Xiaomi may become a ‘big worry’ for OnePlus in 2020

NEW DELHI: After leading the budget smartphone race in India, Chinese smartphone brand Xiaomi is now gearing up to launch phones in the premium segment in India. Xiaomi has announced that it will be launching premium phones in its flagship Mi series in India. The Mi 5 was the last flagship Mi series phone that the company had launched in the country (in 2016) and it then continued with Mi A series offering stock Android operating system. However, Xiaomi seems to be now set to spread its wings and enter the premium market of above Rs 35,000.
Xiaomi’s entry in the 35,000-plus market may become a cause of worry for its home country rival OnePlus, which is already facing tough competition from Apple in this segment ever since the cost of iPhone XR has dropped. As per a market report by IDC, Apple has overtaken OnePlus and now leads the $500 or Rs 35,000-plus segment in India. OnePlus phones start at Rs 34,999 (for OnePlus 7) and the company has no footprint in the budget segment. Now, with Xiaomi planning to launch its premium Mi series in India, OnePlus will have another major rival to tackle in 2020.