Google Pixel 8 To Be Made In India, In Partnership With Homegrown Dixon Technologies

The trial production of the high-end devices has already started, with the first batch of the locally-made Pixel 8 handsets expected to hit the market by September.

Google parent Alphabet Inc. has chosen Dixon Technologies, a local contract manufacturer, to produce its flagship Google Pixel 8 smartphones in India, the Economic Times (ET) has reported. The trial production of the high-end devices has already started, with the first batch of the locally-made Pixel 8 handsets expected to hit the market by September, the report added.

The report cited sources as saying that Google plans to use its Indian production to cater to the local market's demands as well as for exports outside the country.

“Dixon has been chosen to make Pixel in India. Trial production is expected to begin soon. Google wants to use India production for catering to needs of domestic market and potentially for exports as well," the report quoted sources as saying.

Google Spent A Year In Finalising Manufacturing Partner 

According to another report, the tech giant had spent over a year in discussions with various potential manufacturing partners before finalising homegrown company Dixon Technologies for this significant manuacturing venture.

This development comes months after Google CEO Sundar Pichai said in October: “We shared plans at #GoogleforIndia to manufacture Pixel smartphones locally and expect the first device to roll out in 2024. We’re committed to being a trusted partner in India’s digital growth -- appreciate the support for Make In India."

This decision is said to be influenced by India's increasing competitiveness in smartphone manufacturing and the advantages provided by the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for mobile phone manufacturers. If confirmed, this move would mark a significant milestone for India in the global smartphone manufacturing industry, enhancing its position and boosting the country's economic growth.

To recall, the Google Pixel 8 was launched on October 4, last year. The phone is powered by the Google Tensor G3 processor and includes 8GB of RAM. Running on Android 14 OS, the Pixel 8 is powered by a 4575mAh non-removable battery and supports both wireless charging and proprietary fast charging.