MUMBAI: Google 's Pixel 2 series can stir up competition in the premium segment and give the likes of Apple and Samsung a tough fight, given its competitive pricing, but a lot would depend upon the US search major’s marketing initiatives given that its rivals have had a head start in the crucial festival season.Google’s new devices will be the last entrant in India—launching November 15—in the premium segment this season, behind Samsung and Apple that have brought in their flagships to India, in that order. Some experts say given the pricing—starting at Rs 61,000—the sales volumes of the new models could well be twice that of the inaugural Pixel models, in India and globally.The US-based search giant launched a slew of hardware products on Wednesday, including the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL priced between Rs 61,000 and Rs 82,000. We estimate Pixel sales to be doubled as compared to last year, both in India and globally,” he added.According to industry data, Google shipped 37,143 Pixel smartphones till end-2016 and around 20,000 till July this year. It also has a tie-up with Jio , giving bundled data and assured buybacks, which brings down the effective price of the phone.CMR’s Prabhu was still optimistic about Pixel’s future. “With good marketing, Pixel should be able to get those millennials who cannot afford an iPhone X… it will definitely make a dent in the premium smartphone segment.”

Source: Economic Times October 06, 2017 05:26 UTC