Google’s new Pixel smartphones unlikely to match rivals’ specs

NEW DELHI: Google’s new Pixel devices priced at almost half of its previous rollouts may still not be able to move the needle much for the search giant in Indian smartphones, especially in the premium segment, given the superior features rivals such as Samsung, Xiaomi, Vivo and OnePlus offer at similar or lower price points, say market watchers. Most analysts say the prices and features of the devices — Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL priced in the Rs 39,000-45,000 range — were not in sync with the demands of the smartphone buyer in India, where customers are awaiting the latest specs at affordable levels in models like the OnePlus 7 and Samsung A series.

“There is, unfortunately, a yawning disconnect between Pixel pricing and market realities in India. This is a market where Chinese brands provide flagship level experience at similar prices,” said Prabhu Ram, head of industry intelligence group at Cybermedia Research.