Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi has claimed a new record for its sales on Singles Day, the world’s biggest online shopping event. Xiaomi said it sold over 20 million devices and raked in 19.8 billion yuan ($3.11 billion) in revenue on November 11, 2023.

Singles Day, also known as “Double 11” because it falls on Nov. 11, is a shopping festival created by e-commerce giant Alibaba in 2009. It has since become a global phenomenon, attracting millions of consumers and thousands of brands to offer discounts and deals on various products and services.

Xiaomi said it sold over 20 million devices and raked in 19.8 billion yuan ($3.11 billion) in revenue on November 11, 2023. — *image credit: xiaomi*

Xiaomi, which overtook Apple as the second-largest smartphone maker in the world in the second quarter of 2023, said it achieved a year-on-year growth of 70% in its Singles Day sales. The company attributed its success to its strong product portfolio, loyal fan base, and innovative marketing strategies.

Among the best-selling products were the Xiaomi 13 and Xiaomi 13 Pro, the company’s flagship smartphones that were launched globally in February 2023. The Xiaomi 13 Pro features a 6.73-inch display, a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, and a quad camera system with a 1-inch main sensor and a variable aperture. The Xiaomi 13 Pro starts at 1,299 euros ($1,370), while the Xiaomi 13 starts at 999 euros ($1,053).

Not only smartphones but also their other products.

Xiaomi also sold other devices such as laptops, smart TVs, wearables, and smart home products. The company said it ranked first in sales volume and revenue in several categories, including smartphones, laptops, smart bands, and air purifiers, on Alibaba’s platforms.

Xiaomi’s record-breaking performance on Singles Day reflects its ambition to challenge the dominance of Apple and Samsung in the high-end smartphone market, where margins are higher and the market is still growing. According to research firm Canalys, high-end smartphones, those that cost over $800, accounted for 18% of the total handset market in 2022, up from 11% in 2020.

Xiaomi is not the only smartphone brand that benefited from Singles Day. Apple, which was the top-selling mobile phone brand on Singles Day in 2018, also saw a surge in demand for its iPhone 13 series, which was released in September 2023. Other Chinese brands such as Oppo, Vivo, and Honor also reported strong sales on the shopping festival..

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