I recently had the opportunity to speak with Arijeet Talapatra, the dynamic CEO of itel India, a brand that has built an unshakable reputation in India’s budget smartphone and feature phone segments. With a mission to make “technology for all” a reality, itel has become a trusted name in Indian households, connecting more than 110 million consumers through its range of feature phones, smartphones, smart gadgets, and televisions.
Under Talapatra’s leadership, the brand has achieved remarkable success, from maintaining its No. 1 position in India’s feature phone market with over 31% market share, to becoming one of the leading players in the sub-Rs 10,000 smartphone category with 22% market share (as per CMR 2024). itel’s strength lies in combining affordability, reliability, and durability with localized innovation that caters to the real needs of Bharat.
Our discussion spanned several themes, from itel’s guiding philosophy and product durability to its AI initiatives, large-scale manufacturing, and plans to create a connected ecosystem of smart products.
Below is the complete interview, divided into thematic sections for clarity.
1itel’s vision of “technology for all” in India’s digital decade
Arijeet began by reiterating the brand’s founding belief: “We strongly believe that affordable technology is the backbone of India’s digital decade. It is not just about devices, it is about empowerment.”
He explained how this belief drives itel’s product strategy. “As India accelerates its digital growth through initiatives like Digital India and 5G networks, our focus remains on delivering high-quality, feature-rich products at accessible price points. This ensures that no one is left behind in the journey toward a truly connected and inclusive Digital India.”
For Talapatra, “technology for all” is not a slogan, but a social commitment. “Whether it’s a farmer who needs a simple, long-lasting feature phone, or a fisherman who depends on signal strength in remote seas, or a young student buying their first smartphone, we want to provide them with a device that is durable, reliable, and affordable,” he said.
He added that itel’s product philosophy has expanded over time: “That’s why today you’ll find itel across various categories including feature phones, smartphones, smart gadgets, televisions, and many more upcoming product lines. This approach has helped us connect with more than 110 million customers in India.”
