Credit: Xiaomi
Chinese smartphone and technology giant Xiaomi is making the jump to the Australian market.
As reported by the Australian Financial Review, local distributor Panmi has secured the rights to handle the brand within Australia.
Panmi say they're starting things off by launching an online-focused Mi Store for Australian customers and then following that up with a number of authorized retail Mi Stores across Australia. These Mi Stores will host a range of exclusive Xiaomi & Mi Ecosystem products - not just smartphones.
According to them, "the authorized Mi Store provides an intimate user experience with the products, while maintaining the same price point as the online channels. Revolutionizing brick-and-mortar stores with the combination of the best in online and offline retail practices."
So far, five products have been confirmed for the Australian market:
- The Mi Mix 3 Smartphone - RRP AU$949.
- The Mi Electric Scooter - RRP AU$799.
- The Mi Band 3 - RRP AU$59.95
- The Mi 20000mAh Power Bank 2C - RRP AU$49.95
- Mi Ecosystem: Mi LED Smart Bulb - RRP AU$39.95
The AFR also say they have 'confirmed' that Xiaomi are currently in talks with Optus about adding its phones to local mobile plans and positioning the brand as "a new, well-respected, lower-cost rival to Apple and Samsung."
No word yet whether Telstra or Vodafone will look to do the same.
Xiaomi's Mi Mix 3, Mi Electric Scooter, Mi Band 3 and more are available now via https://www.mi-store.com.au/
