Xiaomi President Lu Weibing has shared insights into a project that nearly saw the company launch an ultra-thin smartphone, similar to Apple’s iPhone Air. During a live stream, he revealed that Xiaomi had already completed planning, initial research, and was on the verge of mass production before deciding to cancel the project at the last moment.
According to Lu, the decision was driven by user experience. The company discovered that creating an extremely thin and lightweight phone would require significant compromises in key areas such as battery life and performance. While the design might have looked impressive, Xiaomi felt it wouldn’t meet the standard of experience they wanted to deliver to their users.
Lu explained that as devices become thinner, it becomes increasingly challenging to incorporate large batteries, effective cooling systems, and high-performance hardware without affecting everyday usability. Instead of launching a product that looked good on paper but fell short in real-world use, Xiaomi chose to abandon the idea entirely.
No Air, But Max
These comments also provide context for why Xiaomi is placing greater emphasis on larger “Max” devices in its upcoming lineup. Lu mentioned that the Xiaomi 17 Max isn’t being labeled as a “Plus” model because the company views the two categories differently. Traditionally, Plus phones offer a larger display compared to their standard counterparts. However, Xiaomi’s Max branding represents more than just screen size.
The Max series is expected to include improvements in imaging, performance, and battery life, alongside the larger display. This approach reflects a shift in focus towards delivering a more comprehensive user experience rather than just prioritizing form factor.
The livestream comments come at a time when many smartphone brands are experimenting with thinner and lighter designs. However, Xiaomi’s decision suggests that the company believes consumers still value battery endurance and consistent performance over ultra-slim designs.
This aligns with Xiaomi’s recent messaging around flagship devices, where the company has emphasized larger batteries, advanced camera systems, and higher-end hardware rather than chasing the thinnest possible form factor.
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