In a move that surprised many tech enthusiasts, OnePlus appears to be exiting the smart TV and monitor market in India. This news comes after reports surfaced in October 2023 suggesting the company had ceased production of its smart TVs in the country. Now, a strong indicator of their exit is the removal of the smart TV and monitor sections from the official OnePlus India website.
The Signs Point to Farewell: Delisted Categories and Unresponsive Buttons
While the official announcement from OnePlus is still awaited, their actions speak volumes. Visiting the OnePlus India website currently reveals the absence of dedicated sections for both smart TVs and monitors. Clicking on the “Buy Now” button for previously listed TVs redirects users to a non-existent page displaying a “404: This page is unavailable” error message. This strongly suggests that OnePlus is no longer actively promoting or selling these products in India.
A Look Back: OnePlus’ Smart TV Journey in India
OnePlus first ventured into the Indian smart TV market in 2019. They introduced various series of smart TVs, including the Y series, U series, and Q series, catering to different budget segments. These TVs were known for their sleek design aesthetics, even in the affordable sub-₹50,000 category. OnePlus’ foray into smart TVs initially offered a fresh perspective for Indian consumers, but the market landscape has become increasingly competitive in recent years.
Not Just OnePlus: A Broader Market Trend?
Interestingly, OnePlus isn’t the only brand seemingly exiting the Indian smart TV space. Realme, another smartphone brand owned by the same parent company, BBK Electronics Corporation, has also reportedly stopped selling smart TVs in India. BBK Electronics Corporation is a Chinese multinational conglomerate that operates through three independent entities: Oppo, Vivo, and BBK Education Electronics. OnePlus and Realme fall under the Oppo umbrella, while Vivo’s subsidiaries include iQOO. Notably, Vivo and iQOO haven’t ventured into the smart TV market in India, focusing primarily on smartphones and IoT devices. This shared strategy by sister companies under the BBK Electronics umbrella suggests a potential shift in focus for these brands within the Indian market.
Uncertain After-Sales Service and Remaining Stock
Despite the website changes, OnePlus TVs are still available for purchase through e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart. However, with the official channels seemingly discontinued, there’s uncertainty regarding future after-sales service for these TVs. Customers who purchase OnePlus TVs from e-commerce platforms might face challenges in securing warranty repairs or replacements if the official service network is no longer operational.
A Multitude of Alternatives: Where to Look for Your Next Smart TV
The Indian smart TV market boasts a diverse range of options from established brands like Samsung, Sony, LG, and others. These brands offer a wide variety of features and technologies, catering to various budgets and preferences. Additionally, Xiaomi and Blaupunkt have emerged as strong contenders in the affordable smart TV segment, offering feature-packed Android TVs at competitive prices under ₹15,000. With the apparent exit of OnePlus, consumers have a wealth of alternative options to explore when purchasing a new smart TV in India.
Considering a OnePlus TV? Here’s What to Keep in Mind
If you are contemplating buying a OnePlus TV, here are some crucial factors to consider in light of the recent developments:
Limited Availability: With the delisting from the official website, readily available stock might be limited. You might have to rely solely on remaining stock at e-commerce retailers.
Uncertain After-Sales Service: The future of after-sales service and warranty support remains unclear without an official announcement from OnePlus. Purchasing from e-commerce platforms might create challenges in securing repairs or replacements.
Alternative Options: The Indian market offers a plethora of compelling smart TV options from established and emerging brands. Explore these alternatives before making a final decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is OnePlus officially leaving the smart TV market in India?
A: While there’s no official statement yet, the removal of the smart TV section from the official website and the unavailability of “Buy Now” options strongly suggest an exit.
Q: Can I still buy a OnePlus TV in India?
A: Existing stock might still be available through e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart. However, availability might be limited.
Q: Why has OnePlus decided to exit the smart TV and monitor market in India?
A: While OnePlus has not provided an official statement, speculation suggests a shift in the company’s product strategy or market dynamics may have influenced this decision.
Q: Can I still purchase OnePlus TVs in India?
A: Yes, OnePlus TVs are still available for purchase on e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart. However, buyers should be aware of potential limitations in after-sales support due to the removal of OnePlus’s product categories from its official site.
Q: What are some alternative options for smart TVs in the Indian market?
A: Consumers can explore smart TV offerings from established brands like Samsung, and Sony, as well as budget-friendly options from Blaupunkt and Xiaomi.
