16
Nov,2025
When Acer Inc. quietly slipped back into the Indian smartphone market on April 15, 2025, few expected it to come back with a punch — and a thermal cooling system. The Taiwanese tech giant didn’t launch its own phones. Instead, it handed the keys to Indkal Technologies Private Limited, an Indian contract manufacturer, and let them build two devices under the Acer name: the Super ZX and Super ZX Pro. Priced at ₹9,990 and ₹17,990 respectively, these aren’t just budget phones. They’re gaming-first machines, built for teens and young adults who want performance without the premium tag. And they’re selling fast — the first major sales event, confirmed by India TV News on May 26, 2025, saw thousands of units vanish in hours.
A Strategic Comeback, Not a Direct Return
Acer hasn’t sold smartphones in India since the mid-2010s, when its Liquid Z500 and E700 models faded into obscurity. Back then, it tried to compete head-on — designing, manufacturing, and shipping its own devices. It lost money. This time, it learned. By licensing its brand to Indkal Technologies, Acer avoids the costs of factories, logistics, and local service centers. Indkal handles everything: sourcing components, assembly, warranty, and distribution. All Acer gets is brand equity and royalties. It’s a model used by Nokia, Motorola, and even Huawei in recent years. But for Acer, it’s a redemption arc.
"This isn’t a comeback," said one industry analyst who spoke anonymously. "It’s a low-risk experiment. If the Super ZX sells 500,000 units in six months, they’ll double down. If it flops, they walk away without a scratch."
What’s Under the Hood? Gaming Specs for Under ₹18,000
The Super ZX Pro is the star. It packs a 6.7-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and Dolby Vision — rare at this price. The MediaTek Dimensity 7400 chipset, which powers flagship phones in Southeast Asia, is here. Paired with up to 12GB+12GB RAM and a 5000mAh battery, it’s not just for TikTok and Instagram. It’s for Genshin Impact, PUBG Mobile, and COD Mobile — all day, every day.
And it’s built to handle the heat. A dedicated vapor chamber cooling system, metal frame, and frosted glass back make it feel premium. The 50MP Sony IMX882 main camera with OIS? That’s a flagship-level sensor. Even the 50MP front camera records 2K video. Dolby Atmos stereo speakers? Check. IP64 water and dust resistance? Also check. For ₹17,990, you’re getting features usually reserved for phones costing ₹25,000 or more.
The base Super ZX is no slouch either. It uses the MediaTek 6300, still a capable mid-range chip. The 6.78-inch 120Hz display, Stock Android 15, and 33W fast charging make it a compelling ₹10,000 option. As Notebookcheck noted, after currency conversion, it’s priced at roughly $105 — a number that’s almost impossible to beat.
Why This Matters for Indian Consumers
India’s smartphone market is a battlefield. Xiaomi, Samsung, and Realme dominate. OnePlus and Motorola fight for the mid-tier. But no one’s really targeting the ₹10,000–₹18,000 segment with true gaming DNA. The Redmi Note series? Good, but not optimized for long gaming sessions. The Poco X series? Better, but often lack premium materials. The Super ZX Pro isn’t just another phone — it’s the first in this price bracket that feels like a dedicated gaming device.
YouTube reviewer Gyan Therapy’s June 5, 2025, unboxing video confirmed what specs suggested: the phone stays cool during extended gameplay, the display is vibrant, and the camera performs surprisingly well in daylight. "I expected a plastic, overheating mess," he said. "I got something that actually feels like it was designed for gamers."
What Went Wrong the First Time — and How They Fixed It
Acer’s earlier attempts in India were hampered by poor after-sales service, slow software updates, and a lack of marketing muscle. The Liquid Z500 sold for ₹7,900 in 2017 — but if your phone broke, you had to ship it to Singapore for repair. No local service centers. No software support. Consumers felt abandoned.
This time, Indkal is handling service through its own network across 15 major cities. Software updates are promised for at least two years. And the marketing? Sharp. Teasers dropped in March hinted at "The Next Horizon" — a clear nod to gaming aspirations. The launch wasn’t flashy, but it was precise: Amazon India, no retail clutter, no inflated margins.
What’s Next?
If the Super ZX series sells over 1 million units by year-end, expect a Super ZX Ultra with a Snapdragon chip and 144Hz display in 2026. If sales lag, Acer may quietly exit again — but this time, they’ll have proven the licensing model works in India.
For now, the message is clear: you don’t need to build a factory to own a market. You just need the right partner, the right specs, and the right price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Acer Super ZX phones really made by Acer?
No. The phones are manufactured by Indkal Technologies Private Limited under a trademark licensing agreement with Acer Inc.. Acer provides the brand name and design guidelines, but Indkal handles all production, sourcing, and distribution. This is a common model in India’s smartphone market, used by brands like Nokia and Motorola.
How does the Super ZX Pro compare to the Redmi Note 13 Pro?
The Super ZX Pro matches the Redmi Note 13 Pro in display quality and camera hardware — both have 50MP main sensors and 120Hz AMOLED screens. But the Acer device has a metal frame, IP64 rating, and Dolby Atmos speakers, which the Redmi lacks. The Redmi has better software updates and a stronger service network, but the Acer phone feels more premium in build and is better optimized for sustained gaming.
Is the MediaTek Dimensity 7400 good for gaming?
Yes. The Dimensity 7400 is a 6nm chip designed for performance and efficiency. It’s used in phones like the Realme 12 Pro+ and Poco X6 Pro, and handles games like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Mobile at medium to high settings without throttling. Paired with Acer’s cooling system, it outperforms older chips like the Helio G99 and even some Snapdragon 7-series chips at this price point.
Why did Acer delay the launch from March 25 to April 15?
The original March 25 launch was planned for devices called Acerone Liquid S162E4 and S272E4, which used outdated Helio P35 chips. After feedback from tech reviewers and market analysis, Acer and Indkal scrapped those plans and redesigned the phones with the newer Dimensity 7400 and improved cameras. The delay allowed them to launch a far more competitive product — and likely saved the brand’s credibility.
Can I get software updates for these phones?
Yes. Indkal Technologies has promised two years of Android security updates and at least one major OS upgrade. The phones run Stock Android 15 out of the box, which means faster updates than most Indian brands that use heavy skins. However, long-term support beyond two years remains uncertain — a common trade-off in licensed models.
Where can I buy the Acer Super ZX phones?
The phones are currently available exclusively on Amazon India through Indkal’s official store. There are no retail partnerships with Croma, Reliance Digital, or Xiaomi Stores yet. Sales are tied to Amazon’s big shopping events — like the May 26 sale — which helped drive initial demand. Future availability in physical stores depends on sales performance.
