Representative image, Asia Manufacturing Review Team

Vivo Looking to Manufacture Foldable Phones in India

Asia Manufacturing Review Team | Friday, 31 May 2024

 Representative image, Asia Manufacturing Review Team

After achieving the top position in the Indian smartphone market in Q1, Chinese smartphone brand Vivo is set to launch its first-ever foldable smartphone in India. The device, named XFold3 Pro, aims to capture a share of the country's rapidly growing premium segment, directly competing with industry giants like Samsung and Apple.

The XFold3 Pro will be assembled in India, utilizing some locally sourced materials at Vivo's new 170-acre factory, which is expected to be fully operational by the end of June. Scheduled for an early June launch, this foldable smartphone will be Vivo’s first product priced over Rs 1 lakh, positioning it against Samsung’s fifth-generation foldables and other high-end offerings from brands like OnePlus and Tecno.

 “These numbers also say you are getting the trust of consumers. We did not want to launch anything just for the sake of launching. Premium customers are looking not just for a product. They are looking for an experience. They are looking for a brand they can trust,” said Geetaj Channana, Head of Corporate Strategy at Vivo India. He emphasized that Vivo’s customers are now ready to follow the brand into higher price segments.

For its first foldable smartphone in India, Vivo has focused on enhancing the crucial hinge component and overall design of the device, making it lighter and slimmer than its competitors. The XFold3 Pro adopts a book-shaped form factor similar to Samsung's flagship foldable, reflecting Vivo's commitment to delivering a premium user experience. By improving the hinge and optimizing the design, Vivo aims to provide a sophisticated, high-quality product that meets the expectations of discerning customers in the premium segment. This strategic move highlights Vivo's ambition to solidify its presence and expand its influence in the Indian smartphone market.