Xiaomi Hits The US – But Not At Full Power
Chinese phone maker expands to Western markets, but not all devices are present
The world’s third largest smartphone maker has revealed that its products will finally be able to be purchased in the US after Xiaomi revealed the next stage of its bid to take on the big players in the Android market.
The Chinese manufacturer has struck a deal with carrier US Mobile, which will begin selling Xiaomi devices in the US for the first time, although they do come with some drawbacks.
US Mobile, which said it will also look to import some handsets from Xiaomi’s fellow Chinese firm Meizu, says that Xiaomi’s latest devices will not be included in the shipments, and that the devices it sells will not run on high-speed 4G networks in the US.
Complete range
“US consumers have traditionally had to compromise to afford incredible devices,” said US Mobile founder and chief executive Ahmed Khattak.
“Now, with the launch of our marketplace, we are thrilled to offer complete range of exceptional smartphones for low monthly payments and to give our customers access to exceptional phones otherwise not available in the US.”
Xiaomi has enjoyed large success in its home country but has so far seemed reluctant to expand until ready.
The company announced the launch of several new online stores, including its first in the UK, back in May 2015, alongside the US, France and Germany. However, these editions of the Mi.com marketplace do not allow customers to purchase any Xiaomi devices, but instead a limited supply of accessories, including the 5000mAh and 10400mAh Mi power banks, Mi Band and Mi Headphones.
In April, the company launched the Mi 4 smartphone (pictured above) in India, which has now grown to become its biggest market outside of China, before also later launching two flagship ‘phablet’ devices, the Mi Note and Mi Note Pro, aimed at taking on Apple’s iPhone 6 and 6 Plus handsets.
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