PhonePe Launches SmartPOD, Enabling Card & UPI Payments In One Device

PhonePe has introduced its next-generation SmartSpeaker, the SmartPOD, to enhance digital payment acceptance for merchants across India.

Unveiled at the Global Fintech Fest 2025, the device reflects PhonePe’s ongoing commitment to creating practical, inclusive solutions for Indian businesses.

The SmartPOD represents a significant upgrade from previous smart speakers that only supported audio alerts for UPI payments.

Designed for merchants who predominantly rely on UPI, the new device allows acceptance of card payments, bridging the gap for businesses losing potential sales due to the lack of an affordable card payment option.

Manufactured in India, the SmartPOD integrates the features of a traditional POS system and a smart speaker into a single, cost-effective solution.

Empowering Merchants

“We are excited to be launching the SmartPOD at the Global Fintech Fest. While our earlier SmartSpeakers made QR code-based payment acceptance seamless, the SmartPOD goes a step further by enabling card acceptance through these affordable devices,” said Yuvraj Singh Shekhawat, Chief Business Officer – Merchant Business at PhonePe.

He emphasised that the solution is ideal for smaller merchants seeking to provide a full spectrum of digital payment options to their customers.

Shekhawat added, “We are elated to partner with our smaller merchant partners and equip them with solutions that help them compete with larger businesses while tapping new growth opportunities.”

The SmartPOD retains key features of the SmartSpeaker 2.0, including celebrity voice confirmation, 4G connectivity, and fast charging. It accepts cards from all major networks—Mastercard, Visa, RuPay, and American Express—supporting both NFC tap and EMV chip transactions.

Additionally, the device has a customer-facing display for transaction amounts, a merchant-facing display for easy input, a keypad for secure PIN entry, and supports e-charge slips for all card payments.

Flexible, Inclusive Solution

PhonePe offers a multi-tiered device approach, giving merchants flexibility to select solutions that meet their specific business needs.

This approach ensures that enterprises of all sizes can access affordable, secure, and efficient digital payment infrastructure, supporting the growth of India’s digital economy.

With the SmartPOD, PhonePe aims to further democratise digital payments across India, enabling small and medium businesses to expand their reach while offering customers a convenient and reliable payment experience.

The device underscores PhonePe’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and strengthening India’s merchant ecosystem.

Also Read: Jio Launches Free AI Classroom To Prepare India For The Artificial Intelligence Era