Samsung, a key player in the Korean electronics industry, has now extended its “Make in India” campaign by producing laptops domestically in India, following the launch of smartphones.
Samsung’s Noida Facility: Expanding From Smartphones to Laptops
According to a Times Now article, the laptops are put together at Samsung’s Greater Noida factory, where the company also produces wearable technology, smartphones, tablets, and feature phones.
The article further reveals that Samsung’s first shipment of locally produced laptops has already reached the Indian market, and more production expansion is planned. Samsung is increasing its production capacity with the support of the “Make in India” campaign.
Meeting With IT Minister Signals Bigger Plans for India
The Korean electronics giant aims to begin producing additional products in India, as reported by PTI. This comes shortly after IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw met with Samsung Southwest Asia President and Chief Executive JB Park and Samsung Southwest Asia Corporate Vice President SP Chun.
The PTI report also noted that the meeting indicated the company’s increased commitment to fortifying its relationship with India and supporting the government’s drive for domestic production.
India’s Growing Laptop Market and Samsung’s Opportunity
Brands like Dell, HP, ASUS, and Lenovo dominate the laptop market, whereas Samsung has not yet reached a wider audience of consumers. In September 2023, Samsung’s entry into the Indian laptop market began to generate excitement. According to reports, the company’s Noida facility would include a dedicated laptop unit that could produce between 60,000 and 70,000 units a year.
Government’s Push: Import Restrictions and PLI Incentives
With the goal of exporting entirely domestic cellphones and electrical gadgets, from semiconductors to completed goods, the “Make In India” campaign seeks to reduce India’s dependency on imports. Alongside this campaign, the government planned to impose import limits on laptops, tablets, and personal computers beginning in January of this year in an effort to pressure multinational giants like Apple, Dell, and Lenovo to increase their domestic manufacturing in the $8–10 billion sector.
Lenovo India MD Shailendra Katyal had stated that the company plans to treble local output to 12 million laptops and smartphones in FY25 from 6.4 million units in FY24, riding on the Centre’s “Make in India” push. In FY25, the business plans to treble local production from 6.4 million laptops and cellphones to 12 million units.
India’s Laptop Assembly Changes Gears Government initiatives, especially the production-linked incentive (PLI) programme, are encouraging several businesses to invest in new or expanded laptop manufacturing facilities in India.
For example, Dixon Technologies, based in Noida, signed an agreement with the Tamil Nadu government in April to invest INR 1,000 Cr in the construction of a laptop and personal computer manufacturing facility close to Chennai.
Tata Electronics was reportedly in discussions with companies like Microsoft, Dell, and HP, among others, to expand its capabilities and position itself as a fully integrated electronics producer, according to reports from last December.
Supported by EY’s forecast that the domestic electronics manufacturing services sector might grow into an $80 billion market by 2027, the consumer electronics sector in India has been gaining traction in the startup ecosystem.
Quick
Shots
•Samsung begins domestic laptop
production under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
•Assembly at Greater Noida facility,
which already makes smartphones, tablets, wearables & feature phones.
•IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw met
Samsung executives JB Park & SP Chun, signaling stronger India
commitment.
•Production-linked incentive scheme
driving investments in electronics assembly.
According to reports, Tesla and Samsung Electronics have inked a significant chip supply agreement valued at $16.5 billion through 2033. The action is intended to help Samsung’s faltering contract chip manufacturing division, which is up against fierce competition from TSMC.
Inside the $16.5 Billion Agreement: What We Know So Far
In the midst of trade negotiations, analysts say the agreement might lower losses and improve South Korea-US tech ties. Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, announced on 28 July that the US automaker has agreed to purchase semiconductors from Samsung Electronics. This agreement is anticipated to support the South Korean tech giant’s struggling contract manufacturing division.
Unnaming the customer, Samsung revealed on 26 July that it had signed a $16.5 billion chip supply agreement with a significant international corporation. It stated that the client had asked for confidentiality on the specifics of the agreement, which is set to expire in 2033. Reuters was informed by three people with knowledge of the situation that Tesla was the buyer of the deal.
Why the Deal Matters for Samsung’s Foundry Division?
Samsung is currently experiencing increasing pressure in the artificial intelligence chip manufacturing industry, as it is lagging behind competitors like TSMC and SK Hynix. This agreement is in response to this pressure. Its earnings and stock price have suffered greatly as a result of this delay.
Through its foundry division, Samsung, the leading memory chip manufacturer in the world, also produces logic chips that are custom-designed by clients. According to Kiwoom Securities analyst Pak Yuak, the most recent agreement will assist in lowering losses at Samsung’s foundry division, which he calculated totalled more than ₩5 trillion ($3.63 billion) for the first half of the year.
Geopolitical Stakes: Strengthening US–South Korea Tech Ties
According to analysts, Samsung has had trouble keeping important customers from switching to TSMC for cutting-edge processors. Among TSMC’s clients are Apple, Nvidia, and Qualcomm. The Samsung-Tesla agreement is also important for South Korea, which is looking for U.S. shipbuilding and chip collaborations as it makes desperate attempts to negotiate a trade agreement that would remove or drastically cut possible 25% U.S. tariffs.
Samsung’s Chip Struggles: Can This Deal Turn Things Around?
