This may not be ‘good news’ for Apple, Google, OnePlus and others

KOLKATA: Premium smartphone users in India are not replacing their handsets for over two years now as compared to 12-18 months as recently as two years ago, say handset makers and market trackers.
According to Hong Kong-based market tracker Counterpoint Research, the average period of people retaining smartphones in India last year was 25 months for devices costing Rs 25,000 to Rs 40,000, and 30 months for those priced above Rs 40,000.
Lack of compelling innovation in the high-end segment, roll-out of models with premium features in camera, memory and screen quality in the sub-Rs 30,000 range, imposition of a 20% duty on imported handsets that made India one of the highest priced markets for brands like Apple, and poor discretionary spending impacted the demand and replacement cycle of premium smartphones, industry executives said.