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Xiaomi is too far away from being status symbol like Apple! So far, Xiaomi has made smartphones looking similar to Apple (in otherway copy cat), although at lower prices. However, I wouldn't be surprised if it establishes it's own identity in due course of time, if it continues on its aggressive path.
Just to site their path of differentiation in features which is starting - The new high-end Xiaomi Note to be launched soon (against iPhone 6 Plus) doesn't look like iPhone; it has unique design without any cue from Apple phones. It has bigger screen, stronger battery, better camera (flush with the phone) and more memory, at half the price of iPhone 6 Plus. So wait, Xiaomi is trying to build for status symbol, but that wait can be longer.... only China and India may not give it that status
There is no way, smartphone makers can escape IoT route to promote their smartphones going forward.
Xiaomi, by the way, is #2 in China by the number of units sold. Apple has taken the top slot.
Today, Xiaomi launched its Mi4 in India at ~$333, about 6 months after its launch in China. Let's see how that helps.
Xiaomi remains top phone seller for Q42014 as well as full year 2014 in China. See the IDC report here.
The table below shows interesting results - View attachment 13364
Apple dramatic entry to 2nd position in Q42014 is remarkable. May be due to their initial launch of iPhone 6 and 6 plus in China only? However, it cannot be ignored only on that fact, both Xiaomi and Samsung need to watch out as they lost share in Q42014 compared to Q32014. Samsung is losing market share significantly.
Xiaomi is strengthening its presence in India. Yesterday's news is that the chairman of India's top conglomerate, Tata Sons Ltd., Mr. Ratan Tata has invested into Xiaomi. That's a significant development.
When Tata has entered, it means something. Tata has presence in telecom services, networks, and titan watches also need to be on our radars. It wouldn't be a surprise, if Titan makes an arrangement with Apple to sell Apple watches!
Anyway, from Xiaomi's point of view, it's going to be strategic with Tatas. We are yet to see the future developments between Xiaomi and Tata.
