India, May 3 -- India's smartphone market will write a new chapter this summer, as some Android phone makers belatedly find the confidence to launch expensive 'ultra' flagship phones. While Samsung and Xiaomi have continually done so, Vivo and Oppo are bringing their top-tier 'Ultra' phones to the country, for the first time. Three developments underline this trajectory. First, key Android phone makers believe a perceived price sensitivity of consumers isn't a threat to sales. Secondly, a vote of confidence for the Indian economy, with strengthening purchasing power. And lastly, to monetise a cultural shift that increasingly intertwines phones as status symbols and aspirational purchases.

The Ultra phones will be expensive propositions. ...