Chinese smartphone manufacturer Xiaomi has wanted to sell in the U.S for some time, and Chairman Lei Jun has revealed that they hope to make this happen by the end of 2018 or early 2019. A report from Engadget states that getting into the U.S market will be tough, with adapting to American regulations and setting up infrastructure, but Xiaomi already sells some of its goods in the US, so some of it is already in place.
I for one welcome the added competition. I switched to the Chinese OnePlus 3t a few years ago and have been very happy with the decision vs. handing over a pile of money to one of the bigger brands for essentially the same rectangle.
Xiaomi may have to be content with selling unlocked phones. It may have to be picky about the phones it brings over, as well. High-end phones like the Mi Mix series are a safe bet, but it's a tougher call for budget hardware like the Redmi Note lineup or Mi A1.
I for one welcome the added competition. I switched to the Chinese OnePlus 3t a few years ago and have been very happy with the decision vs. handing over a pile of money to one of the bigger brands for essentially the same rectangle.
Xiaomi may have to be content with selling unlocked phones. It may have to be picky about the phones it brings over, as well. High-end phones like the Mi Mix series are a safe bet, but it's a tougher call for budget hardware like the Redmi Note lineup or Mi A1.