The jaw-dropping Xiaomi Mi MIX, with its edge-to-edge bezel-less display, will hit stores in China on Nov. 4. Xiaomi's calling it a "concept phone" at its core, despite the fact that the device will actually be sold, and not just the target of steady gawks of bystanders feeding off its eyecandy appeal.
However, according to Jai Mani, product manager for MIUI India, the Mi MIX isn't slated for release in other markets apart from its home country.
"It's still a concept so I don't think it really makes sense to launch it in other markets," Mani said.
To be fair, Mani was referring to the device's release in India, but the statement's validity rests on the Mi MIX being a concept phone. It appears to not be a market-related problem, but a problem stemming from the conceptual characteristic of the phone, despite working in seemingly perfect condition.
Mani also went ahead and made a follow-up comment, stating that the Mi MIX is prone to marketing issues. Certification, sales, manuals and labeling are potentially problematic aspects of the phone if it indeed crosses over in multiple markets outside China.
Of course, Mani's words should not be infallible proof of the Mi MIX residing permanently in its home country. But it's worth considering that Xiaomi itself calls the Mi MIX a "concept phone," and it might prove to be challenging to successfully market the phone without crossing over the novelty-item-gimmick territory.
Xiaomi's presence in other international markets has been visible yet lackluster. The company offers top-tier products at affordable prices, and it's an odd move for it to veer away in fleshing out exhaustive accommodation plans for other markets, like what LeEco, also a Chinese company, did in the United States.
Early forecasts suggest that the Mi MIX will be sold out in the first six months of release since Xiaomi is hugely popular in China, comparable with Apple or Samsung's popularity in the United States.
The Xiaomi Mi MIX is an incredible fusion of design and innovation, owing much of its sophisticated flair to French designer Philippe Starck who was in charge of designing the phone. It also packs a worthy punch in terms of specs. The device rocks a 6.4-inch display that takes more than 90 percent of the phone's whole front surface. It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processor and the Adreno 530 for graphics.
On the back of the device is a 16-megapixel camera that can record 4K video at 30 fps. If you're worried that the device won't be able to take selfies, then shave that worry off. At the bottom of the screen is the 5-megapixel front-facing camera, which is a bit unusual but nevertheless present.
It comes with either 128 or 256 GB of internal storage with 4 or 6 GB of RAM, for a base price of 3,499 yuan or about $516, which is incredibly inexpensive given the screen and the specs.
Do you think there's a chance the Mi MIX will retail in the U.S. market? Sound off in the comments below!
