Xiaomi has started teasing the launch of the Mi 10 lineup in India. The Mi 10 and Mi 10 Pro have already been confirmed to launch globally on March 27, and India will be one of the first markets to get the new flagship series. The tweets mention the launch of a 108MP smartphone as an obvious reference to the Mi 10 series.
Going by orchestrated tweets from the Xiaomi India head, Manu Kumar Jain, and the official Twitter handle of Amazon India, the devices will likely be sold online exclusively by the US-based retail giant, at least, initially.
Meanwhile, in a separate tweet a little while earlier, Jain warned that Xiaomi may not stick to its ‘affordable pricing’ policy with its upcoming flagships, saying that the company will have a “different pricing model” for the device. Firstly, it will be a direct import, which will make it ineligible for the ‘Make in India’ tax rebates. The higher GST rates announced last week will also add to the costs, while the depreciating rupee will only make things worse.
Mi fans, we've worked very hard to bring this #108MP flagship experience to India.
However, I want to add that we may have a different pricing model for this flagship due to (a) direct import (b) higher GST (c) depreciating ₹. Will keep everyone posted.#Xiaomi ❤️ #108MPIsHere https://t.co/HkMRftpyuz
— Manu Kumar Jain (@manukumarjain) March 18, 2020
Following their unveiling in China in mid-February, the Mi 10 and Mi 10 Pro were scheduled to be launched globally at the MWC 2020 in Barcelona at the end of last month, but the launch was postponed indefinitely after the mobile expo was cancelled because of the coronavirus crisis.
The new devices will mark the return of the Mi smartphone line in India as part of the company’s plans to put more emphasis on its flagship brand in the country. It will be interesting to see how the whole thing plays out, but increased competition in the premium segment can only be a good thing for consumers in the country.
