Xiaomi has successfully managed to venture into some high-voltage markets outside of China, but where the company is headed next might turn out to be one of its toughest challenges: South Korea.
Xiaomi won’t be selling its phones in Samsung’s home country just yet. Instead, it’ll partner with two local companies — Youmi and Koma Trade — to help sell and repair a few of its gadgets.
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By gadgets, I mean the Mi Band fitness tracker, a variety of its power banks, headphones, and the hoverboard/scooter Xiaomi developed in partnership with Ninebot.
It isn’t clear as to whether or when Xiaomi will sell its phones in the country. But like all other markets, it can be believed without doubt that Xiaomi’s intention is to get there in the future.
That said, Xiaomi managed to topple Samsung in China, but things are going to be a bit different in Samsung’s backyard. One can, however, expect Xiaomi to be prepared.
If I remember right SK Telecom banned xiaomi for selling the phones in Korea (due to patent problems apparently). It’ll be interesting to see how their next step turns out
KT attempted to sell the RN3 and it was halted but it had nothing to do with patents. It was due to pressure from Samsung and LG according to multiple reports. Korea is one of the toughest markets to sell in if you are not a Korean owned company. Most foreign brands in Electronics don’t last long there.
If you are every in SK go to a local cell phone shop, most are the same: about 80% Samsung and LG, 19% Pantech and other small Korean brands and occasionally you might see a Sony or Huawei model. Apple is really the only foreign cell phone company to find success there but they are in a different category.
Right you are. Pantech had released some very nice phones back in the day, (like the pantech vega series) but now you dont hear a lot from them anymore.
Really? Theyre still selling phones afaik
their last phone IM-A920S was in 2014 .
If I remember right SK Telecom banned xiaomi for selling the phones in Korea (due to patent problems apparently). It’ll be interesting to see how their next step turns out
KT attempted to sell the RN3 and it was halted but it had nothing to do with patents. It was due to pressure from Samsung and LG according to multiple reports. Korea is one of the toughest markets to sell in if you are not a Korean owned company. Most foreign brands in Electronics don’t last long there.
Seems fair, as the goverment also invested in these companies.
If you are every in SK go to a local cell phone shop, most are the same: about 80% Samsung and LG, 19% Pantech and other small Korean brands and occasionally you might see a Sony or Huawei model. Apple is really the only foreign cell phone company to find success there but they are in a different category.
Right you are. Pantech had released some very nice phones back in the day, (like the pantech vega series) but now you dont hear a lot from them anymore.