Xiaomi is not a company that is well known for rolling out expensive handsets – on the contrary, they have picked up a reputation for delivering decent smartphones at a price that does not break the bank. Touted by some to be China’s version of Apple, the interesting thing about the company is the lack of an extensive hardware portfolio – you will not find the kind of offerings from Xiaomi the way Samsung doles out smartphones as though there is no tomorrow. Having said that, it seems that Xiaomi could very well be working on an extremely affordable Android-powered smartphone for next year.
Word on the grapevine has it that this uber affordable smartphone will retail for CNY500 a pop, which when converted, would be equal to approximately $81. Perhaps BOE Technology having made its way to Xiaomi’s supplier list could be a clue worth sniffing out, as BOE Technology of China is a supplier of display panels for entry-level phones. Right now, Xiaomi makes use of Sharp and Japan Display’s panels when it comes to its high end models, while AU Optronics happens to deliver display panels for the mid-range smartphones. Logically speaking, BOE Technology could very well supply the entry level display panels down the road. Only time will tell though, so stay tuned.
Filed in . Read more about Xiaomi.