US residents may very well be getting a taste of the Chinese OEM Xiaomi’s brand of smartphones as it looks like they might be entering the market by 2015. Sources say they will be appearing at the Consumer Electronic Show in January 2015 and that they are currently investing in US technology and looking for funding as well. While they ship more phones in their country than Samsung, outside of China, they still have to make a name for themselves.
Joining their first ever US-based tech show in January seems like a good move for the brand, as they’re reportedly set to unveil the Mi5, their newest flagship that has high-end specs but with a low-end price, like most of the smartphones that have come out of China. It is rumored to have a 5.7-inch display running on Qualcomm Snapdragon 810. It will also supposedly have a 20.7 megapixel main camera, plus a fingerprint sensor just like what high-end Samsung phones have. And with a price of $325 off contract, you can expect a lot of interest for this gadget.
To prepare for their entry into the US market, sources say that Xiaomi have joined in an investment round with tech company Misfit, which has been doing great things for cutting down prices of wearables. They are also looking at getting funding, with a value of $50 billion placed on their company. Hiring former Google head Hugo Barra in 2013 may also seem to be a preparation for their US invasion.
Xiaomi is reportedly looking at a sales growth of 160% for 2015, and this indicates a plan of expanding their market outside of Asia, where they already command a decent percentage in terms of devices shipped. Aside from smartphones, they also sell tablets, wearables and even televisions. So let’s see if they can charm US residents into parting with their cash and the other electronic brands they’re used to.
VIA: SlashGear
I would love to see Xiaomi bring their products to the US! Great hardware at a great price is always a good thing. While the US gets great hardware the great prices are absent, and if nothing else it should cause manufacturers(who are already selling here) to start lowering their prices.
Bring it on! I think with how carriers are changing their subscription model and the competitiveness of metro, boost, cricket et al, now is a great time for their off contact and low price options.