India is dominated by that of Apple and Samsung, with OnePlus smartphones also doing particularly well.

Despite a rapid expansion plan in India, Google is not going to become over-aggressive in its approach. The company first wants to build a sizeable retail presence in the country and create a brand awareness before it brings about its products in the country.

Before Google gets around to launching the Pixelbook and Nest products in India, the company will be launching its Google Home range of speakers in India. The company is holding an event on April 10 where it will be unveiling the Google Home mini and Google Home speakers.

Our Take

Its the first time that we are hearing reports of Google working on a mid-range smartphone. A cheaper Pixel handset will definitely help Google in winning over more customers but given the lack of leaks surrounding the handset, I am not sure if we will see the company launch a cheaper new Pixel handset this year.

[Via Economic Times]