According to BNK Investment & Securities analyst Lee Min-hee, Samsung is struggling to increase manufacturing yields of its most recent 2-nanometre technology; therefore, it is unlikely that the order will incorporate the state-of-the-art technology.
In contract manufacturing, Samsung has been losing market share to TSMC, highlighting the technological obstacles the company must overcome to become proficient in advanced chip fabrication and draw in customers like Apple and Nvidia, analysts said.
It’s unclear how the order will impact Samsung’s plans to begin production at its new Texas factory, which has been postponed due to the company’s inability to attract big clients.
India’s electronics market is experiencing explosive growth, driven by advanced technology, rising disposable incomes, and an insatiable demand for the latest gadgets. From smartphones and wearables to smart home devices, consumers are embracing tech like never before, making this sector one of the most vibrant in the country. For ambitious entrepreneurs, electronics retail franchises offer a low-risk, high-reward entry into this booming industry. With established brand trust, scalable business models, and comprehensive support, franchising provides a faster and more secure route to profitability.
Here are the top 10 electronics retail franchises in India for 2025, brands that are changing the way Indians shop and experience technology.
Why Should You Invest in an Electronics Store Franchise in India?
Electronics have become a necessity rather than a luxury. There is no day without a smartphone, television, laptop, or kitchen appliances. Here are a few reasons why you should consider this segment:
Huge Market Potential: India is the world’s second-largest smartphone market and a key hub for consumer electronics. According to Statista, the consumer electronics market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.9% from 2025 to 2030.
Rising Digital Penetration: With the government’s Digital India initiative and 5G rollout, more people are upgrading to smart devices, leading to higher sales of electronics.
Easy Finance & EMI Options: Brands and retailers now offer easy EMI options, no-cost financing, and attractive discounts, making electronics affordable for a larger customer base.
Franchise Model Reduces Risk: Instead of starting from scratch, partnering with a reputed electronics brand ensures brand trust, supplier support, and better margins.
5 Benefits of Owning an Electronics Store Franchise
Strong Brand Recognition – Customers trust established names like Croma, Reliance Digital, or Vijay Sales, which gives franchise owners an instant advantage. This credibility attracts footfall and reduces the need for huge local marketing efforts.
Marketing & Advertising Support – Most brands invest heavily in advertising campaigns and provide promotional support. Franchise owners benefit from national and digital campaigns without spending extra on brand-building.
Assured Supply Chain – Brands ensure the timely delivery of products, which means no inventory hassles for the franchisee. This minimizes stock shortages and ensures customers always find the latest products in-store.
Training & Operational Support – From store design to staff training, franchisors provide complete guidance. This helps even first-time entrepreneurs run the business professionally and efficiently.
High Demand, Year-Round Sales – Unlike seasonal businesses, electronics sales peak during festivals, sales events, and new product launches, ensuring steady revenue. With technology upgrades happening frequently, there’s always a reason for customers to shop.
Best 10 Profitable Electronics Store Franchise Businesses in India
Croma (Tata Group)
Franchise Investment
INR 2–3 Crore
Space Required
8,000 – 10,000 sq. ft.
USP
Wide portfolio of gadgets, appliances, and consumer electronics backed by strong Tata brand trust and omnichannel reach.
Croma – Best Profitable Electronics Store Franchise Businesses in India
Croma, powered by the Tata Group, is a pioneer in India’s organized electronics retail sector. It offers an extensive range of products, including smartphones, laptops, home appliances, and smart devices. Its strong brand reputation, festive offers, financing options, and omnichannel presence make it a preferred destination for consumers. For franchise partners, Croma ensures high trust value, strong backend support, and consistent customer demand.
Backed by Reliance Retail’s extensive supply chain and aggressive pricing.
Reliance Digital – Best Profitable Electronics Store Franchise Businesses in India
Reliance Digital dominates India’s electronics retail market with a wide network of stores offering gadgets, home appliances, and personal tech solutions. The brand leverages Reliance’s robust supply chain, competitive pricing strategies, and exclusive product deals to attract high customer footfall. With strong brand recall, omnichannel integration, and customer loyalty programs, Reliance Digital provides franchisees a profitable and future-ready retail model.
Orient Electric
Franchise Investment
INR 30–50 Lakh
Space Required
800 – 1,500 sq. ft.
USP
Strong product portfolio in energy-efficient appliances and brand legacy of over 60 years.
Orient Electric – Best Profitable Electronics Store Franchise Businesses in India
Orient Electric is a household name in India, known for its innovation in fans, lighting solutions, and home appliances. With growing demand for energy-efficient and stylish appliances, Orient Electric offers a great retail opportunity with strong brand support, a reliable supply chain, and nationwide marketing initiatives. Franchise partners also benefit from Orient’s aggressive expansion plans and strong dealer network support.
XElectron
Franchise Investment
INR 2–5 Lakh
Space Required
150 – 600 sq. ft.
USP
Affordable smart gadgets and projectors with a focus on modern lifestyle needs.
XElectron – Best Profitable Electronics Store Franchise Businesses in India
XElectron caters to tech-savvy customers with affordable projectors, smart devices, and innovative electronic solutions. With a booming demand for home entertainment and smart gadgets, the brand provides franchise partners a low-investment entry into the electronics retail space with promising margins. Its focus on budget-friendly innovation makes it popular among young and urban consumers.
