The Great Pixel Price Puzzle: Why Google’s Latest Phones Cost More in India?

Srishti Dey
Srishti Dey October 5, 2023
Updated 2023/10/05 at 9:45 AM

Introduction:

India’s IT community has long been interested in Google’s Pixel line of smartphones. The Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro’s recent launches have generated a lot of hype. There is a wrinkle in the story, though: Compared to other nations, India charges a premium price for these brand-new gadgets. Why is this occurring, and may Indian customers get a better price as a result? Let’s investigate the Pixel pricing conundrum and find out what is happening.

Pixel Price Shock: India vs. the World

Table 1: Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro Prices Across the Globe

Location

Table 1: Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro Prices Across the Globe

Location Pixel 8 Price (INR) Pixel 8 Pro Price (INR)
India Rs 75,999 Rs 106,999
US $699 $999
UK £699 £999
Japan ¥122,900 ¥159,900
Canada CA$949 CA$1,349
Singapore SGD 1,099 SGD 1,549



Why did the price of Pixels rise in India?

Google Pixel 8 series launch live updates: Pixel 8 Pro features on-device  generative AI | Technology News - The Indian Express

The China Connection

The fact that Google’s most recent Pixel phones are not made in India is a big contributing cause to the sharp price hike there. Instead, they are brought in from China, where there is an extra import tariff of 18%. As a result, consumers pay more for the products as compared to nations where production is done locally.



Blues of Currency Conversion

When it comes to pricing, currency exchange rates may play a complicated game. It is clear that the Indian market is paying more for these gadgets when you translate the US, UK, Japan, Canada, and Singapore pricing into Indian Rupees.

Does India Pay More Than Other Countries?



The Canadian Steal is the third heading

Imagine being able to purchase the Pixel 8 Pro in Canada for only a little premium above the cost of the Pixel 8 in India. It’s an enticing offer that causes Indian customers to wonder and start conversations.



A Tight Game Between the UK and India

The Pixel 8 costs almost as much in the UK as it does in India. Given that the cost of living and income levels are so different, why are Indian customers paying roughly the same amount as their British counterparts?

Japanese Savings

On the plus side, Japan appears to provide a small reprieve with Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro pricing that are somewhat less expensive than in India. Could this be a result of varying currency rates or market dynamics?



Uncharted Territory – Dubai, Thailand, and Vietnam

Although we have analyzed costs across various areas, there is still some ambiguity over the pricing of the Pixel 8 series in Vietnam, Thailand, and Dubai. However, historical evidence implies that they could tilt toward being less expensive than India.



Resolution of the Pixel Price Mysteries


The exciting story of the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro pricing in India and elsewhere is now complete. Import taxes, shifting currency exchange rates, and market dynamics provide problems as the table develops. Despite the fact that Indian customers may be feeling the pinch, it’s important to balance the advantages of bank incentives, exchange reductions, and the temptation of owning Google’s newest flagship.

The Pixel price conundrum serves as a reminder that the smartphone market is as unpredictable as ever as the tech industry develops, and new phones are released. For all of our fellow tech enthusiasts in India and everywhere, keep an eye out for the finest discounts since you never know when you could find your next big thing.

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