Honor 90 set to release in India soon with Google services; 150 service centres at launch

Additionally, industry sources have revealed that Honor plans a massive network of 150 service centres in India right at the outset, from the launch stage. Madhav Sheth has been steadily revealing Honor’s India strategy and in his famous talk series #AskMadhav, now with Honor, he’s revealed what we can expect from the Honor 90 India variant. Sheth also threw light on other products that we’re likely to see from the company, in an exclusive interview with 91mobiles’ Editor-in-Chief, Deepak Dhingra. Here are the highlights from AskMadhav 2.0 and our own exclusive interview:

• On whether Honor smartphones in India will have Google services: Madhav confirms that Honor smartphones in India will come powered with Android 13 and will have Google apps including Google Maps, Drive, Meet. Additionally, Honor is ensuring two years of Android updates and three years of security updates.

• What surprise will Honor give to the Indian audience: Here’s when Madhav announced that the Honor 90 India launch “just around the corner”. Madhav refrained from revealing all the specs of the smartphone, but promised a “true flagship experience” which could disrupt the premium smartphones segment.

  Even though the phone has launched globally, we can expect some customisations to the Indian variant. Rumours suggest the Honor 90 will be priced around Rs 40,000 in India.
• On innovations in upcoming Honor products in India: Users can expect “more immersive displays, AI driven enhancements, advanced camera technology and non-intrusive UIs” from Honor products in India. Madhav revealed that the Honor 90 could pack an AMOLED, quad-curve, floating display along with a durable screen.
• On excessive bloatware on premium Android smartphones: Going by Madhav’s words, the Honor 90 would be focussing on services and applications which are of actual value to users, including Google apps and other productivity tools. According to Madhav, the Magic OS 7.1 on the Honor 90 will be a “treat to use” with a smooth and non-intrusive UI. 
• Honor’s product roadmap in India beyond the Honor 90: The company will be bringing the Honor X series, which includes entry-level phones going up to mid-rangers. High-end mid-rangers which comprise the Honor number series can also be expected followed by the Honor Magic series, which includes the company’s foldable phones. Ancillary products including TWS, tablets can also be expected in India. Madhav states that they would be following a complete ecosystem strategy in India, which every brand aspires to do.