Samsung Smart Café
Franchise Investment
INR 30–70 Lakh
Space Required
600–1200 sq. ft.
USP
Exclusive access to Samsung’s latest tech and strong customer loyalty.
Samsung Smart Café – Best Profitable Electronics Store Franchise Businesses in India
Samsung Smart Café is designed to offer a premium shopping experience for Samsung enthusiasts, showcasing the latest smartphones, tablets, wearables, and accessories. Backed by Samsung’s global reputation and robust product ecosystem, these stores guarantee steady footfall and repeat customers. Franchisees benefit from regular product launches and aggressive marketing campaigns by Samsung.
High-demand products including TVs, refrigerators, washing machines, and smart home solutions.
LG Electronics – Best Profitable Electronics Store Franchise Businesses in India
LG Electronics has earned customer trust with its innovative and energy-efficient home appliances. Franchise partners enjoy access to an extensive product line, a loyal customer base, and strong after-sales service support. Seasonal offers and financing schemes help boost store conversions and maintain consistent sales.
Kay Dee Electronics
Franchise Investment
INR 20–40 Lakh
Space Required
2,000 – 3,000 sq. ft.
USP
Multi-brand electronics retailer with strong presence across North India, offering top household and consumer electronic brands, competitive margins, and fine-tuned regional operations.
Kay Dee Electronics – Best Profitable Electronics Store Franchise Businesses in India
Kay Dee Electronics (operated by Kay Dee Audiovisions Pvt. Ltd.) is a trusted consumer electronics and appliance retail chain established in 1988. This multi-brand store stocks major global brands like LG, Samsung, Sony, Whirlpool, Panasonic, Daikin, Haier, Carrier, Voltas, IFB, Godrej, TCL, Vu, and more.
Sony Centre
Franchise Investment
INR 50 Lakh – 1 Crore
Space Required
500 – 1,000 sq. ft.
USP
Exclusive brand outlet for premium Sony products with strong brand recall and cutting-edge technology.
Sony Centre – Best Profitable Electronics Store Franchise Businesses in India
Sony Centre is the official retail chain for Sony products in India, offering a premium range of electronics, including Bravia TVs, audio systems, PlayStation consoles, cameras, and accessories. Known for its focus on innovation and superior customer experience, Sony Centre provides a brand-driven retail opportunity. Franchise partners benefit from Sony’s global reputation, strong product lineup, marketing support, and consistent demand from tech-savvy consumers.
Bajaj Electronics
Franchise Investment
INR 25–50 Crore
Space Required
2,000 – 3,000 sq. ft.
USP
Strong presence in India with a wide range of home appliances, electronics, and competitive pricing strategies.
Bajaj Electronics – Best Profitable Electronics Store Franchise Businesses in India
Bajaj Electronics is a well-established retail chain in the consumer electronics segment, particularly dominant in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The brand is known for offering an extensive selection of electronics, including TVs, refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, and kitchen appliances. With aggressive pricing, attractive EMI options, and strong regional brand loyalty, Bajaj Electronics ensures steady customer footfall.
Haier Experience Store
Franchise Investment
INR 30–70 Lakh
Space Required
Approximately 250 sq. ft. (compact retail outlet format)
USP
Exclusive showcase for Haier’s smart appliances and IoT‑based home solutions, delivering futuristic interactive displays and brand experience.
Haier Experience Stores – Best Profitable Electronics Store Franchise Businesses in India
Haier Experience Stores (also called Haier Experience Centres or Zones) are exclusive retail outlets conceptualized to present Haier’s latest innovations, refrigerators, washing machines, ACs, smart home appliances, and TVs, in immersive, lifestyle-oriented settings. These mini‑stores emphasize live product demos in smart kitchen, bedroom, and living room environments to enhance customer experience.
Conclusion
Electronics store franchises combine brand power, growing demand, and scalable business models, making them a lucrative choice for Indian entrepreneurs. With the right location, brand, and customer service, this business can yield impressive returns. Choosing a trusted brand with strong supply chain support and marketing assistance can significantly reduce risks and boost profitability.
What are the most profitable electronics store franchises in India?
The most profitable electronics store franchises in India are:
Croma (Tata Group)
Reliance Digital
Orient Electric
XElectron
Samsung Smart Café
LG Electronics
Kay Dee Electronics
Sony Centre
Bajaj Electronics
Haier Experience Store
Can I run an electronics store franchise in a small town or Tier-2 city?
Yes, you run an electronics store franchise in a small town or Tier-2 city.
What are the benefits of owning an electronics franchise over an independent store?
Owning a franchise ensures brand credibility, assured product supply, staff training, national marketing campaigns, and a proven business model—minimizing startup risks compared to independent ventures.
Is it necessary to have retail experience to run an electronics store franchise?
No prior retail experience is mandatory. Most electronics franchisors offer end-to-end operational training, staff hiring guidance, and store setup support to help first-time entrepreneurs succeed.
