OnePlus plans to launch Budget Smartphones

The Chinese smartphone manufacturer OnePlus is planning to launch its new budget smartphones in India. The price of the new device would be kept between Rs 12,000 and Rs 20,000. The previously launched OnePlus smartphones are priced at above Rs 20,000. Comparing to that, they are now planning to launch devices in the affordable segment at a lower price. The new smartphone will be more of a lifestyle and fashion product than a flagship device. They are also going to start its own full-fledged e-commerce website next year.

"We're introducing a new device by the end of this year. Diwali would be the ideal time, but next quarter for sure," said Vikas Agarwal, General Manager of OnePlus India. "It would be a global launch, but India will be the biggest focus," Agarwal said, adding that the Indian market is set to become the largest for the company from its present position among the top three markets, as its growing faster than any other market. Its other top markets are the US and Europe.

India contributed about 7% of OnePlus' overall sales last year, within just one month of operations. In the quarter to March, over 40% of global sales came from India without any major marketing activities, Agarwal had told ET after the launch of OnePlus Two, the company's second flagship device launched in June.

In the first quarter, over 40% of global sales came from India without any major marketing activities. Also India contributed about 7% of OnePlus' overall sales last year within just one month of operations.

Currently, OnePlus One and OnePlus Two devices can be purchased via Amazon or Flipkart by using invites. But after the launching of its own e-commerce website, the company could allow consumers to buy the devices from its own site.