Xiaomi unveils new smartphone range as Lei Jun says Apple’s iPhone is still the industry benchmark
- Chinese smartphone giant Xiaomi launches new Xiaomi 13 series amid weaker consumer demand
- Xiaomi’s new models come as analysts gauge potential impact from the latest US trade restrictions on China
Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi unveiled its new flagship 13 series on Sunday, with founder Lei Jun pledging “courage and determination” to keep up the fight with Apple’s new iPhone models.
The new Xiaomi 13 and Xiaomi 13 Pro, priced from 3,999 yuan (US$571) and 4,999 yuan respectively, are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 mobile chip processor, which is made by US fabless chip designer Qualcomm. The new models compare with the iPhone 14 base price of 5,999 yuan and the iPhone 14 Plus starting price of 6,999 yuan.
Lei, who is sometimes regarded as China’s answer to the late Steve Jobs, said at the launch ceremony that Xiaomi continues to see Apple’s iPhone as its main competitor and benchmark.
“It is the starting point, from which we may have the chance to exceed the iPhone in future,” Lei said. “No matter if it is software or hardware, we regard the iPhone as the benchmark.”
02:23
iPhone 14 delays expected after days of violent protests at Foxconn Zhengzhou factory
Xiaomi is looking for new products to boost sales after third-quarter revenue fell 9.7 per cent year-on-year to 70.47 billion yuan while net profit dropped 59 per cent to 2.12 billion yuan.