No matter how big a brand is, how fancy their ad campaigns are, or how much they sell, everyone has their flaws and some embarrassing failed launches. Whenever there is a conversation about failed products, one cannot complete it without talking about the infamous Samsung Note 7, the phone that became a meme and a safety hazard after a lot of its units kept on exploding.
Samsung is one of the most valued brands in the world and sells a wide range of electronic devices from smartphones to dishwashers. Samsung is a colossal multinational company from South Korea and has a big influence there. Samsung is known to create innovative, high-tech, quality devices. Samsung has launched some ground-breaking and unique models, but some devices could have been better. And then some were straight-up failures and tainted the brand image.
Let’s take a look at some of those Samsung failures or Samsung discontinued products, and understand that even giant multinational businesses make mistakes sometimes.
Dim projector; short battery life; low demand; considered a gimmick.
Galaxy Note 7
Galaxy Note 7- Samsung Failed Products
The Galaxy Note 7 was launched in August 2016. The product received a decent response from the buyers, and a lot of people bought it. The phone came with a big screen, an enhanced stylus, and a promising camera. Everything was going great until the news about the phone overheating and exploding started going viral.
Most of the people who had that phone at that time were experiencing weird things with it. The temperature was the biggest issue, and it became a safety hazard. The market value of the brand dropped tremendously, and the product was doomed to fail. After that, Samsung sent replacements and then, ultimately, terminated the product and discontinued it.
Samsung Laptops
Samsung Laptops – Samsung Failed Products
Do not worry if you have never heard of Samsung laptops before, because their laptops are less talked about and are not as famous as their smartphones. Most of the people who bought the laptops were generally disappointed and wanted to switch to another brand.
The laptops were not as smooth and neat as the smartphones, and one could easily tell the company hadn’t put as much work into them. These days, they are still trying to push the new range of their laptops, but they are still not that popular amongst the general population.
Samsung A Series & Samsung M Series – Samsung Failed Products
When these phones dropped, people bought them like hotcakes, but after two or three days, the phones started having issues. The main issue was that they rebooted all of a sudden. The Exynos chipset utilized in these phones appears to be the source of the problems. People were dissatisfied since the phones were relatively new, and because Samsung is a well-known brand, this level of quality from Samsung was not acceptable.
And the phones were quite underwhelming themselves. Even without the technical issues, the customers were disappointed because the hardware was not up to par, and the phones were not up to the mark. Samsung had numerous competitors at that time, including Redmi, Vivo, Oppo, and OnePlus, all of which offered better services than Samsung at Oppo and OnePlus even offered lower prices.
Galaxy S10
Samsung Galaxy S10 – Samsung Failed Products
Samsung launched its Galaxy S10 range in 2019, and it has gained a lot of popularity. Samsung is a big name when it comes to smartphones, so a lot of people bought it. The punch-hole camera, massive screen, quality hardware, and great camera tech got everyone hooked.
But still, like most of the Galaxy phones, these also have their issues. The apps kept on crashing, and they were forced to close. This ruins the experience. The fingerprint reader was also not working properly and made a lot of users angry. Users also claimed that the phone was overheating and that the battery life was very disappointing.
Another Galaxy device is on the list of Samsung fails. This time it is the Galaxy S21. The product did not sell well, and the quality was inferior as well. Users were experiencing tons of bugs and issues with the series. The latest Android 12 update was not helping the phone at all, and the phone was frustrating its users. The hopes were high, and the loyal Samsung fans were disappointed with the problems like quick battery drainage, installation issues, and many more. Samsung has promised a new system update to fix most of the problems, like bugs and software issues.
The new Galaxy Fold phones are fantastic, but the first one, which was released in 2019, was a big letdown. People were excited about getting it, as it was a foldable device with a huge screen. It created a lot of buzz because, at that time, it seemed like the future of technology had a lot to offer. But when the people finally got to use it, everyone felt underwhelmed. The phone was not cheap, so everyone was expecting some quality. But it felt like the only good thing was the big screen and nothing else. The quality was not up to the mark. The hardware was fragile, and the phone was not worth the price.
Samsung Galaxy Alpha
Samsung Galaxy Alpha – Samsung Failed Products
The Galaxy Alpha is another Samsung failed phones that was a fancy phone launched in 2014. It looked nice with a metal body and had good features. But it didn’t sell well because it was too expensive and didn’t do enough for the price. So, Samsung stopped making it soon after. Most people choose cheaper phones that offer more value. It was quickly replaced by the Galaxy A series, which was more affordable and popular.
Samsung Galaxy Beam
Samsung Galaxy Beam – Failed Samsung Products
The Galaxy Beam was a special phone from Samsung that could project pictures and videos onto walls. It was a new and fun idea, but it didn’t become popular.
One big problem was that the projector wasn’t very bright, so the image was hard to see, especially in bright rooms. Also, the battery didn’t last long when using the projector. Because of these issues, not many people bought it, and Samsung stopped making it soon after.
Samsung is a major player that has created a slew of amazing items that have proven to be game-changers. However, the company’s reputation has been soiled by a few failures. The majority of failure items were due to an internal problem. Samsung, on the other hand, has continued to develop innovative technology for its customers. Even if there are some failures, Samsung has provided aid to dissatisfied customers through replacement, software updates, and much more.
FAQs
When did Samsung enter India?
