The Evolution of Mobile Phones in India: From Brick to Smartphone
Mobile phones have progressed rapidly in recent years, especially in India. The transformation has been stunning, particularly when we look back to when mobile phones first came into existence. From brick-sized phones to sleek, thin smartphones, mobile phones have come a long way in a short time.
In the early 1990s, mobile phones were considered a luxury item, only accessible to the rich. They were heavy and cumbersome, resembling the size and weight of a brick. Few people owned a cell phone, and those who did would have to pay high rates for every minute of use. The high cost of mobile phones and services meant that they were only within the reach of the affluent in society.
With time, mobile phones became smaller and lighter. The 2000s saw the introduction of flip phones, which were significantly smaller and more portable. These devices were more affordable and more widely available, leading to a surge in mobile phone ownership in India.
In the early 2000s, Nokia was the most prominent mobile phone brand in India. Black and white screens were standard, and more advanced features were absent. Polyphonic ringtones were the norm, and people exchanged SMS messages using T9 text input. At this time, mobile phones were merely a tool for communication.
In the mid-2000s, mobile phones underwent a significant change. They started to become smarter, with more advanced features such as cameras, color screens, and the ability to send multimedia messages. The likes of Sony Ericsson, Samsung, and LG became popular in India. These devices offered more engaging experiences, making them more attractive to consumers.
Nowadays, smartphones have become the norm in India. Users demand a high-quality mobile experience, accessing the internet, using social networks, and playing games on the go. Indian smartphone market share, therefore, has grown drastically over the past years, with Samsung, Xiaomi, and OnePlus leading the manufacturer ranks. With the introduction of cheaper smartphones and mobile data, it is believed that India will become the largest consumer of smartphones worldwide by 2021.
In conclusion, mobile phones have undergone an exponential evolution in India. These devices have progressed from brick phones, which were limited to phone calls and text messages, to smartphones that have an extensive range of features and capabilities. The rise of smartphones today is experiencing exponential growth in India. The changes have been entirely transformative, and no one could predict what the future holds for mobile phones in the coming years.