Chinese phone-maker Vivo on Wednesday launched its new V15 Pro smartphone at ₹28,990, adding to a price segment (₹20,000-30,000) where it claims the number one spot, according to data from research firm GFK.

Vivo’s Director for Brand Strategy in India, Nipun Maurya, told BusinessLine that the company is currently looking at focussing only on smartphones in the domestic market. Vivo has no plans to launch wearables or other connected devices right now and will only consider rolling them out with the advent of 5G connectivity.

Plans for India

“We are bracing ourselves for the 5G revolution, which should come in by 2020. W would like to launch a lot of 5G products in India,” Maurya said.

“We will see a lot of changes... especially with IoT. As IoT comes into the picture, we understand that the mobile phone will become a hub for all other connected devices,” Maurya said.

He further revealed that Vivo is working with other consumer electronics companies such as Haier and TCL,  to launch allied electronic devices to bring a holistic experience to consumers. The Vivo V15 Pro, which Maurya said will be made in India, is the company’s second phone after the Vivo Nex to come with a pop-up front camera. The Vivo Nex also had other innovations like audio based on bone-conduction technology. However, the Vivo Nex dual display does not sell in India.

“There is no final, concrete plan (to sell the phone in India), as of now. We are deciding on if and when we will bring it here,” said Maurya.

Vivo had already announced plans to expand its manufacturing facility in Greater Noida, which would initially create around 5,000 jobs according to the company. “Our goal of becoming a strong brand in India is very realistic and possible. Yes, it might require time and investment but we are willing to do both,” Maurya said.

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