Android brands cut prices sharply to counter Apple offers, in premium segment fight

New Delhi: Smartphone makers such as Xiaomi, Samsung and Oppo have rolled out substantial discounts on premium flagship models, kicking off an intense battle in the premium segment just days after Apple Inc announced aggressive pricing and festive season offers.

Chinese handset maker Oppo has cut prices of its premium device by Rs 7,000, while Xiaomi slashed prices of eight models along with variants, with the steepest Rs 5,000 discount on its new 5G phone.

Samsung’s two high-end phones will be cheaper by Rs 28,000 and Rs 30,000, respectively, on its website.

Taiwanese brand ASUS, too, has reduced prices of its premium device by Rs 7,000.

Affordable and mid-range phones are also retailing at discounts of Rs 1,000 – Rs 2,000 across all major smartphone brands.