TCL targets 10% share in 4G smartphone segment by 2018

Chinese smartphone maker TCL today launched its first mobile phone under own brand, TCL 560, in India with an aim to corner 10 per cent market share in the 4G smartphone segment and be among top five vendors by 2018.
"This is first (handset) we are launching TCL brand mobile phone anywhere in world. It indicates our seriousness for India market. We expect 10 per cent market share and be among top 5 vendors in 4G segment of India by 2018," TCL India Regional Director Praveen Valecha said.
The handset, which runs the latest version of Android Marshmallow platform and sports quadcore Snadragon 8909 chipset, voice over LTE (4G) and a 5.5 inch display, is priced at Rs 7,999.

The other features include 2GB RAM, 16 GB internal storage and 32 GB external storage capacity. It has 8 megapixel rear camera and 5 mp front camera with a 2500 mAH battery.
The Shenzhen Stock Exchange listed firm has been selling Alcatel brand phones in India.
Valecha said TCL will continue selling Alcatel brand but TCL brand smartphones will only cater to 4G segment.

"TCL smartphones with 4G features while Alcatel will cater to 2G, 3G and 4G segment. We will sell TCL only online through Amazon. By 2018, we are expect to be among top 5 online vendors too," Valecha said.

He said the company will invest heavily in digital advertising to increase its visibility.
"We are also looking at bundling our smartphones with telecom operators. TCL 560 comes with 1GB bundled data pack from Idea Cellular. Our customers will get 1GB 4G data free on Idea Network and wherever 4G is not available 3G or 2G data will be given," Valecha said.
TCL560 will go on sale at Amazon from July 5.
"This calendar year we plan to launch three more smartphones. They will be accompanied by smart wearables, virtual reality products. The smartphones will be in range of Rs 8,000-18,000. There will be metallic designs etc," Valecha said.

He said TCL is evaluating manufacturing its mobile phones in India but it is at very initial stage.