Xiaomi working on trade-in programme for Apple iPhone users?
PUBLISHED ONJanuary 27, 2015 4:32 AM
Not satisfied with being number one in its homeland, Xiaomi is now gunning for Apple's customers as it attempts to achieve its dream of being the top smartphone maker in the world in 10 years.
According to Gizmochina, Xiaomi's Media Development Director revealed that the company is launching a trade-in programme soon for consumers to trade in their existing iPhones for a brand new Mi Note or Mi Note Pro. The publication claimed that the trade-in programme accepts iPhones of any conditions.
Existing users iPhone 5S or older models can trade in to get a free Mi Note while iPhone 6 and 6 Plus users can trade in to get the flagship Mi Note Pro. Moreover, Xiaomi is also helping these iPhone users make the switch easier by developing an app to transfer their data over.
This strategy of trading in competitors' phones is nothing new; BlackBerry has an on-going trade-in programme for iPhone users in the US to upgrade to a BlackBerry Passport, and get up to U$400 back for their iPhones and an additional U$200 from the company. Microsoft did something similar last year; it allowed iPhone 4S users to trade in and get a free Nokia Lumia 1020 or 1520.
Nonetheless, it is a bold marketing stunt for Xiaomi to pull off. With hardly any physical stores in its overseas markets, we have little hopes of the trade-in programme extending beyond mainland China unless Xiaomi is able to somehow allow consumers to do the trade-in via third party vendors.
Do you think it's worthwhile to trade in an iPhone 6 or 6 Plus for the Mi Note/Note Pro? Take a read of our preview article of the iPhone 6 Plus vs. Mi Note to find out more.