Xiaomi's Leap Forward: One in Seven Smartphones Sold Worldwide

Xiaomi has maintained a strong presence in the global smartphone market, ranking among the top three for 18 consecutive quarters. The global smartphone market as a whole experienced a growth trend in 2024, with total shipments reaching 1223.1 million units, a year-over-year increase of 7.1%, according to data from research firm Omdia. Although industry giants Apple and Samsung saw slight declines in shipments, with decreases of 1.4% and 1.1% respectively, brands like Xiaomi, Transsion, Vivo, Honor, Lenovo, and Huawei achieved significant growth. Huawei, in particular, demonstrated a remarkable resurgence, with its shipments surging 35.8% year-over-year, showcasing its robust market recovery.

Recently, Lei Jun expressed his excitement and nervousness on social media after being the first representative to be interviewed at the "14th National People's Congress Third Session". He introduced Xiaomi's achievements, stating that the company's huge investment in R&D has brought significant changes, and they have been ranked among the top three in the global smartphone market for 18 consecutive quarters. Lei Jun also emphasized the importance of manufacturing and innovation, stating that Xiaomi will continue to focus on technological innovation and high-end development, cultivating new productive forces and applying the latest artificial intelligence technologies to various terminals.

As Xiaomi continues to propel itself into the high-end market, Lei Jun has expressed ambitious plans to take its new energy vehicle business global, with the ultimate goal of emerging as a leader in the global new energy vehicle market. This forward-thinking strategy underscores the company's determination to expand its portfolio beyond smartphones and solidify its position as a major player in the tech industry. The move into the new energy vehicle sector is a significant step towards diversifying Xiaomi's offerings and mitigating risks associated with dependence on a single product category.

Xiaomi's success extends beyond its market performance, having a profound impact on society. Lei Jun's entrepreneurial spirit and Xiaomi's innovative approach have become a benchmark and source of inspiration for many young entrepreneurs. The company's commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring new technologies has created a ripple effect, influencing the way businesses operate and innovate in China. Furthermore, Xiaomi's success has also contributed to China's growing presence in the global tech industry, with the country already a leader or having global competitiveness in five high-tech fields: robotics, nuclear energy, electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing.

Xiaomi's achievements in the smartphone market are a testament to China's ability to compete globally, challenging the notion that Chinese companies cannot set international standards. The "Mi fan" culture, which has grown around Xiaomi, is a testament to the company's ability to connect with its customers and create a sense of community, which is rare in the tech industry. With its innovative approach, commitment to R&D, and leadership, Xiaomi has created a new benchmark for Chinese businesses, inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs and technologists, and its influence is likely to be felt for years to come, driving innovation and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the tech industry.