New Delhi: Smartphone maker Realme, which debuted in the country four years ago, had an eventful 2021 with more than 60 million handset shipments. The smartphone maker has recently launched its top-tier Realme GT 2 Pro smartphone with Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset in the country and now, it intends to be the first brand to democratise premium technology in India. In an exclusive interview with ABP Live, Madhav Sheth, CEO, Realme India, Vice President, Realme and President, Realme International Business Group explained how the company is planning to create ripples in the premium handset category, its 'Go Premium' strategy for India and more.
"With our ‘Go Premium’ strategy, we aim to offer the best premium experience to users. Realme will endeavor to be the first to democratise high-end technology in order to expedite 5G-empowered tech lifestyle for young Indians. The launch of the much-awaited GT2 Pro which is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 mobile platform and industry-first technologies reflects our commitment to consolidate leadership in this segment," Sheth told ABP Live.
Realme's Go Premium strategy is essentially allocation of over 70 per cent of R&D efforts towards developing new technologies such as quick charging, 5G and display. The company has aggressive plans to democratise premium features and refine its products to cater to the growing needs of its core consumer base.
"In 2022, we'll make a big splash in the premium smartphone segment -- we will bring in more products under the Realme GT series, which is our flag bearer in this range, and we will bring in flagship smartphones above Rs 50,000 segment. To cater to our core base of customers (the youth ), Realme will continue to refine its product lines and explore additional possibilities. We aspire to be the first and only brand in the premium segment to focus on democratising cutting-edge technologies in screen display, mobile photography, quick charging, and gaming," Sheth added.
Realme to reduce carbon emissions from premium GT series
The handset maker wants to take "Leap To Greener" as well, according to Sheth. By 2025, the company wants to reduce carbon emissions from its premium GT series smartphones by 50 per cent and reach "Double Zero" carbon emissions and zero waste landfill in corporate operations.
Realme's recently launched GT 2 Pro is its first true flagship smartphone and an industry first to have a bio-based polymer design. "The Paper Green and Paper White variants of GT 2 Pro have led to 35.5 per cent less carbon emissions during production," the Realme India CEO explained.
How Realme is encouraging local manufacturing
Realme says it supports the government's "Make in India" initiative and has been working towards improving its local manufacturing capabilities. "Under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, we have partnered with Bhagwati Products Limited and Videotex International Pvt. Ltd. and we are happy to share that we are now manufacturing our Smart TVs 100 per cent in India," Sheth said.
In 2021, the company partnered with KHY Electronics to manufacture its smart wearables and smart hearables in the country. Realme is aiming to achieve 100 per cent local production in smart wearables and hearables segment this year and attain this goal, it said it will increase its investment in local production and the quantity of production equipment with OEMs as well.