Samsung entered India in December 1995.
Why is there no Samsung in Japan?
Samsung does not brand their phones in Japan due to anti-Korean prejudice and a preference for Japanese-made products.
What are the failed products of Samsung?
Some of the failed products of Samsung are:
Galaxy Note 7
Samsung Laptops
Galaxy A & Galaxy M Series
Galaxy S10
Galaxy S21
Who are the top Competitors of Samsung smartphones?
Some of the biggest competitors of Samsung Smartphones are:
Apple
Huawei
Xiaomi
Oppo
Vivo
Lenovo
Sony
Microsoft
Motorola
Asus
Is Samsung F series failure?
The Samsung Galaxy F series is not considered a failure, but it’s not a major hit either.
Is Samsung M series failure?
The Samsung Galaxy M series is not a failure — in fact, it’s been one of Samsung’s more successful budget-to-midrange smartphone lines, especially in India.
Samsung Electronics has started a legal process against a tax demand of INR 4,300 crore (approximately $520 million) from Indian tax authorities. The dispute centers on a particular piece of telecommunication equipment, the Remote Radio Head, a key component for 4G networks, that Samsung imported from South Korea and Vietnam between 2018 and 2021. According to the tax authorities, this component was not classified properly and was therefore brought into the country without paying the requisite import duties, which should have been at least 10% and might have been as much as 20%.
One of India’s biggest consumer electronics spaces is still manned by a South Korean firm that has long seemed to be on the right side of the customs authorities. For the longest time, in fact, Samsung seemed to be doing everything its competitors weren’t, in terms, at least, of avoiding a confrontation with the customs authorities. For the past several years, since 2017, Samsung’s customs practices have been under a microscope. Starting in January 2021, the customs authorities have been taking a very critical view of those practices, with Samsung ordered to pay a total penalty of $1.5 billion (Rs 11,000 crore) since then.
Reliance’s Role in the Argument
Strengthening its case, Samsung has invoked the import history of Reliance Jio itself. Filings with the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) in Mumbai show that Reliance had used a nearly identical method of classification for the very same type of equipment before 2017. Yet, according to reports, customs officials took no action against Reliance.
During its investigations, Samsung found out that Reliance had been warned as far back as 2017 by the authorities about the classification issue. But this red flag was never communicated to Samsung. The company now contends that the years of inaction by regulators effectively endorsed its classification method. So, Samsung believes, the current penalty lacks legal and procedural fairness.
Global Firms Push Back
Samsung’s case follows closely behind another high-profile tax dispute. The German car manufacturer Volkswagen recently contested a record-setting INR 11,600 crore ($1.4 billion) claim made by Indian tax authorities. At issue in both disputes are similar allegations of misclassified imports. These two prominent challenges by multinational corporations may signal bad publicity. They could be seen as indications of rising discontent among foreign investors over the certainty and consistency of India’s tax and regulatory regime.
Samsung’s 281-page appeal defends the legality of its classification and criticizes the process followed by the authorities. The company contends that the January 2025 tax order was issued hastily and without adequate opportunity to respond, despite the financial and operational stakes involved.
Apart from the INR 4,300 crore tax demand, Indian authorities have also slapped an INR 670 crore ($81 million) penalty on seven Samsung employees. This means the total liability is now at INR 5,000 crore ($601 million). As of now, there is no public indication that the individuals penalized intend to mount a challenge to the ruling on their own. The India arm of Samsung clocked a net profit of around INR 7,800 crore ($955 million) in the last fiscal. Therefore, the demand for current taxes represents a big financial risk, one that could color the company’s investment plans and its operational strategies in one of its most crucial markets.
India has accused South Korean tech giant Samsung of tax cheating in the purchase of necessary telecom equipment and has imposed a $601 million tax demand on the company. One of the largest orders in recent years, it may have a significant impact on Samsung’s net profit in India, which was $955 million in 2024. It may be contested in court or before a tax tribunal. The company was warned in 2023 for misclassifying imports to avoid 10% or 20% tariffs on a crucial transmission component used in cell towers. The corporation also imports telecom equipment through its network segment.
Tug of War Between Samsung and Custom Authorities
By arguing that the component did not incur taxes and that officials had been aware of its classification method for years, Samsung persuaded India’s tax office to end the investigation. However, customs officials disagreed in a private order dated January 8 that was examined by a media outlet. Samsung “knowingly and intentionally presented false documents before the customs authority for clearance” and “violated” Indian regulations, according to the ruling issued by customs commissioner Sonal Bajaj. Investigators discovered that Samsung violated all industry norms and commercial ethics in order to fulfil their exclusive goal of maximising their profit by cheating the government exchequer, Bajaj continued. Samsung was mandated to pay 44.6 billion rupees ($520 million), which included a 100% penalty and outstanding taxes. It imported and sold these goods to Reliance Jio, the telecom powerhouse owned by billionaire Mukesh Ambani.
The ruling stated that seven executives in India, including Sung Beam Hong, the vice president of the network business, Dong Won Chu, the chief financial officer, and Sheetal Jain, a general manager for finance, as well as Nikhil Aggarwal, Samsung’s general manager for indirect taxation, face fines of $81 million.
