Google launched their long-awaited Pixel 6 Series yesterday via a virtual event. The Pixel 6 series feature Google’s own Tensor SoC, Android 12, horizontal camera bar, and a brand-new design. With this launch, it was expected that the company might bring its Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 pro to India within the upcoming months, but now it seems this isn’t happening. Yes, Google has confirmed to Gadgets 360 that the company is not bringing the Pixel 6 Series to India.
Why isn’t the Pixel 6 Series coming to India?
A spokesperson from Google says that Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro can’t come to India because of various reasons.
“Due to a variety of factors including global demand issues, we are not able to make our products available in all markets. We remain committed to our current Pixel phones and look forward to bringing future Pixel devices to more countries in the future,” Google said in an emailed statement.
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This is not the first time when Google has not brought its new Pixel phones to India. Google has not launched any of its flagships like Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL, Pixel 4a 5G, and Pixel 5 in India to date. The only Pixel smartphone launched in India is the Pixel 4a that was revealed last year.
Experts believe that Google doesn’t consider India as a very important market for its flagship Pixel phones due to various reasons.
“The India market is structured very differently than any other market of its size, with over 90% of the smartphone market being below Rs. 20,000,” said Navkendar Singh, Research Director at market intelligence firm IDC India. “The Pixel line-up has been priced much above this with a minimal marketing intervention in a market where China-based brands are known for high-decibel marketing and distribution campaigns.”
Navkendar Singh further added that since most Indian consumers prefer specs while buying phones, and that the Pixel line-up that has been ‘under specced until the Pixel 6 series in that sense did not attract them. “Which is again not being brought in India by Google due to its premium pricing and acknowledgment that it is tough to sell a premium phone in India and also compete with Apple and Samsung in the premium end of the market.”
Tarun Pathak, AD at analyst firm Counterpoint said that although the reach of the Pixel series is less than 1% in India, it still enjoys a great mind share within camera enthusiasts in the country. “I think one of the challenges for Google has been the low volume for the premium segment in India, although it is growing fast but still on a lower base. Apart from this lack of local manufacturing and channel tie-ups makes it difficult to scale up,” he said. He also believes that India can be a good market for Google in India in the long term.
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Pixel 6 Series- Which markets will it be available in?
Pixel 6 series is coming to markets like Australia, France, Germany, Japan, and Taiwan. Pre-orders have also started in markets of Canada, the UK, and the USA. The first sale in the US will be held on October 28.
Pixel 6 Series -Price
- Pixel 6 is priced at $599 (Rs. 44,900)
- Pixel 6 Pro is priced at $899 (Rs. 67,400)
What’s new in the Pixel 6 Series?
Google’s own Tensor SoC, Magic eraser, and Snapchat integrated feature make Pixel 6 Series a new experience.
