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In the third price reduction across models in the past six months, handset manufacturer BlackBerry has slashed the price of its smartphone Q5 by 20 per cent.
The Canada-based company is now offering the device for Rs 19,990, compared with the launch price of Rs 24,990.
The company said in a statement the offering “is in line with BlackBerry’s commitment towards the Indian market and it will help the brand to reach out to more potential customers.”
In India, BlackBerry had launched the Q5, its latest in the BB10 (its proprietary mobile operating system) series, in July 2013. Available in black, white and red, the Q5 features a QWERTY keyboard and a 3.1 inches touchscreen.
At present, BlackBerry offers four handsets under the BB10 range — Q5, Q10, Z10 and Z30 — in India, with prices ranging from Rs 19,990 to Rs 39,990.
In December last year, it had slashed the price of its Q10 by more than 13 per cent to Rs 38,990. This, however, was a limited period offer.
In September, Z10 prices were cut by 31 per cent to Rs 29,990. Late last year, the company also provided apps for the handsets either for free or on a discounted basis.
The price slash is to spruce up sales, said analysts, adding that the company has been facing stiff competition in India from other smartphone manufacturers. BlackBerry, as a policy, does not provide region-specific details of handset sales.
In December 2012, BlackBerry had roped in actor Ranbir Kapoor to promote its products in India — it was the first time the company signed on a brand ambassador anywhere in the world. The financial terms of the two-year contract were not disclosed.
rajesh.kurup@thehindu.co.in
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