Samsung’s Response
In a statement, Samsung stated that it conformed with Indian legislation and that the problem was with the way customs classified the goods. To make sure its rights are completely safeguarded, the business is evaluating its legal options. The event occurs when India tightens its regulations on foreign businesses and their imports. Due to incorrectly classifying automobile parts, Volkswagen is contesting a record demand of $1.4 billion in import back taxes in a legal dispute with New Delhi. The issue has reignited the concerns of foreign investors regarding tax battles, but the German corporation denies any wrongdoing in what it described as a “matter of life and death” for its India operation.
The Samsung probe started in 2021 when tax officials raided the company’s offices in Gurugram, which is close to New Delhi, and Mumbai, the financial capital, and confiscated records, emails, and a few electronic devices. Later, senior executives were questioned. A radio-frequency circuit housed in a compact outside module, the “Remote Radio Head” is “one of the most important” components of 4G telecom networks, according to tax officials, and its imports are at the heart of the Samsung controversy.
According to reports, Samsung is developing a new line of extended reality (XR) smart glasses. Similar to the recently disclosed Project Moohan headgear, Google’s Android XR platform is anticipated to power these smart glasses. As the XR headset is anticipated to be more complicated to use in contrast, Samsung wants to provide more comfort and versatility with the smart glasses, according to a report by Android Authority. Samsung may introduce both the Project Moohan headset and the much-anticipated XR smart glasses during a joint launch event later this year, as per the various media reports.
Codename “Haean”
It has been revealed that Samsung has been working on their XR smart glasses under the codename “Haean.” The company’s primary goal seems to be making the device as comfortable as possible by customising it to match various face shapes, which will make it easier for a larger audience to utilise. The Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Plus Gen 2 CPU, which is probably also powering the Project Moohan headgear, is slated to power the upcoming Samsung smart glasses. According to the media citings, the glasses might possibly have a 155mAh battery and a built-in 12MP camera. Furthermore, the gadget might have several sensors to monitor user movements, which could allow for gesture control and fitness tracking features.
Special Features to Look Forward to
AI integration is anticipated to be a major feature of the Haean glasses, with Samsung most likely depending on Google’s Gemini assistant, which is comparable to Meta’s AI-powered Ray-Ban smart glasses. According to reports, Samsung is getting ready to release a first batch of 500,000 handsets at the upcoming Unpacked event in July. Although Google has made references to its own Gemini-powered smart glasses, no formal release date has been disclosed. Samsung’s foray into the smart glasses industry may have a big impact on how Android-powered XR devices develop in the future. Whether or not the device will have a display is still unknown. However, Google said that the Android XR platform will enable glasses without screens when it was unveiled. It is anticipated that Gemini AI will be essential to system navigation if Samsung’s smart glasses adopt this strategy. Users would get help from the AI assistant with things like directions, conversation translation, and smartphone message summarisation.
One of the Main Obstacles is Affordability
Although smart glasses have a lot of potential, there are obstacles to their widespread use, chief among them being cost. Historically, many firms, particularly smaller ones, have been unable to afford smart glasses due to high production costs. This obstacle is acknowledged by many experts, who stress that in order to be widely adopted, smart glasses must be “light enough” to fit in the pocket. Industry giants like Intel are actively working on creating affordable solutions to alleviate the affordability issue. Over time, price reductions due to mass production, economies of scale, and technological developments could make smart glasses a feasible choice for a wider range of organisations.
On 21 February, as the standoff between the striking workers and management approached its fifteenth day, Samsung India claimed that a group of workers attempted to disrupt operations at its Sriperumbudur plant, and now the company has asked the Tamil Nadu government for assistance in ensuring smooth operations. Maintaining a stable and safe work environment for all employees is Samsung’s top goal, the company said in an official statement. Today, several employees attempted to illegally disrupt operations and industrial peace once more.
The business has a zero-tolerance policy for any unlawful actions taken by employees that jeopardise workplace harmony and industrial stability. After three union officials were suspended, at least 600 members of the Samsung India Workers Union (SIWU) went on strike on the grounds of the Samsung India Electronics plant in Sriperumbudur. The South Korean company has been urged by the union to lift the suspension. The police had already requested that the workers leave the area where they were on strike.
Reason for the Strike
Some employees have been demonstrating against the earlier suspension of three of their Samsung India Workers Union officials who were supported by the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU). In the meanwhile, the company has asked the government for assistance in upholding discipline. According to the organisation, it is crucial that all employees follow its policies, and those who do not will face disciplinary action following the proper procedures.
The company has encouraged the state authorities to ensure worker safety, uphold discipline, and facilitate commercial operations, even as the brand’s production continues unabated. The South Korean behemoth’s $12 billion in revenue in India is largely derived from the Sriperumbudur facility, which produces washing machines, televisions, and refrigerators.
Not a New Scenario for Sriperumbudur Facility
Historically a centre for the production of electronics and automobiles, Sriperumbudur has seen labour unrest many times. The current conflict comes after a 37-day walkout that caused some production disruptions at Samsung last year. CITU appears to be trying to amplify the controversy. It had called for a one-day walkout at all of Tamil Nadu’s industrial units in the Kancheepuram area on February 20. A group of workers connected to the CITU union allegedly attempted to halt production on the morning of 21 February.
