Smartphone sales may touch 150 mn units in 2015

Sales of smartphones in the country that is growing at a frenzied pace, is expected to touch 150 million units in calendar 2015.

"According to data by International Data Corporation (IDC), smartphone sales almost doubled from 44 million units in 2013 to 80 million units in 2014. In 2015, the volume of smartphone sales is expected to be in the range of 130-150 million units", said Kisley Kumar, director (east), Nokia India Sales Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of Microsoft Mobile Oy.

"Globally, India is one of the fastest growing markets for smartphones. And, the country is the fastest growing market for smartphones in the Asia Pacific region that includes China", he said.

Kumar denied to disclose market figures for Microsoft smartphones but said the vendor would continue to come out with more offerings in the affordable smartphone category. Affordable smartphones includes handsets in the price band of Rs 4000-12000. This segment accounts for 78 per cent of all smartphone sales.

"The Lumia brand of smartphone is growing faster than the industry average. Our products are designed keeping in view the consumer sentiment. We are giving an unmatched experience to our users. All our smartphones are equipped with all Microsoft services like Windows 8.1, Microsoft Office, Skype, One Drive and X-Box Games and all these features are free for the consumers", he added.

Microsoft on Thursday launched the Microsoft Lumia 435. Priced at Rs 5999, it is the most affordable smartphone from the Microsoft stable.