Xiaomi becomes the world’s second largest phone maker for the first time

Xiaomi is now a real heavyweight in the field of smartphones. Canalys estimates that the Chinese tech giant became the world’s second-largest phone brand in the second quarter of 2021, jumping 83% year-on-year to claim 17% of the market. The company not only passed Apple (14%) to claim second place, but also passed its Chinese rivals owned by BBK, Oppo and Vivo, which both held 10%. Samsung has kept its lead at 19%, but there is clearly not much of a gap.

The key, as you can guess, was the price. Xiaomi’s average selling prices are well below those of Samsung (40%) and Apple (75%), and even flagships like the Mi 11 are relatively affordable. This may have contributed to Xiaomi’s strong international expansion, including a 300% jump in Latin America, a 150% peak in Africa and a 50% gain in Western Europe. And unlike its fallen competitor, Huawei, Xiaomi does not have an American blacklist to obscure its future.

It is not certain that Xiaomi will maintain its position. The second quarter is historically weak for Apple as it reaches the end of a given iPhone’s release cycle. Canalys also notes that Oppo and Vivo don’t stand still – they have their own dreams of world domination. And if Xiaomi hopes to escape its low-cost reputation, it needs phones like the Mi 11 Ultra and the Mi Mix Fold to resonate with the public.

Even a temporary second place would be notable, however. While Xiaomi has long had a major presence in its native China, the company has waged a much fiercer fight for international recognition. Now he’s big enough to fight with giants like Samsung and Apple – it’s just a question of whether or not Xiaomi can become the leader.