Smartphones have flooded the scene since the popularization of the iPhone. One of the world’s biggest markets, China, has also produced a significant competitor. Xiaomi may not be a household name outside of China, but it’s shaken up the mobile market enough for giants to take notice. While Apple and Samsung might still own the majority of the smartphone market in the US, Xiaomi is shaping itself as a significant competitor. After being founded in 2010, the Chinese company became well-known for their sleek-looking android phones –that borrowed some design elements from Apple- for relatively low prices.
What you might not know is that Xiaomi can do way more stuff than only smartphones. In fact, this company manufactures dozens of products from watches to TVs, radios and light bulbs.
Nevertheless, if you’re interested in the iPhone-like smartphones, you might be in for a bit of a surprise. Even though Xiaomi is starting to enter the American market, they still don’t have an official store, not even online. If you want to enjoy the Xiaomi experience in the US, you will have to go the alternative route:
- Xiaomi-mi website. This isn’t an official website but rather an importer of their products. They list most of the smartphones Xiaomi makes.
- Ebay. Here you can buy new or used Xiaomi smartphones, although you should be careful and read your vendor’s reviews.
- Craigslist. You can find real gems but also scammers, so be careful.
As Xiaomi touts its value as the world’s most valuable startup, insiders suggest that the company could go public or possibly purchase the GoPro shortly, so stay tuned for exciting products from the innovative founder, Lei Jun.
