After two years, we finally have a new Google Pixel phone in India. Since its global debut in May, Pixel fans in the country have been anticipating the arrival of the Google Pixel 6a. Has the wait been worthwhile? The verdict is still out, but early reactions to the Pixel 6a price in India have been mixed to say the least. This begs the question: did Google make a mistake with the Pixel 6a's price in India, or was it unavoidable? To understand this, consider how much the Pixel 6a costs and what it provides for the price.
What is the price of the Pixel 6a in India?
We have a new Google Pixel phone in India after two years. Pixel fans in the country have been eagerly waiting for the Google Pixel 6a to arrive since its global debut in May. Has the wait paid off? Well, the jury is still out on that, but early reactions to the Pixel 6a price in India have been divided, to say the least. This begs the question: did Google mess up with the Pixel 6a's India price or was it inevitable? To understand this, let's take a look at how much the Pixel 6a costs and what it offers for its price. How much does Pixel 6a cost in India? Google Pixel 6a has been launched at Rs 43,999 and the phone is available for pre-order through Flipkart. You can buy the new Pixel phone from July 28th. For Axis Bank card holders, there is a flat Rs 4,000 instant discount on the Pixel 6a, which means the phone can be bought for Rs 39,999. Google's Pixel A series has no doubt seen a significant price bump in India. To recall, the Pixel 4a was launched in India with an introductory price of Rs 29,999. The price of the phone later went to Rs 31,999. At the time, this was seen as reasonable pricing. Reasonable but not disruptive by any means Why is Pixel 6a expensive in India? Google hasn't officially specified why the Pixel 6a has been priced comparatively higher than the Pixel 4a in India. There seem to be a few obvious factors at play here. The Indian rupee has depreciated consistently over the years. Back when the Pixel 4a launched, the Indian rupee was at 73.5 against the US dollar. Today, the rupee has touched 80 against the US dollar, which is an all-time low. This has no doubt affected the price of the Pixel 6a in India. The Pixel 6a is priced at $449 in the US, which directly translates to Rs 35,880. But the phone has been launched at a significantly more premium price tag in the country. This is mainly due to import tax and GST that have been added over the phone's actual price. Yes, the Pixel 6a is imported and not made in India. So, as much as we feel Google could have priced the Pixel 6a more aggressively in the country, the brand was probably forced to launch the phone at a higher-than-expected price point due to taxes. The problem with the Pixel 6a's pricing is that the phone competes with some very interesting phones in the market that are priced more aggressively and offer better value for money. The Nothing Phone (1), for example, offers a unique design language and better display. Both OnePlus 10R and iQOO Neo 6 offer faster charging speeds and a better display compared to the Pixel 6a. Google definitely has its work cut out if it wants to sell a reasonable number of Pixel 6a units. The competition under Rs 40,000 is fierce right now and Pixel 6a is not exactly a value proposition in the segment
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