Lenovo upbeat on smartphones biz in India, eyes leader status

Company has launched five smartphone models in India and they would be initially available in Gujarat

Personal computer maker Lenovo today said it is seeking to replicate in India its success story in China to become a leader and "clear winner" in the smartphones segment.

Lenovo has launched five smartphone models in India and they would be initially available in Gujarat, as well as southern states of Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh in two-three days.

"We are replicating the (China) story here (in India)", said S S Bassi, who heads the smartphone business unit at Lenovo India, while noting that the company is number two in the smartphone market in China.

Bassi and Director - Sales (South), Lenovo India, Ashok Nair declined to talk about the sales and marketshare that the company is aiming in the Indian market but said it's ambition is to become a "clear winner" and "leader" in the smartphone segment in India.

 Nair said Gujarat and the four southern states account for 30-35 per cent of the smartphone market in India and the company would go beyond these markets later.

Lenovo's five android-based smartphones are across the four segements -- geek, stylish, professional and affordable -- at various price points to cater to a wide spectrum of consumers, company officials said.

"The USP of the fully featured Lenovo's smartphones is long battery life and dual sim capability", they said.

Price of the five models, which marked the company's foray into the smartphones market in India, range between Rs 6,499 and Rs 28,499.