The past year has been a test for Xiaomi, one of the world’s largest smartphone and smart tech makers, which has faced falling sales in key markets, tougher competition and geopolitical challenges, but continues to surprise with innovations from foldable smartphones. MIX Fold 3 before the revolutionary electric car SU7. What's waiting for the brand in 2026-2026 Are we going to crash, as some analysts predict, or are we going to have a new technological leadership?
In this article, we will analyze the company’s real state of affairs, financial reports, strategic steps and technological trends, you will learn which Xiaomi models have the chances to become hits, why the brand is actively developing the electric vehicle market, and how changes in the company’s policy will affect pricing.
Xiaomi’s financial state: myths and reality
In 2023, Xiaomi showed its first revenue drop in 4 years, a 4.5 percent drop compared to 2022, which caused a wave of panic among investors and users: they say the company is on the verge of bankruptcy.
First, the fall in smartphone sales (-9,3% year-on-year offset by growth in other destinations:
- 📈 Smart home appliances (+12%: Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop robot vacuum cleaners 2S, smart lamps, sensors.
- 🚗 Electric vehicles (start-up of sales) SU7 2026: Over 100,000 pre-orders have already been collected.
- 💻 Laptops and tablets (+8%: Redmi Book and Pad 6 Pro lineup show steady demand.
Second, the company’s net profit grew 128% in Q4 2023, driven by cost optimization and increased margins for premium devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14 Ultra), which suggests that the brand is successfully moving from a strategy of “cheap flagships” to selling expensive equipment at a high margin.
| Indicator. | 2022 | 2023 | Change of change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue, billion $ | 28,7 | 27,4 | -4,5% |
| Smartphone sales, million units. | 190 | 172 | -9,3% |
| Net income, billion $ | 0,45 | 1,03 | +128% |
| The share of premium smartphones | 8% | 14% | +6 p.p. |
⚠️ Warning: Don't believe the headlines about Xiaomi's "crash": The company is deliberately cutting sales of budget smartphones (Redmi) 12C, Poco M6), It's a long-term strategy, not a sign of a problem.
Strategy: Where is Xiaomi headed?
The main vector of development of Xiaomi in 2026-2026 In the past few years, the company has diversified its business and entered new markets, and it no longer wants to be "just a smartphone manufacturer" and relies on the company to do so:
- 🚀 Electric cars: SU7 — The company's first sedan to compete with the Tesla Model 3. ~$30,000, which is 20% cheaper than analogues.
- 🤖 Robotic: CyberOne humanoid robot announced (though concept) but already has working prototypes for industrial use.
- 💡 IoT ecosystem: expanding the Mi Home lineup with health devices (tronometry, glucometers) and security (cameras with AI recognition).
- 🎮 Gaming devices: Black Shark brand return with new smartphones for gamers (Black Shark 6 Pro expected in 2026).
At the same time, Xiaomi does not abandon smartphones, but rebuilds the lineup: the premium segment (Xiaomi). 14/15 series, MIX Fold 4) The budget model will continue to grow (Redmi). A3, Poco C65) It will be easier and cheaper to use unified platforms (for example, MediaTek Helio chips). G36 Snapdragon instead).
New technologies: what is Xiaomi preparing?
V 2026-2026 Xiaomi plans to introduce several revolutionary technologies that could change the market:
- Frameless screens with a subscreen camera: Xiaomi 15 Ultra is expected to display with a pixel density 2K+ Fully hidden front camera (Under-Display Camera 3.0).
- Batteries with graphene anodes: the promised breakthrough is charging up to 100% in 8 minutes (the prototype is shown in 2023, mass production will begin in 2026).
- AI chips of its own production: Xiaomi has invested $$1 billion in Surge processor development C3 It's a Google Tensor, and it's going to be available in 2026.
- Foldable smartphones with ultra-thin cases: MIX Fold 4 should become thinner than Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 by 15% due to the new hinge.
Xiaomi is actively integrating AI into HyperOS:
- 🤖 Voice assistant with 10 support+ Languages (including Russian) and the ability to manage a smart home.
- 📸 AI retouch photo in real time (similar to Google Magic Editor, but with a lot of styles).
- 🔒 Privacy protection: blocking screenshots in messengers, encrypting cloud backups.
Which Xiaomi models will get AI chips first?
Risks and Threats: What could go wrong?
Despite its ambitious plans, Xiaomi faces serious challenges.
⚠️ Attention: The main threat is geopolitical constraints, with Xiaomi blacklisted in 2023 by the United States for its ties to the Chinese military, which could lead to a ban on the supply of American chips (Qualcomm, Broadcom) and software (Google Mobile Services).
Other risks:
- 📉 Competition in the smartphone market: Samsung and Apple aggressively reduce prices for premium models, and Chinese brands (Realme, Oppo) attack the budget segment.
- 🚫 Supplier dependency: 60% of Xiaomi components buy from Qualcomm and Samsung Display.Any disruptions to supply chains will hit production.
