Chinese smartphone maker OnePlus sees India to surpass China as its world's largest market as early as next year, Pete Lau, the company's CEO, told TOI.

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"In 2017, we expect India to surpass China as our biggest market," Lau said. "China is a big market but we would like to focus on one market and capture that country and create a strong platform for us to grow in other countries later on."

OnePlus will soon finalize its manufacturing plant location in India and launch a brick-and-mortar experience center in Begaluru, its first outlet as the company only sells online, the Telecom from the Economic Times reported.

Currently, OnePlus is undertaking a pilot manufacturing project at SriCity in Andhra Pradesh. The company will soon move to a bigger and better location after it finds success, according to The Financial Express.

"The Indian market is big enough for us to make in India and the government is supportive of local manufacturing. We can react to our customers fast by producing locally," Lau noted. Prices of OnePlus' products are expected to be drop as soon as it starts producing locally.

OnePlus initially made premium phones and was sold through 'invites only'; however, with its latest launch, the company decided to make its products totally available online.

Meanwhile, The Financial Express noted that OnePlus does not have sales target or has not tasked someone in sales. The company solely rely on word of mouth for publicity. Regardless, OnePlus is listed as India's top four premium smartphone brands.

Furthermore, Lau said OnePlus will focus on coming up with flagship devices instead of compromising quality by producing mid-range units.

TagsOnePlus, India, china, smartphone market