Xiaomi Enchen is one of the most mysterious destinations of the Chinese giant, which is known only to enthusiasts of the brand. Unlike the well-known POCO, Redmi or Black Shark, this sub-brand never entered the global market, leaving behind only rare mentions in Chinese forums and several models that are almost impossible to find on sale.
In this article, we'll cover all the maps: what is Enchen, what devices were released under that name, why the project was abandoned, and whether today we should look for these devices, and also teach you to distinguish real Enchen devices from fakes, which are often called "exclusive" Xiaomi models. Ready to dive into the history of a little-known sub-brand?
What is Xiaomi Enchen: A Brief History of the Brand
Enchen (literally, “Morning’s Grace”) is a domestic sub-brand of Xiaomi, created in 2018 to test new technologies and design solutions. Unlike POCO or Redmi, which are focused on the mass buyer, Enchen was positioned as a platform for experimentation: it was used to develop innovations that could later appear in the flagships Mi or Black Shark.
The project was strictly localized to the Chinese market, since Enchen devices were not officially sold outside China, and even in China, distribution was limited to closed sales through affiliate networks and corporate channels, essentially an “idea incubator” with minimal marketing.
- 📅 2018 – launch of the subbrand, the release of the first prototypes.
- 🛠️ 2019–2020 – peak activity, production of 3-4 models (mainly smartphones and accessories).
- 🔚 2021 – the winding down of the project, the transfer of developments to other Xiaomi lines.
The only official mention of Enchen outside of China is the patent for the design of the smartphone, registered in the WIPO database in 2019 under the number CN306345203S. All other data are leaks, rumors and analysis of Chinese sources.
What devices were produced under the Enchen brand?
In the three years since the sub-brand was launched, no more than 5-6 devices have been introduced, most of which have never been sold.
| Model | Type of device | Year of release | Features | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enchen X1 | Smartphone | 2018 | AMOLED screen with a frequency of 90 Hz, Snapdragon 710 chipset, triple camera 48+8+5 MP | Prototype (500 units) |
| Enchen Air | TWS-headphones | 2019 | LDAC support, active noise cancellation, ceramic case | Limited party |
| Enchen Pad Pro | Tablet | 2020 | 11′′ 120Hz display, stylus included, MediaTek Dimensity 1000+ processor | Cancelled before release |
| Enchen Watch | Smart watches | 2020 | Round screen 1.43", SpO2 sensor, titanium case | Prototype (200 units) |
The most famous model is the Enchen X1 smartphone, which became a “polygon” for testing a subscreen fingerprint scanner (the technology later appeared in the Mi 9T Pro). Interestingly, some prototypes of Enchen had unique branded wallpaper with a logo in the form of a stylized sun – this design was later used in the rebranding of the Mi UI 12.
Why Xiaomi has closed its Enchen sub-brand?
There have been no official statements from Xiaomi, but analysts have identified three key reasons:
- By 2021, Xiaomi already had POCO (for gamers and enthusiasts), Redmi (budget segment) and Black Shark (gaming devices).
- Low profitability: Projects under this brand required large investments in R&D, but did not bring profit due to limited circulation.
- Following the U.S. sanctions against Huawei in 2020, Xiaomi refocused on global expansion, and Enchen was too local.
Another factor is data breaches, where several Enchen prototypes (particularly the Enchen Pad Pro) were uploaded before the official announcement, disrupting the company's plans for a controlled release.
⚠️ Attention: There are still "Enchen" devices on the market at a price 2-3 times higher than the average market, most often these are re-labeled Redmi smartphones or fakes under old prototypes. It is not recommended to buy them - these devices will not receive any support from Xiaomi.
How to distinguish the original Enchen device from a fake?
Since there has never been an official sales channel for Enchen, all of the products of the brand in the aftermarket should be suspicious.
Has a serial number in the Xiaomi database (checked through service.xiaomi.com)
Logo on the case - engraving, not a sticker
The settings indicate "Enchen" in the About Phone section → Model
The firmware has a proprietary launcher with a solar logo
The complete documentation is in Chinese with the seal Xiaomi Tech-->
Pay special attention to firmware. The original Enchen devices ran on a custom version of MIUI with a unique interface (e.g., download animations in the form of a rising sun), fakes usually have standard MIUI or even third-party firmware.
Another way to check is to ask the seller for a picture of the box and documentation, and the original Enchen devices were shipped in black boxes with gold embossed and a Xiaomi hologram on the end, and the sticker with the serial number must match the data in the device's settings.
Example of a fake Enchen X1
Where can I find Enchen devices today?
Officially, nowhere, and since the project was closed, the remaining devices have been sold out through corporate channels in China or disposed of, but there are several ways to find these rare items:
- 🛒 Chinese auctions (Taobao, JD.com) - sometimes there are lots from collectors. Price: from 500$ smartphone up to 1500$ tablet.
- 🤝 Closed groups in WeChat/QQ — They sell prototypes, but there is a high risk of running into scammers.
- 🌍 eBay/AliExpress — Very rarely, usually it is a resale with a markup 200–300%.
Tip: If you really need a device with Enchen features, look for similar models from other Xiaomi sub-brands.
- Instead of Enchen X1 → Mi 9T Pro (similar to a subscreen scanner).
- Enchen Air instead → Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro (support) LDAC).
- Enchen Watch instead → Xiaomi Watch S3 (titanium-hull).
⚠️ Warning: Buying Enchen devices through untested channels can cause not only money loss, but also security problems, which have not received updates since 2021, and their firmware may contain vulnerabilities.
The future of Enchen: Will the brand return?
The chances of a revival of Enchen are nearing zero. Instead, Xiaomi is betting on:
- 📱 subbrand POCO — Experiments with design and "iron".
- 🎮 Black Shark – for gaming innovation.
- 🏠 Xiaomi Smart Home – for testing smart devices.
But some of Enchen's work is still alive today, like:
- The subscreen front camera technology (first tested in the Enchen X1) is now used in the Mi Mix 4.
- The design of the ceramic case from Enchen Air appeared in Xiaomi 13 Ultra.
- The battery optimization algorithms from the Enchen prototypes formed the basis of MIUI 14.
💡
Enchen was not a failure, but a laboratory of ideas for Xiaomi, and its closure is not a sign of failure, but a consequence of the company’s changing strategy.