- 💰 Cost of electric vehicles: SU7 It may not be possible to meet expectations due to the high price (from the $30,000) against cheap Chinese competitors (BYD Seal for a seal. $25 000).
- 🔄 Change of leadership: in 2023 left the co-founder Lei Jun, the new CEO Lou Weibin could change strategy, causing instability.
Another problem is reputational risk, which in 2023 caused Xiaomi to be caught in a scandal over software updates that blocked smartphones from unauthorized countries (such as Russia), which led to massive returns of equipment and lawsuits, and if such incidents happen again, customer loyalty will plummet.
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Before buying a Xiaomi smartphone, check its regional firmware through the service new.c.mi.com/global/region. Devices with Global firmware or EEA It will be updated, unlike the models for China (CN) or (IN).
Xiaomi Tech Prices: What Will Happen to the Cost?
V 2026-2026 Prices for Xiaomi equipment are expected to rise in the years, but unevenly:
- 📱 Smartphones: budget models (Redmi) 13C, Poco M6) price 5-10% because of inflation and rising logistics costs. 14 Ultra, MIX Fold 3) — on 15-20% because of new technology.
Xiaomi plans to compensate for the price increase by:
- 🎁 Trading shares: discounts up to 30% on old models when buying new ones (for example, Redmi Note 12 for 1 ruble when buying Xiaomi 14).
- 🔄 Trade-in programs: the delivery of an old smartphone gives a discount of up to 50% on the new.
- 💳 Installment: Partnership with banks for loans under 0% on 6-12 months.
| Category | 2023 (average price) | 2026 (forecast) | 2026 (forecast) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget smartphones (Redmi) A3) | $120 | $130-140 | $140-150 |
| The middle segment (Redmi Note 13 Pro) | $300 | $330-350 | $360-380 |
| Flagships (Xiaomi 14) | $800 | $900-950 | $1000-1100 |
| Foldable smartphones (MIX Fold 3) | $1500 | $1600-1700 | $1700-1800 |
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If you are planning to buy a Xiaomi smartphone, the best time is the first quarter. 2026 (During this period, the company traditionally sells out old stocks before the release of new models, and prices for flagships. 2023 year (Xiaomi) 13T, Redmi K60) fall on 20-30%.
What to do with Xiaomi users 2026-2026?
If you already own Xiaomi appliances or are planning to buy, here are some specific recommendations for the next two years:
Check the regional firmware of your device
Update HyperOS to the latest version (via Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system)
Disable unnecessary Mi Cloud services to save battery
Follow the stock on the official website (especially on Black Friday)
Consider trading-in if your smartphone is over 2 years old-->
For those planning to purchase:
- 📱 Smartphones: if you need a budget device - take Redmi 13C POCO M6 Pro (they won't go up much).For the flagship, wait for Xiaomi 15 (autumn 2026) with a new AI chip.
- 💻 Laptop: Redmi Book 16 2026 — Best price/quality ratio (from the $500 Intel Core i5-13500H).
- 📺 Television: Xiaomi TV Q2 75"s" QLED-144Hz screen is the perfect choice for gamers (price) ~$900).
- 🚗 Electric cars: if you are in China, you can consider it. SU7. In other countries, wait for localization of production (no earlier than 2026).
For owners of old equipment (Xiaomi Mi 9, Redmi Note 8, etc.):
- ⚡ Battery holds less than 4 hours? Replace it officially (cost for Mi 9 — ~$30).
- 🔄 Is the system slowing? Make reset to factory settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge).
- 🚫 Do you not get an update? Install custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience) through TWRP.
How to check the originality of Xiaomi before buying?
Analysts’ forecasts: what will Xiaomi expect?
Experts disagree on Xiaomi’s future, but most agree on three scenarios:
- Optimistic (30% probability): The company successfully diversifys its business, SU7 Xiaomi 15 smartphones with AI chips return the brand to the leadership in the premium segment.Shares are up 50% by 2026.
- Moderate (50% probability): Xiaomi remains afloat but is losing ground in smartphones, offset by growth in IoT and electric vehicles. Profits are stagnating, but the company is avoiding a crisis.
- Pessimistic (20% probability): Geopolitical sanctions block access to key technologies, sales fall by 30%, the company is forced to sell units (for example, Poco or Black Shark).
Among the key factors that will affect the outcome:
- 🇨🇳 China: If the economy continues to slow, Xiaomi will lose its main market.
- 🤖 Success. SU7: If the electric car fails, the company will lose. $2-3 bln.
- 📱 Huawei’s return to the global smartphone market (thanks to its own Kirin chips) could take up to 15% of Xiaomi’s sales.
- 🌍 Global expansion: If Xiaomi fails to gain foothold in Europe and India, growth will stall.
According to analysts at Counterpoint Research, the most likely scenario is a moderate one:
"Xiaomi won’t be the next Huawei, but it won’t return to growth. 2020-2021 The company will find its niche in the premium segment and IoT, but will lose part of the smartphone market due to aggressive competition."