Google Launches Direct Online Sales of Pixel Devices in India
News Desk
New Delhi: Google has kicked off direct online sales of its Pixel smartphones, watches, and earbuds in India through its official Google Store, signaling a major push into the country’s booming premium electronics market ahead of its first physical store launch.
This marks the first time that Indian customers can purchase Google hardware directly from the company online, rather than relying on authorized retailers or Walmart-owned Flipkart, which previously handled the bulk of Pixel sales in the country.
The move mirrors rival Apple Inc.’s strategy, which includes direct sales and exclusive retail outlets. Apple currently operates two official stores in Mumbai and New Delhi and dominates India’s premium smartphone segment — with devices priced above $520 — holding a market share of around 55% in 2024, according to Counterpoint Research. In contrast, Google’s Pixel phones hold just 2% of that market.
Pixel smartphones in India are priced from approximately $360 for entry-level models to $1,900 for the high-end versions. Apple’s iPhones are available from around $520 to $2,100.
Google is also preparing to open its first brick-and-mortar stores in India, its first outside the U.S. The company is reportedly finalizing store locations, with plans to replicate the Apple store model that has proved successful globally, boasting over 500 locations worldwide.
To further strengthen its foothold, Google has already begun manufacturing some Pixel models locally in India, aligning with the government’s push for tech firms to boost domestic production.
India currently has an estimated 712 million smartphone users, making it one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing mobile markets — and a critical battleground for global tech giants.
