Entry Into Smartphones Is A Strategic Move

It might be better known as a manufacturer of televisions in India, but tcl has shown that it has a new ace up its sleeve with the launch of its smartphones in the country. Anuj Bhatia met Praveen Valecha, Regional Director, TCL India, to find out more about the brand’s plans for the country. 

- Anuj Bhatia

TCL recently entered the Indian smartphone market with two smartphones. How are you going to position your brand against the well-established Korean and Chinese brands?

We are entering the Indian market for smartphones after having built the right product for Indian markets and successfully testing in a few global markets. We have reached a critical expansion point where we can use the solid platform we have established to expand to other countries and bring our leading technology to many more users. Having witnessed success in the television space where we are currently No. 3 in the world, our entry into the smartphones category is a strategic move that reinforces our commitment to lead technology and innovation.

the mid segment is definitely the largest segment in the mobile industry in India. As per our brand philosophy, we tried to prove to the consumer that even affordable smartphones can be of the most reliable quality coming from a known and trusted brand. the number of hands that we are able to reach with our first phase of phones is the measure of our success. In coming days, we would be bringing in more flagship phones that go on to show the TCL philosophy of enabling ‘the creative life’ for the customer.

Tell us a bit about TCL’s journey as a smartphone player. And most importantly, what made you launch TCL-branded smartphones in when you already have a presence with Alcatel OneTouch in India.