sean (1) I totally get what you’re saying — compact doesn’t have to mean cheap. A smaller phone should be able to deliver mid-to-flagship performance, just like the ZenFone 9/10 did. That’s exactly the sweet spot I want too — powerful daily performance in a pocketable size.
However, ₹50,000 for a compact phone? At that price you’re in full flagship territory, and for a brand/series that’s not yet established at that level it becomes hard to justify:
Performance expectations are high, sure — but so are camera, display, longevity, software support, and brand trust.
At ₹50k, you’re up against proven flagships with better ecosystems and proven long-term value.
So for something like a CMF compact offering, a price > ₹40k becomes tough to defend unless every aspect (camera, OS updates, service, accessories) matches true flagship levels.
To me, a mid-high range compact with flagship-like specs but a more thoughtful price hits the best value for most users — powerful, practical, and still within reach.
CHEAP < AFFORDABLE
