Electronics major Sony India is set to come out with new offerings in the sub-premium smartphone category this fiscal.
Sony, which is amongst the top three players in the premium smartphone segment, will start off with the launch of an upgraded version of its Xperia M model, which is priced at about Rs 13,000.
“The new model will be priced in the neighbourhood of Rs 20,000 and will have more features than the Xperia M. We plan to launch it sometime next month, before Diwali,” Tadato Kimura, Sony India Head-Marketing, told newspersons here today.
So far focussing more on the high-end segment, the company will be expanding its portfolio in the sub-premium segment, below the Rs 30,000 price range. “I cannot tell you how many models we will be launching (in this category), but you can expect a few this year,” he said.
Sony is in the process of rolling out its latest Xperia Z1 model priced at Rs 44,940 across the country.
The company is also launching a new model of smart watch, priced at Rs 14,990, which is compatible with smartphones having Android, with a one-touch connection with the mobile device. “This product is also being shipped currently and will be available at stores from October,” he said.
30 per cent growth
Despite the tough economic conditions, Sony India, which last year clubbed its electronics business with its mobile arm, expects a 30 per cent growth over last year’s revenue of about Rs 8,000 crore. It expects India to remain in the fourth place after the US, China and Japan. “Whether we move up this ladder or not we will know at the end of the year. But so far this year, we are on track,” Kimura said.
The smartphone market in India is estimated to expand to 3.3 crore units this fiscal, with Sony targeting a 20 per cent market share.