Smart forges exclusive device partnership with Xiaomi of China
Smart Communications (Smart) yesterday announced an exclusive collaboration with Xiaomi, the Beijing-based electronics firm which now ranks as the world's third largest smartphone distributor.
This was the first time Xiaomi partnered exclusively with Smart to offer its devices, following efforts to expand its distribution network in the country via traditional retail channels, aside from its usual online-only strategy.
A relatively young entrant in the smartphone race, Xiaomi was founded in 2010 by serial entrepreneur Lei Jun, who believes that high-quality technology doesn't need to cost a fortune.
Last year, it has sold 61 million handsets in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, India, Indonesia and Brazil, Xiaomi is expanding its footprint across the world to become a global brand
As part of the Smart- Xiaomi deal, the former will be the first and exclusive mobile provider in the country to offer Mi 4i to consumers nationwide as part of its Surf Plus Plans.
“This is the first time we partnered exclusively with a local telecom to offer our devices, as we introduce different ways to make it easier for Mi fans to get their hands on our products,” confirmed Steve Vickers, General Manager, Xiaomi Southeast Asia.
“We believe that users of Mi 4i will benefit from Smart’s expansive LTE network, and be able to experience fast and seamless connectivity nationwide,” he added.
For Smart’s part, “We are thrilled to be the exclusive telecom partner of Xiaomi in the Philippines,” says Smart Executive Vice President and Consumer Business Group Head Ariel P. Fermin. "With Xiaomi’s breakthrough mobile devices paired with our groundbreaking digital services, everyone can now truly live the ‘Smart Life’."
Smart will soon be announcing postpaid plan details and prepaid offers for the Mi 4i, as well as specific ways on how subscribers can get their hands on Xiaomi’s latest flagship device.
The Mi 4i, Xiaomi’s first MIUI 6 device based on Android L, features a 5” 1080p Full HD screen with the all-new Sunlight Display and runs on a highcapacity 3120mAh battery.
Powered by a 2nd-generation Qualcomm Snapdragon octa-core processor, Mi 4i claims to be an entertainment powerhouse that allows users to enjoy streaming video and music on YouTube, SPINNR or iflix on the go.