Realme to Launch More IoT Devices 5o5f6z Offline-Focussed Smartphones in Q2: Madhav Sheth

“IoT is going to be our next business growth in India,” said Madhav Sheth. 2m5253

By Jagmeet Singh | Updated: 6 March 2020 11:04 IST

Realme to Launch More IoT Devices, Offline-Focussed Smartphones in Q2: Madhav Sheth

Photo Credit: Realme 446e2l

Realme grew 263.5 percent in India last year, according to IDC

Highlights

Realme will launch new audio products, wearables, smartwatches in Q2
Realme TV models would take on Xiaomi’s Mi TV lineup
Realme’s offline-focussed phones will be unveiled in early Q2

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Realme, the Chinese smartphone maker that started its India journey in May 2018 and gained popularity by bringing affordable smartphones targeted at young customers, is moving beyond just the smartphone market in the country and will launch its range of connected devices. The first device in the same bid – Realme Band – was introduced in the country on Thursday and the company will add more in the second quarter of this year, a company executive told Gadgets 360.

The Realme lineup will include audio devices, wearables, smartwatches, and smart TVs. Realme is also in plans to bring its first offline-focussed series of smartphones that are specifically designed for customers purchasing products through brick-and-mortar stores in the country.

“IoT is going to be our next business growth in India,” said Madhav Sheth, India CEO, Realme, in a telephonic conversation with Gadgets 360.

Realme kicked off its new IoT-centric developments in India by Realme Link app that will serve as a platform for its connected devices.

However, Realme is not planning to limit its presence to just the wearables segment alone. The company, which was initially a sub-brand of Oppo, is in fact, aiming to release multiple devices across segments to grab a bigger pie of the consumer IoT market in the coming months.

“Our objective is to bring the IoT pillars, which will be the key connectors with the smartphones,” Sheth told Gadgets 360. “These will be like TVs, headphones, wearables -- all connected to smartphones… Now for giving the experience of these particular devices, we will be having few of the Realme stores, which we are planning to launch this year, where people can go and experience all the IoT products at the same time along with their smartphones.”

Madhav Sheth sees IoT as the next big thing for Realme
Photo Credit: Realme

Realme has already Xiaomi that has made the market tougher for several traditional players.

Alongside the Realme TV, the company recently gave a glimpse at its circular-shaped smartwatch that would come with a list of fitness-tracking features.

But by moving from being just a smartphone maker to venturing into the IoT market doesn't mean that Realme will limit its presence in the fast-growing world of smartphones. The company will continue to bring new smartphone models.

Offline-focussed Realme phones 43l5b

In November, Sheth divulged to Gadgets 360 that Realme would launch its offline-focussed smartphone series in India in the coming months. That smartphone series is expected to debut in early next quarter, he highlighted during the fresh interaction.

The offline-focussed smartphones from Realme won't be limited to offline stores in the country and will also be available through e-retailers, though their design and features would be aimed at buyers looking for new products at retail stores.

Realme iQoo. So far, the company has significantly utilised online channels and is selling its phones and accessories through its native website -- alongside e-commerce portals. Its offline existence, on the other hand, is at present limited to third-party sellers. Nevertheless, it does see a strong potential to grow further by leveraging the offline market in the country.

‘5G devices across all price points' 4f95i

Last month, Realme 5G phone. It is also one of the two 5G phones that are so far available for purchase in the Indian market.

The Realme X50 Pro 5G has compelling specifications, including the flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 SoC, dual selfie cameras, a 64-megapixel primary rear camera. But the company doesn't want to limit its 5G offering to the top-end segment and has plans to bring 5G devices for the masses.

Realme X50 Pro 5G comes as a offering

“We have a vision to bring 5G devices across all price points over a period of time,” Sheth told Gadgets 360.

However, what restricts Realme is something that hasn't convinced companies such as Huawei and Samsung to bring their 5G phones to India -- the delay in 5G rollout.

“We're still waiting for the telcos to start rolling it [5G] out,” said Sheth. “Once it comes, we'll bring more affordable 5G devices across all price segments.”

According to a recent report by Counterpoint Research, Realme was one of the top-five smartphone players in India in the fourth quarter of 2019 with a as a separate brand in July 2018.

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