Xiomi -- what is it? Dispelling the myths of the "Russian Xiaomi"

Introduction: Where did the name Xiomi come from?

If you're looking for information about Xiomi, you've probably encountered some confusion: some say it's Xiaomi with a Russian accent, others say it's a separate brand, and others say it's a fake. In fact, Xiomi is an informal but widely used name for Xiaomi in the Russian segment, which is a result of the Chinese brand's pronunciation.

In this article, we will understand why Xiaomi began to call “Xiomi”, what is fraught with buying equipment, and how not to run into scammers who trade under the guise of “original Xiomi”, and you will learn whether devices with the “Xiomi” logo officially exist – or it is always a fake.

Spoiler: If you see XIAOMI in Cyrillic or Xiomi on the box, you're either counterfeiting or a local market product with a custom label, but in order.

Why is Xiaomi called Xiomi?

The root of the confusion lies in the transliteration of the Chinese name Xiaomi, which originally reads as “Xiaomi” (in Chinese approximately “Shaomi”), but Russian-speaking users often perceive the Latin “X” as “X”.

Interestingly, even in official documents and promotional materials Xiaomi sometimes spells “Xiomi” — but only in the context of Russian-language marketing. For example, in 2018-2020, some Russian retailers used the word in promotions to simplify search for users.

• 📌 Option 1: “Xiaomi” is the correct pronunciation in Chinese.
• 📌 Option 2: Xiomi is a Russian-language adaptation due to the visual similarity of X with X».
• 📌 Option 3: “Ziaomi” – a mistake that arises from reading the Latin alphabet incorrectly.

It’s important to understand that Xiaomi has never officially registered the Xiomi brand, which is a colloquial name, but scammers are taking advantage of it by releasing fakes with the words “Xiomi” on the case or packaging.

Differences between the original Xiaomi and “Xiomi” fakes

If you see a device with the Xiomi logo, it's a 100% fake or an uncertified clone. Xiaomi's original gadgets always have:

• 🔍 Logo Mi or Xiaomi (without Cyrillic).
• 📦 Packaging with English or Chinese characters (on official models for Russia there may be duplication in Russian, but without "Xiomy»).
• 📱 Serial number that can be checked on the website mi.com/verify.
• 🛡️ Warranty card with the stamp of the official dealer (for Russia – it is Xiaomi Russia or authorized partners).

⚠️ Warning: Xiomi counterfeits are often sold on marketplaces with wordings like “unoriginal,” “replica,” or “clone,” which can be dangerous, from bloated batteries to spyware in firmware.

Are there any official devices called Xiomi?

No, Xiaomi has never released a gadget under the brand name "Xiomi", but there are a few nuances:

1. Localized models for Russia: Some devices (e.g. Redmi 9A or Poco M3) can be used to duplicate instructions in Russian, but the name of the brand is always Xiaomi or Redmi.
2. In 2019-2020, some Russian stores used the word “Xiomi” in promotional materials to attract the attention of customers, but the products themselves were not labeled.
3. Fraudsters often pass off counterfeits as “special editions for Russia” by adding Cyrillic to the packaging.

The only time Xiaomi can get Cyrillic on a device is with a third-party firmware with a Russifier, but even then, the brand name itself remains original in the settings.

Why are Xiomi fakes dangerous?

Buying counterfeit equipment is fraught not only with disappointment from quality, but also with real risks:

• 🔥 Cheap batteries in fakes can swell or ignite when charging.
• 🕵️ Spyware: Some Xiomi clones contain malware that steals data (photos, messages, passwords).
• 🚫 Lack of support: These devices don't get upgrades, and service centers refuse to repair them.
• 💸 Losing money. It's almost impossible to return or exchange a fake under warranty.

Especially often forged:

• 📱 Redmi and Poco smartphones (for example, Xiomi Note 10 Pro»).
• ⌚ Smart watches Mi Band and Xiaomi Watch.
• 🔋 Powerbank and chargers.

⚠️ Warning: If you buy a Xiomi and notice that the device is warming, discharged quickly or behaves strangely (for example, turning on the camera itself), immediately disconnect it from the network and do not use it.

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Before buying, check the reviews of the seller and compare the product photo with the official images on the mi.com website. Counterfeiting often shows a discrepancy in color, shape or location of the buttons.

How to find information about Xiaomi when everyone calls it Xiomi?

If you are used to saying “Xiomi” but want to find relevant information, use these tips:

1. Use the original name. Searchers type in Xiaomi, Redmi or Poco, and you get the official data.
2. For example, instead of “Xiomi New Smartphone,” look for “Xiaomi 14 Ultra Review.”
3. Check the sources. You can find reliable data on the: 🌍 Official website: mi.com 📱 Forums: 4PDA, MIUI Russia 🛒 Pages of authorized sellers: Svyaznoy, M. Video, Wildberries (marked "Official Dealer»).

If you find it difficult to remember the correct spelling, bookmark the official Xiaomi website or install the Mi Home app - there is always up-to-date information about the brand's products.

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Even if you are used to saying “Xiomi”, always use the original name Xiaomi in search queries – this will save you from scammers and outdated information.

What to do if you have already bought a Xiomi?

If you find that your device is a fake, follow the algorithm:

1. Stop using. Don't connect the gadget to important accounts (mail, banks, social networks).
2. Check the serial number. Try typing it into mi.com/verify. If the system doesn't find the device, it's a fake.
3. Contact the seller. Demand a refund, referring to the law on the protection of consumer rights (Article 18 - return of defective goods).
4. If you bought on AliExpress, Ozon or Wildberries, report fraud in support - they can block the seller.
5. Recycle the device. If you can't get your money back, don't use a fake, recycle it (especially batteries!).

If the fake looks like the original, but it works unstable, you can try to reflash it on custom firmware (for example, LineageOS).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiomi