गाउँको दूरदराजदेखि काठमाडौंको सिंहदरबारसम्म

Kathmandu: Infinix Nepal has introduced a new “Big Phones, Small Payments” campaign, allowing customers to purchase selected smartphones through a 0% interest EMI scheme. While the offer aims to make premium smartphones more affordable, it also raises concerns about the growing reliance on easy financing to drive consumer spending.

Under the scheme, customers are required to make a 10% down payment, while the remaining 30% can be repaid over 6 months at 100% interest through Goodwill Finance Limited. The offer covers several Infinix devices, including the HOT 70, NOTE Edge, NOTE 60, NOTE 60 Pro, and GT 30 Pro series.

The initiative comes as smartphone manufacturers increasingly use installment-based financing to boost sales in a highly competitive market. Industry observers say such schemes make expensive devices more accessible but may also encourage consumers—particularly young buyers—to purchase products beyond their immediate financial capacity.

Financial analysts have long cautioned that “buy now, pay later” and EMI-based purchasing can create long-term financial commitments that many consumers fail to consider at the time of purchase. Even when interest is not charged, borrowers remain responsible for making regular monthly payments, and missed installments may lead to financial stress depending on the financing terms.

Consumer advocates also argue that aggressive marketing campaigns emphasizing low monthly payments can overshadow the total cost of ownership, potentially encouraging impulse buying rather than informed purchasing decisions.

Under Infinix’s latest offer, monthly installments range from NPR 3,600 to NPR 5,350, depending on the selected model. The company says the campaign is intended to make advanced smartphone technology more accessible and provide customers with greater financial flexibility.

However, experts recommend that consumers evaluate their monthly income, existing financial obligations, and repayment ability before signing up for any installment-based purchase, regardless of whether the financing carries zero interest.

As smartphone brands continue to compete through financing offers instead of direct price reductions, the debate over responsible lending and responsible borrowing is expected to gain further attention among regulators, lenders, and consumer rights advocates.

Note: The 0% EMI scheme itself is a legitimate financing option. The concerns highlighted in this report reflect broader discussions about consumer borrowing and installment-based purchasing, not any allegation of wrongdoing by Infinix Nepal or Goodwill Finance Limited.