Smartphones

Realme is set to introduce the P4 Power smartphone in India on January 29, expanding its product portfolio in the competitive mid-range segment. The upcoming launch reflects the company’s strategy to blend performance, battery efficiency and aggressive pricing to capture value-conscious consumers. Industry watchers expect the device to target users seeking dependable daily performance with extended battery life, a key differentiator in the crowded smartphone market.

Mobile phone manufacturers are intensifying their calls for targeted tax exemptions, arguing that fiscal relief is essential to sustain growth, boost domestic production, and preserve price competitiveness in a slowing global market. Industry executives say rising component costs, margin pressure, and uneven demand have strained profitability, particularly in the mass-market segment. The push comes as governments seek to balance revenue needs with industrial policy goals, including local manufacturing and exports.

Asus is reportedly preparing to exit the smartphone manufacturing business as part of a broader strategic pivot toward artificial intelligence and next-generation computing technologies. The move reflects mounting competitive pressure in the global handset market and a recalibration of resources toward higher-growth, higher-margin segments. By focusing on AI-driven hardware and software solutions, Asus aims to strengthen its relevance in enterprise, cloud, and advanced consumer computing.

MediaTek has expanded its mobile processor lineup with the announcement of the Dimensity 9500s and Dimensity 8500 chipsets, reinforcing its push across premium and upper-midrange smartphone segments. The new processors are designed to deliver improved performance, power efficiency, and enhanced AI capabilities, catering to growing demand for feature-rich 5G devices. By addressing both flagship-level requirements and mass-market performance needs, MediaTek is positioning itself to deepen partnerships with smartphone manufacturers amid intensifying competition in the semiconductor space.

Electronics retailer Croma has announced its Republic Day sale, offering attractive discounts across a wide range of consumer electronics, including notable price reductions on the iPhone 17 lineup. The limited-period sale is aimed at tapping heightened festive demand as consumers look to upgrade smartphones, appliances, and digital devices at competitive prices. By combining upfront discounts with bank offers and exchange benefits, Croma is positioning the sale as a value-driven proposition in an increasingly competitive retail environment.

The adoption of 5G-enabled smartphones is accelerating as faster networks, wider coverage, and competitive pricing reshape the mobile technology landscape. Manufacturers are rapidly expanding their 5G portfolios, bringing advanced connectivity to both premium and mid-range devices. This shift is transforming how consumers use smartphones, enabling faster data speeds, lower latency, and improved support for streaming, gaming, and cloud-based services.

India’s smartphone export sector recorded a remarkable 43.7% year-on-year growth, reaching $18.8 billion, reflecting the country’s emergence as a global manufacturing hub. The surge was driven by robust shipments to markets in the US, Europe, and Southeast Asia, underpinned by competitive production costs, government incentives under the PLI (Production Linked Incentive) scheme, and expanding domestic manufacturing capacity. Analysts view this growth as a sign of India’s increasing footprint in global electronics supply chains.

India’s mobile phone manufacturing industry is projected to reach $75 billion by FY26, driven by robust domestic demand, government incentives under the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, and a strategic shift toward self-reliance in electronics. Analysts note that the surge will be fueled by increased exports, expansion of domestic production facilities, and investments from global smartphone brands. The growth trajectory underscores India’s emergence as a global manufacturing hub, offering opportunities in component production, supply chain development, and employment generation.

Motorola debuted its latest Razr foldable smartphone at CES 2026, signaling a renewed push into the foldable segment with a focus on design, durability, and user experience. The new Razr integrates advanced folding mechanisms, enhanced display technology, and upgraded performance capabilities, positioning it as a premium alternative in the competitive foldable market. Motorola aims to combine nostalgia for the iconic Razr brand with modern innovations that cater to both productivity and lifestyle needs.

The Indian government has proposed new regulations requiring smartphone manufacturers to provide source code access for devices sold in the country. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), aims to strengthen cybersecurity, protect consumer data, and ensure compliance with national digital security standards. The proposal has sparked discussions among global manufacturers regarding intellectual property, trade implications, and technical feasibility.