“In flagrant violation of the Factories Act, Samsung began production using temporary workers who were not included on the company’s muster rolls. We halted the production process ourselves because the state labour department is not acting on the company’s illegal practices in spite of several complaints,” stated A. Soundararajan, the state president of the CITU. Workers reportedly protested on the shop floor for almost five hours starting at 8 a.m. The demonstrators were then driven out of the building by the police.
By the end of the year 2024, 78.05 percent of the global population was using smartphones, according to Statista. The report also details that many people use multiple smartphones which results in a higher number of smartphone subscriptions than the physical handsets. What was 6.97 billion smartphone subscribers in the year 2023 is expected to rise to a whopping 8 billion by the year 2028.
The two prominent market leaders in the smartphone industry are Apple and Samsung. Statista also reported that, in the second quarter of the year 20224, Samsung held 18.3% of the global smartphone market share, closely followed by Apple with 17.7%. These two smartphone brands are fiercely competitive and are continuously swapping the top two positions in global market share. The competition between Apple and Samsung is strong, as both companies compete in smartphones, tablets, and other tech products with different features and price ranges. Here’s a look at both these brands and their journey, highlighting their fierce competition.
Origin
Apple Inc.
Apple’s first product, the Apple I, designed by Steve Wozniak
Headquartered in Cupertino, California, Apple currently enjoys the status of the world’s biggest company by market capitalization. As of January 31, 2025, Apple’s market value is $3.55 trillion. Over the past year, it has grown by 24.91%. As valuable as the company is, its story is one that has been told many times. Suffice it to say that Apple Computer Company was founded in the year 1976 by Steve Wozniak, Steve Jobs, and Ronald Wayne to develop and sell Apple I Computers. A year later the company changed its name to Apple Computers, Inc. and then went public in the year 1980. Management disagreements and power struggles between the executives led Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak to step back from their respective roles and pursue other individual ventures. The company landed in more trouble over the next decade and brought back Steve Jobs in a bid to guide the company back to success.
Apple – iPhone, Mac, and the iPod
It was then, that Steve Jobs turned Apple Inc., around by introducing a number of tactics and devices that included the iPhone, Mac, and the iPod. Through the years it launched many memorable campaigns, opened Apple Store retail chain, and acquired numerous companies to broaden its product portfolio. The brand enjoys a high level of customer loyalty and has been consistently ranked as one of the world’s most valuable brands.
The South Korean company was founded in the year 1969 and is headquartered in Suwon, South Korea. It was established as an industrial part of the Samsung Group. It was the result of a joint venture that was named Samsung-Sanyo Electric with Sanyo and Sumitomo Corporation. Samsung-Sanyo Electric was the predecessor to today’s Samsung Electronics.
Samsung SH-100 – Samsung’s First Mobile Phone
The company went on to produce electronic and electric appliances including televisions, calculators, refrigerators, air-conditioners, and washing machines. Since then, over the years, the company has grown its product footprint and expanded its presence across the globe. The company launched its first mobile phone in the South Korean market in the year 1988. It was only in the year 2007, that the company became the world’s second-largest smartphone manufacturer.
Samsung Electronic Products
By the end of the year 2021, Samsung Electronics was ranked at number two as the ‘Best Global Brands’ by the market research firm YouGov, and by mid-2022, PricewaterhouseCoopers ranked it at number 22 on their global top 100 companies by market capitalization.
Both of these conglomerates make some of the best products in the industry. Within the scope of consumer electronics, both these companies make the same products like smartphones, laptops, wearables, etc. Product commonality, however, breeds a very different customer base for both of these giants. The main reasons behind this are differences in design, price, compatibility, functionality, and the elusive idea of brand loyalty.
This is a look at one such common product – smartphones and how each brand fares in this particular product category.
User Experience
Apple and Samsung – Operating Systems
Even though both the smartphone brands work on different operating systems, Android on Samsung and iOS on Apple, the user experience in both is very similar. Samsung has made significant improvements over the years. Having said this, both these brands can improve in terms of design and optimization.
Product Durability
Apple and Samsung – Durability
Historically, both Apple and Samsung had huge issues with product durability. However, in recent years, both companies have made huge leaps and upgraded their products to be waterproof as well as have highly improved glass tensile strength.
Performance of the Product
Samsung is leading on the performance part as they have beaten Apple in 5G Systems by at least a year. However, the chips in Apple phones far outperform Samsung. Apple optimizes its chips rather than sourcing designs from other semiconductors on the open market. Samsung, on the other hand, leads the market with its display screens due to its concentrated R&D efforts. Overall, the product performance of an Apple smartphone in the real world is faster than that of Samsung.
Supply Chain Integration
This is a category in which Samsung is the clear winner as Apple is dependent on Samsung for product parts like OLED displays, NAND flash, and DRAM. Although Apple designs its own chips and is very competent in the area, its dependence on Samsung for procuring some parts reduces its competition with Samsung.
App Ecosystem and Native Services
Apple is unbeatable in this particular category due to its ecosystem in terms of the quality of services it offers on its devices. Samsung is dependent on Google for its services on Android. Also, Google’s apps and services that are implemented on iOS, sometimes work better than the Android version.
