Samsung to launch new hardware rich C-series; to launch C9 Pro for Rs 36,900

Samsung is touted to create a new series of premium smartphones in India which industry analysts said will help it to consolidate its market share in premium segment over rival Apple and the ever growing Chinese competition.

The South Korean smartphone manufacturer announced its entry into the C series smartphones which will be hardware rich and operate at Rs 30,000 plus positioned between the flagship S series and mid-segment A series. It will launch the first model C9 Pro in February, the second market after China where it is going to be launched, said Samsung India VP (Mobile business) Manu Sharma.

Samsung and Apple are the leaders in the premium smartphone segment and keenly contest for leadership in the Indian market. As per estimates, the Rs 30,000-plus handset segment accounts for 25% of the Indian smartphone market by value and around 5-6% by volume.

Sharma said there are 220 million smartphone users in India wherein the C series will be positioned as an upgrade option for consumers. “We had created the large screen phone category with Galaxy Grand and now expect to create this new price segment with the C series,” he said.

The C9 Pro will be available for pre-bookings from January 27 whereby consumers can avail a complimentary one time replacement for one year. The smartphone will be priced at Rs 36,900.