Mid-range smartphones have been gaining popularity among customers in the country in recent years due to its affordable pricing, efficient features and sleek designs, according to mobile phone dealers.

According to Puskal Khatiwada, sales and marketing head at Nubia, of the total imports of smartphones, the mid-range segment commands 60 percent of market share. Oppo, Vivo, Nubia and Samsung are among some of the leading smartphone brands in the country that have been a variety of mid-range smartphones. And with the festive just around the corner, the companies are set to roll out various campaigns and offers in the mid-range smartphone segment.

“Mid-range smartphones are perfect for the average Nepali consumer, especially for gadget enthusiasts who like being up-to-date with the latest mobile technology,” said Hari Rana Magar, a customer who was visiting New Road searching for a new mobile phone.

ITP Nepal, authorised distributor of Nubia, has an array of mid-range phones, such as: the M2 Lite, priced at Rs19,999, the N2 at Rs24,899, the Z17mini at 29,999 and the Z17 miniS at Rs37,499. Likewise, Apex and Cellucity, national distributors of Vivo phone, said that the Vivo Y85 and the recently launched V11 have become popular mid-range smartphones of Vivo. The Vivo Y85 is priced at Rs29,990 and the V11 costs Rs39,990.

Samsung Nepal also opined that mid-range smartphones have opened new market spheres. According to the company, Samsung models such as J8 and J6 have great camera- and battery-performance, and these features have been admired by many customers. Mid-range smartphones from Samsung, such as the A6 (priced at Rs39,890, the J8 (priced at Rs31,490), the J600G (priced at Rs27,490) and the J600G (priced at 22,190) are gaining popularity among many customers, said the company.

Keeping in mind the nearing festive season, the company recently launched its Dashain offer, where lucky customers will get a chance to win a trip to Singapore, or win Samsung phones and tablets.

Tele Cell, the authorised distributor of Oppo smartphones in the country, also has different models in the mid-range smartphone segment with prices ranging from Rs19,490 to Rs41,590. According to Suraj Maharjan, public relations manager at Oppo Nepal, customers are assured with the quality of the product and services in the mid-range smartphones, and therefore opt to purchase them.

Oppo’s mid-range phones are priced thus: the Oppo A3s at Rs19,490, the Oppo A83 at Rs23,990, the Oppo A57 at Rs24,990, the Oppo A3s at Rs26,490, the Oppo A83 at Rs27,490, the Oppo F7 Youth at Rs31,590, the Oppo F7 at Rs38,990 and the Oppo F9 at Rs41,590.

The Oppo F9, one of their bestsellers, comes with a two-hour talk time in a five-minute battery charge, 25MP front camera plus a dual rear camera (16MP and 2MP) with AI beauty 2.1. Similarly, the F7, the selfie-expert phone, features an AI-powered 25MP selfie camera.

Maharjan said that the company will be launching a special edition of the Oppo F9 in a ‘Starry Purple’ colour for the festive season soon.

The company also has plans to run a ‘Best Dashain Gift’ campaign, where customers can win various exciting gifts through lucky draw, such as a Singapore tour, an Oppo F9 phone, a 3.32 inch LED TV, Oppo bags and passes for the grand finale of Nepal Idol.