Skip to main content

BlackBerry more popular than iPhone in India

BlackBerry-India
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Apple’s iPhone may be the most popular line of handsets in the US, but the iconic smartphone isn’t the winner everywhere. In India, where more than 600 million people have cell phone service, Apple sells fewer devices than either Nokia or BlackBerry-maker Research In Motion, reports Bloomberg. In fact, RIM’s market share is expected to grow nearly 70 percent a year in India until 2015.

The reason is apparently because the wireless infrastructure in India cannot yet support the iPhone on a large scale, as well as the prohibitively high cost of the iPhone.

“The iPhone only really works when you have Wi-Fi ,” says Kshma Shah, a Mumbai resident who spoke with Bloomberg. “3G has barely started in India, and on 2G you just can’t have the same experience.”

Another reason for RIM’s success in India is because of the popularity of BlackBerry Messenger, a closed messaging services that only works between BlackBerry devices. Because BBM works well over slower network speeds, and because the service is used by a wide number of users, BlackBerrys have been able to retain their sought-after status.

Worldwide, RIM has seen its business dwindle beneath the growing weight of the iPhone and a swath of handsets based on Google’s Android operating system. But RIM’s success in India has helped make up for its losses elsewhere in the world, and the company is preparing to capitalize off of its popularity in India by expanding distribution to 80 cities, up from 15 last year.

“We want to ride this wave,” said Krishnadeep Baruah, RIM’s director of marketing in India. “This is really the time to expand into the emerging towns and cities.”

Apple, on the other hand, has reportedly made only a meager attempt to grow its business in India. At least part of this is likely due to the fact that the price of Apple’s devices sit well outside the grasp of most Indians, 900 million of whom are estimated to live on less than $2 per day. The least expensive iPhone 4 in India costs about $705.

[Image via]

Editors' Recommendations

Andrew Couts
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Features Editor for Digital Trends, Andrew Couts covers a wide swath of consumer technology topics, with particular focus on…
Nomad sale: Up to 85% off cases for iPhone, AirPods, Apple Watch
Nomad leather case for iPhone.

If you just got yourself a new device from iPhone deals or AirPods deals, your next purchase should be on protection for your smartphone or wireless earbuds. Nomad's cases will not only prevent physical damage, but they will also provide a unique sense of style so that your iPhone or AirPods will stand out anywhere you go. There's an ongoing Nomad Overstock sale with discounts of up to 85% covering cases for the iPhone 14, AirPods 3, and more -- check out everything that's available, and hopefully there's something that will be compatible with your current device.

What to buy in Nomad's Overstock sale
Nomad's Overstock sale includes cases for the iPhone 14 series, iPhone 13 series, iPhone 12 series, and iPhone XS series. For the largest discounts, the Modern Leather Case - Horween for the iPhone 14 Plus is 85% off,

Read more
Best refurbished iPhone deals: Get an iPhone 14 for $507
An iPhone 13 in white color option.

Apple started the whole idea of a smartphone, so it's probably no surprise that it makes some of the best on the market. Of course, they are known for being quite expensive, especially if you want to grab the best iPhones, which will easily run you close to or over $1,000. Luckily, there are some great iPhone deals you can take advantage of, whether unlocked or through a carrier. There are also some other alternatives in the form of refurbished phones. Now, a lot of folks do sometimes shy away from refurbished gear, but it's important to note that many, if not all, refurbished phones come with a guarantee and extended return windows, so you shouldn't worry about getting something defunct. Also, refurbished phones tend to be substantially cheaper than new ones; plus, they do cut down a lot on e-waste, so you are helping the environment.

Either way, we've gone out and found some of the best refurbished iPhone deals out there to save you a little bit extra. We've found a pretty wide range too, so be sure to checkout all the deals available below.
iPhone XR -- from $166
iPhone XR Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends / Digital Trends

Read more
The iPhone 16’s huge redesign has leaked. Here’s what’s new
iPhone 15 Pro Max lying on the ground surrounded by leaves.

Apple fans might be in for a lukewarm surprise when Apple releases its next wave of iPhones this fall season. Over the past few weeks, numerous outlets — including 91 Mobiles and MacRumors – and independent insiders have shared alleged CAD-based renders of the entire iPhone 16 portfolio.

In 2024, it seems Apple will shower more love on the entry-point models, bestowing them with a slight design refinement on the rear shell. Leaks suggest the camera island on the iPhone 16—and likely its Plus variant as well—will get a pill-shaped makeover. Other changes are reported for the 16 Pro and Pro Max models. There's a lot to cover, so let's dig in.
The iPhone 16's brand-new design
On the current-generation iPhone 15 duo, we get diagonally arranged camera lenses positioned atop a square-ish glass bump. In the upcoming versions, Apple is reportedly replacing it with a vertical pill-like camera island, mirroring the look we first saw on the iPhone X.

Read more