Big tech day: Asus, Xiaomi CEOs launch phones in Delhi on same day, minutes ... - The Indian Express
Xiaomi's Hugo Barra and Lei Jun launch the Mi 4i and Mi Band in India.
It is unusual for global CEOs of top smartphones companies to visit India. But if two of them are addressing similar audiences in New Delhi on the same day within hours of each other, it is hard to miss also.
CEOs of global smartphone majors Asus and Xiaomi visited India to launch their flagship smartphones on Thursday. Both the smartphone brands are eyeing the local market as their quick success destination. Asus brought in its Zenfone 2, while hours later Xiaomi organised its first global event in India to unveil its new flagship Mi 4i, the 'i' signifying India.
Asus CEO Jerry Shen, who was in town last year for the launch of the first Zenfone, said India has a very special place in his heart. "In India, Asus has performed exceedingly well and we are forever grateful for your support," he said, underlining the success of the earlier phone in the series.
"India is a very important market for us. We selected India as a priority launch destination for the earlier Zenfones too. With the new Zenfone 2 we aim to empower luxury at affordable prices," said Eric Chen, Corporate Vice President, System Sales Group, Asus.
Minutes away from the Asus event in Gurgaon, Xiaomi had invited invited over 1000 fans to its global Mi 4i launch event at Siri Fort auditorium. An excited CEO Lei Jun thanked them for helping the 5-year-old Chinese startup to make a dent in the global smartphone market. Xiaomi Vice President Hugo Barra said, "We want to win Indian consumers by offering quality products at affordable prices. We are immensely happy for the kind of unparalleled response we get from this market."
Asus has introduced four variants of the new Zenfone 2 between RS 12,999 and Rs 22,999. The Mi 4i smartphone costs Rs 12,999. Xiaomi also introduced its Mi band fitness tracker at a price of Rs 999.
Of late, the Indian market has become a growth avenue for most smartphone brands, especially due to the large youth population. Earlier, flagship products took time to arrive here. However, with the increase in sales, brands no longer delay.
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