Platform Privacy and Security
Samsung’s platform openness versus Apple’s closed and personally managed platform means there is no comparison between the two when it comes to platform privacy and security. Apple has a track record of hardly keeping any personal logs or information about its users which stands it in good stead in the privacy category. Google, used by Samsung, is, at its heart, an advertising company. This means that the company collects data and information about its users for future use. Also, the Android ecosystem is full of malware making its usage a risk.
Product Range Comparison
Apple offers fewer phone options, with only its top models featuring the best technology at premium prices. More affordable choices come from older versions, which may get updates in the future.
Samsung provides a wider range, with budget-friendly options for basic users, high-end models with top performance, and foldable phones that remain expensive.
Pricing Comparison
Samsung is known for its budget-friendly phones. Its most affordable option offers a long-lasting battery, a reliable fingerprint scanner, and regular software updates, making it a solid choice for basic needs.
In countries like India, the UK, and parts of Europe, Samsung’s budget lineup includes phones with large batteries and multi-camera setups. These models sit below the more refined mid-range series but share some features with minor adjustments, including different processors.
Apple, on the other hand, does not offer phones at budget prices. The most affordable iPhones are either older models with outdated hardware and software or second-hand devices.
Apple iPhones have a simple and stylish design. They are easy to use, have a good camera, and a long battery life.
Samsung phones have more features, bigger screens, and more ways to customize.
Samsung offers phones at many prices, from budget to premium. Apple only sells expensive phones, with no budget options.
Apple’s software is smooth and secure, while Samsung gives more control and flexibility to users.
Conclusion
Apple and Samsung competition is strong, with both companies offering different designs, features, and price ranges to attract customers. Both are highly innovative companies that apply their innovations differently.However, customer loyalty is built by product offerings and whether it delivers value for the cost as well as in comparison to its competition. Both these companies are prime players in the consumer electronics sector and each has its own consumer base. It remains to be seen how they will both perform in the coming years.
FAQs
When was Apple founded?
Apple Computer Company was founded in the year 1976 by Steve Wozniak, Steve Jobs, and Ronald Wayne to develop and sell Apple I Computers.
Which was the first Samsung mobile phone?
Samsung launched its first mobile phone SH-100 in the South Korean market in the year 1988.
On which operating system does Samsung work?
Samsung works on the Android platform.
Are Apple and Samsung competitors?
Yes, Apple and Samsung are big competitors in the smartphone market.
How does Samsung compete with Apple?
Samsung competes with Apple by offering more phone options, bigger screens, more features, and Android’s flexibility, while Apple focuses on premium, simple, and secure devices.
Why is Samsung Apple’s biggest competitor?
Samsung is Apple’s biggest competitor because it sells the most smartphones worldwide, offers phones at all price levels, and competes in innovation, design, and technology. Both brands lead in premium devices, but Samsung also provides budget and mid-range options, attracting more users.
According to regulatory reports that were reviewed by a media house, Samsung, Xiaomi, and other smartphone manufacturers conspired with Amazon and Walmart’s Flipkart to debut goods only on the websites of the eCommerce businesses in India. This was done in violation of antitrust regulations.
Antitrust investigations carried out by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) have revealed that Amazon and Flipkart have violated local competition laws by giving preference to certain sellers, prioritizing certain listings, and steeply discounting products, thereby causing harm to other businesses. This information was reported by a well-known media outlet.
How Do Samsung, Xiaomi, Motorola, Realme, and Oneplus in Partnership With Flipkart and Amazon Violate the Norms?
In addition, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) stated in its 1,027-page report on Amazon that the Indian subsidiaries of five businesses, namely Samsung, Xiaomi, Motorola, Realme, and OnePlus, were “involved in the practice of exclusive” phone launches in “collusion” with Amazon and its affiliates, which is a violation of competition law.
In the case of Flipkart, a report by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) that was 1,696 pages long stated that the Indian units of Samsung, Xiaomi, Motorola, Vivo, Lenovo, and Realme engaged in comparable practices.
The involvement of smartphone manufacturers like as Samsung and Xiaomi in the lawsuit may provide them with additional challenges in terms of legal and regulatory compliance.
The concept of exclusivity in the economic world is repulsive. CCI’s additional director general G.V. Siva Prasad said in the Amazon and Flipkart investigations, in identical findings, that not only does it go against the principles of free and fair competition, but it also goes against the well-being of customers.
A particular media outlet noted in its special report that the CCI’s reports, which are dated August 9 and are not available to the public, have accused the smartphone companies of engaging in anticompetitive behavior.
What Next?
The CCI will examine any objections to its findings from Amazon, Flipkart, the retailer association, and the smartphone companies in the coming weeks. According to individuals familiar with the matter, the organization may impose fines and require the companies to modify their business practices.
The Indian retail industry has long held that online marketplaces like Amazon and Flipkart, as well as smartphone manufacturers, introduce new models of phones exclusively online. This has led to complaints from local businesses who claim they were unable to keep up with customer demand for new models and instead turned to online merchants.
Based on data analysis conducted by smartphone firms, both CCI reports concluded that exclusive releases had a significant impact on both online merchants and traditional brick-and-mortar stores that received mobile phones at a later period.
