When you see the label “Designed by Xiaomi” on the product packaging, it means that the product was designed with the participation of the company’s engineers, but released under a different brand — for example, Redmi, POCO or a third-party manufacturer. This approach allows you to save on marketing, while maintaining the quality and design at the level of flagship models. But how much does this branding for Xiaomi partners actually cost — and how does it affect the final price for the buyer?
In 2026, the licensing system “Designed by Xiaomi” has undergone changes: the company has tightened requirements for partners, but at the same time offered flexible rates for startups and small manufacturers. In this article, we will analyze the official prices, hidden fees, and also analyze why some devices with this logo are cheaper than the original Xiaomi, and others are more expensive.
What is Designed by Xiaomi and Who benefits from it?
The labeling "Designed by Xiaomi" is not just a sticker on a box, it implies that:
- 🔧 Design and engineering solutions developed by Xiaomi team (or under its control).
- 📱 The hardware platform is often unified with other devices in the ecosystem (for example, Qualcomm or MediaTek chipsets, similar to flagships).
- 🛡️ The firmware is based on MIUI or its adapted version (even if the brand is different).
- 🌍 Logistics and deliveries can be carried out through Xiaomi channels, which reduces the cost of production.
For Xiaomi, this is a way to monetize their work without direct production, and for partners, it is the opportunity to release a competitive product with minimal investment in R&D. For example, POCO smartphones or Amazfit smartwatches (GTR line) often use this scheme.
Official Branding Tariffs in 2026
Designed by Xiaomi license costs depend on the type of device, production volumes and region of sales, and internal company documents (leaked in early 2026) reveal the following payment structure:
| Category of device | Base rate (per unit) | Minimum circulation for discount | Supplementary commissions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smartphones (budget) | $0.8–$1.5 | 100,000 pcs. | +$0.3 for MIUI use |
| Smartphones (medium/premium segment) | $2.0–$4.5 | 50,000 pcs. | +$0.5 for a camera with Xiaomi algorithms |
| Laptops and tablets | $3.0–$6.0 | 30,000 pcs. | +$1.0 for using Xiaomi Pen or keyboard |
| Smart watches/fitness bracelets | $0.5–$1.2 | 200,000 pcs. | +$0.2 for Huami’s PPG sensors |
| Household appliances (vacuum cleaners, lamps) | $0.3–$0.8 | 500,000 units. | +$0.1 for integration with Mi Home |
Importantly, these prices apply to partners who make devices in Xiaomi plants (for example, at Foxconn or BYD facilities in China), if the production is organized independently, the tariff increases by 30-50%, and Xiaomi charges an annual license fee from $50,000 to $200,000 depending on the product category.
⚠️ Note: In 2023, Xiaomi sued two Chinese manufacturers for using the "Designed by Xiaomi" logo without a license. $1.2 million for a batch of smartphones (50,000 units) sold under the Black Shark brand without approval.
Hidden charges: what is not included in the base rate
The base rate is just the tip of the iceberg.The real cost of branding includes:
- 💰 Patent portfolio royalties: If the device uses Xiaomi-proprieted technology (e.g., Loop LiquidCool cooling system), the co-payment is 1–3% of the cost of the product.
- 📦 Logistics fees: for using Xiaomi warehouses in Europe or India — +$0.1–$0.4 per unit.
- 🔄 Updates: If the partner wants to receive updates MIUI For more than 2 years, you will have to pay $0.2 per device annually.
- 📢 Marketing support: placement in the Mi Store or participation in Xiaomi promotions $$10,000 for campaigning.
For example, the POCO X6 Pro (2026) smartphone labeled “Designed by Xiaomi” costs the company $3.2 royalties per unit for a circulation of 200,000 units. But if POCO released it without branding, the cost would be reduced by 12-15% – due to the rejection of royalties for design and MIUI.
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Before buying a device labeled “Designed by Xiaomi,” check if it has official support in your area. Some partners save on service centers, and the warranty can only be valid in the manufacturer’s country.
How Branding Affects the Final Price for the Buyer
At first glance, the Designed by Xiaomi license should be cheaper, because partners save on development, but in practice it's more complicated.
- Savings on R&D do reduce costs by 20-40%, but Xiaomi compensates for this with royalties, resulting in a difference from the original device – 5-15%.
- Marketing tricks: Some brands (like Realme or Infinix) specifically specify “Designed by Xiaomi” to build trust and price above the market.
- Regional markups: In Europe and the US, devices with this label often cost 10-20% more than in Asia, due to additional duties on “branded” electronics.
Example: the Amazfit GTR 4 (Designed by Xiaomi) smartwatches sell for ~$150 in China and €199 in Europe. The $50-$60 difference covers licensing fees and logistics, while the original Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro with similar specs costs 10-20% more — but has extended warranty and support for Mi Fitness.
Why are some devices without a Xiaomi logo cheaper?
How to verify the authenticity of the license “Designed by Xiaomi”
To avoid getting a fake, use these methods:
☑️ Verification of originality of branding
Pay special attention to the firmware: original Xiaomi-branded devices have the MIUI-prefix in the build number (e.g. MIUI-V14.0.3.0.TLMCNXM). If you see a shell like ColorOS or Funtouch OS instead, this is a reason to doubt the legality of the license.
⚠️ Attention: In 2026, fraud with “gray” devices under the Xiaomi brand increased, for example, in India, smartphones were sold. POCO M6 Pros with fake "Designed by Xiaomi" labels, although they were actually assembled in uncertified factories, which fail to pass the ##4636##* (test menu) and lack warranty.
Designed by Xiaomi: Which is Cheaper?
If you need to save money, consider these options:
- 📱 Redmi-branded smartphones: often identical to branded models but without licensing markups. e.g. Redmi Note 13 Pro vs. POCO X6 Pro - price difference ~$30 with the same "stuffing».
But there are downsides to alternatives: less stable updates, lack of official support in some countries, and the risk of buying a gray product, and if you care about reliability, you might want to pay more for the original license.
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Devices labeled “Designed by Xiaomi” are only profitable if three conditions are met: an official partner, a large circulation and sale in a low-tariff region (such as China or India), otherwise the overpayment for the brand can reach 30%.