Realme has recently announced the launch of the 9i 5G smartphone in India. The smartphone offers 5G connectivity and comes with MediaTek Dimensity 810 SoC that is paired with 4GB/ 6GB of RAM and 64GB/ 128GB of storage.
Meanwhile, we got a chance to do interaction with Madhav Sheth, CEO of Realme India, VP, Realme, and President, Realme International Business Group regarding the company’s plans.
How many smartphones have you launched in the Realme 9 series and how many are you going to add by the end of this year?
We started the series by launching the Realme 9i, the first product to be launched in the number series in 2022 and the first member of the series family. It is our first smartphone to be equipped with an advanced performance processor in the price segment and is designed for users who are looking for a 4G smartphone with advanced technology features.
We further expanded the series with the Realme 9 Pro series 5G features an industry-leading light shift design, powerful 5G processors, and offers users UI 3.0 based on Android 12. Now, we have decided to bring the 9i 5G and will continue to bring smartphones with advanced features, design, and performance in the future.
What kind of response have you received from the Realme 9 series and what kind of expectations do you have with the newly launched device?
We always aim to provide best-in-class technology in all segments to our users. We started this year with the launch of the Realme 9 series in the mid-range segment with the latest processor and technology and we have been seeing massive traction for the product.
The Realme 9 Pro series 5G has two models – Realme 9 Pro+ 5G and the Realme 9 Pro 5G – both have witnessed huge traction during our first sale on Feb 21, 2022, resulting in a whopping 200 percent increase in sales for the above Rs. 20,000 segments.
We are confident that the Realme 9i 5G will receive similar kinds of responses and love from users.
How do you differentiate the Realme 9 from existing smartphones in the same series?
The Realme 9 series is our ultimate performer, bringing cutting-edge design, processor & camera capabilities for users, offering the best to our users.
Tell us about your upcoming products and the new category you are planning to foray into this year?
We are currently moving towards the second phase of expansion. In our first stage, we defined our product portfolio, launched multiple products with cutting-edge features, and defined important markets. In our second stage, we are now concentrating on targeted, long-term growth.
As we enter into the second stage, we’ll be more focused and place a greater emphasis than ever before on making every experience and interaction more local. To give you a better end-to-end product experience in our current markets, we will offer more and more locally focused events and products.
As one of the 10 million shipment markets for Realme, India has also established local teams and hired local personnel to fully utilize their skill. Now, we want to optimize the short-channel, light-asset business model in India and look into further strategic alliances with various e-commerce platforms.
Please tell us about your 5G smartphone plans as telecom operators are expected to start services soon?
Realme was the first company to introduce a 5G smartphone in India back in 2020, and this year, the company has already surpassed all others in terms of 5G smartphone brand growth.
To create 5G technology and products, we have converted 90 percent of our R&D resources and more than 50 percent of the smartphones that we launch in 2022 will support 5G networks.
How many 5G R&D centers have you established in India and how many are you going to add?
At present 90 percent of R&D resources have been converted to develop 5G technology and products. I have mentioned before that in the coming years, we will be investing $300 million globally in research and product development based on the 5G technology. In fact, India will be one of the seven 5G R&D hubs that the company will establish to assist the global deployment of 5G products.
Do you have any plan to launch foldable phones, if yes, then when?
The concept of foldable is quite exciting, but the technology is under the R&D phase and I believe the technology is not ready for the market. The company We doesn’t want to introduce or bring a solution that would only benefit our customers momentarily.
Our R&D is focussing on providing advancements in the camera and quick charging areas since we believe in bringing products that help consumers in the long run and meet their immediate demands. This approach is working for us and we will continue following the same.
