Here’s why India has been shy of 2-in-1 tablets in 2016

2-in-1 tablets or ‘hybrid’ devices have had a slow growth primarily due to clunky design or inferior hardware that didn’t match up to entry-level notebooks. The onset of the Surface Pro was very crucial as Microsoft proved that a convertible tablet can replace a laptop, well almost. Since then various OEMs have created their own ‘Surface’ devices (even Apple and Google for that matter).
The scenario in India, however, is different as the Surface and similar devices fall in the premium price range. This makes them less accessible to the masses. Local OEMs like Micromax and iBall have tried their hands on creating a budget 2-in-1 tablet, but haven’t been able to intrigue their audience as of yet. Another important Indian OEM is Notion Ink. I say important because the company had a global presence when it announced its first product, the Android based tablet Adam, which was the same time when the Apple iPad started taking over the tablet world. Sure it didn’t go very well and the company got into trouble due to its slow supply chain, and it eventually got support from Microsoft to produce Windows based tablets. In my opinion, it is the only Indian manufacturer that has come close to creating a worthy budget 2-in-1 tablet.
Currently, the company sells a few models under the Cain series and recently introduced a new product called the Able, a sturdy Windows based 2-in-1 which has been designed based on consumer feedback. It is a solid value for money product, but yet again it hasn’t been able to create a buzz.
So why are OEMs not able to attract consumers? Agreed that some of them are not well polished, but devices like the Able are well suited for students and professionals who require a machine that is portable and reliable for everyday tasks. One of the reasons for the slow progress of 2-in-1 devices could be the explosive penetration of smartphones. Consumers have started relying on mobile devices more than the PC since they have become the next big tools of productivity, not to mention the growing size or popularly known as phablets. Another possible reason is Microsoft itself. By creating the Surface Pro, the company has not only set a benchmark but has also raised the expectations of consumers with its high-end features. Sadly that kind of technology is going to take years before it reaches devices in the entry-level or affordable range.
While the country is one of the early adopters of the new technology, but 2016 is not the year of 2-in-1 devices for India overall. Having said that, the coming years will be important as there will be a massive shift wherein consumers will move from large desktops to more portable 2-in-1 PCs.