It’s always been a mystery how a massive tech giant like Google has never taken the Indian smartphone market seriously. Even though India is one of the largest consumer of phones globally. At one point, Google completely stopped launching the Pixel phones in the country. Later, the prices of some of its phones were outrageous. It didn’t even have proper after sales service in India. Most of that, if not all, might have changed with last night’s Made By Pixel launch event.
For the first time, Google is bringing its complete portfolio of new Pixel devices to India. These include – Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Buds Pro 2. The commitment reflects in the availability of the devices as well. All of these will be available in India around the same time as the US and other global market.
It’s a major step towards ensuring that smartphone users get a proper Pixel experience. The timing couldn’t have been better with the recent AI boom and Google’s lead in it, thanks to Gemini.
Yes, these are still expensive devices but, nothing more than the rivals are asking you to pay. In exchange, the users are getting a far better software experience and support. In case you missed the Made By Google event, here are the India prices of all the new Pixel devices –
Pixel 9 – Rs 79,999
Pixel 9 Pro – Rs 1,09,999
Pixel 9 Pro XL – Rs 1,24,999
Pixel 9 Pro Fold – Rs 1,72,999
Pixel Watch 3
41mm – Rs 39,999
45mm – Rs 43,999
Pixel Buds Pro 2 – Rs 22,900
There are still some gaps. Like the Pixel Watches in India don’t have the LTE support. Some of the features like emergency calling will not be available in India at least at the time of launch. These are still small issues. There have been efforts to fix the big ones.
New Service Centres
One of the biggest complaints on any Pixel device owner in India for the longest time has been the lack of proper after sales service. Google was relying on third-party platforms to resolve customer issues. These centres were far and few. And, at times unequipped to resolve the query.
Now, Google has announced 3 new Google-owned Walk-in service centres in India. These centres will be opened in Mumbai, Bengaluru and Delhi and will provide end-to-end solutions to Pixel consumers. Google is even promising same-day resolution for “many cases.”
This will go a long way in regaining consumer trust and building a stronger community.
Made In India Pixel Phones
Another major step in Google’s India journey is the assembly of Pixel smartphones in India. Only a couple of days ago, Google announced that it has finally started making the Pixel phones in India, as announced last year. The production starts with the Pixel 8 which should be available in the market starting August.
The local production of Pixel devices will help Google streamline operations, cut costs, and offer more competitive pricing to Indian consumers.
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