Samsung: EMI offer will boost Galaxy S4 sales in India

NEW DELHI, INDIA: A legion of anxious Indian consumers finally has had its device of dreams unveiled in India. Their uninhibited love for Samsung Galaxy S4 is obvious. Stylish, slim and sleek - the new Samsung device has got the looks. It is, perhaps, the first premium-priced product that has kicked up much frenzy in the Indian mobile handset market.

Well, the mid-income group consumers have more reasons to smile. The Korean smartphone major, while the Galaxy S4 was in the making, has also kept price sensitivity in mind. While it is launched at an MRP of Rs. 41,500, the real purchase price could be Rs. 40,000 or less, depending upon the retailers' operating margins. And, what's more? The company has extended a zero-interest EMI offer to this new device.

The EMI scheme, being offered by ICICI and Standard Chartered, is no less than a panacea for the company that has actually become a household name in India. "The EMI scheme is working well for us and we'll continue with it," said Samsung Mobile India vice-president Asim Warsi, who is buoyant about the overwhelming response.

The offer is currently available on credit cards only (VISA and MasterCard). "The offer of cash back is valid only on 12 months EMI (cash back is not offered on 6 months or 100 per cent downpayment). The cash back value is capped at Rs. 5,668," informed Warsi.

The scheme, according to the company, is available on a bouquet of Galaxy range devices, such as the Galaxy Note 800, Galaxy SIII, Galaxy Grand, Galaxy Note II and the Galaxy camera. Samsung, however, didn't share the volume percentage of sales through EMI offer.

The Korean giant that has come up with innovation-driven new imaging capabilities on Galaxy S4 coupled with a lucrative finance option is looking at creating ripples in the market.