Xiaomi is likely to launch similar devices in Kenya joining other players like Samsung, Huawei, Tecno, Infinix, Obi, Oppo among others in Africa.
The Redmi 2 has a fully laminated 4.7-inch HD screen and 8-megapixel camera and is an entry-level device while Xiaomi’s flagship phone, Mi 4, has an engineered stainless steel frame, comes with a 5” IPS Full HD display, a 13MP f/1.8 rear camera and a front-facing 8MP camera.
The firm is likely to partner with Jumia to reduce costs by shortening the distribution channel making the smartphones affordable to many. Due to broadband, there’s a strong appetite for affordable smartphones on the continent. The $45 billion phone manufacturer is positioning itself as a global player by expansing into greater Asia, India and Africa then expanding globally.
Recently, Indian consumer electronics maker Micromax announced it would launch in Africa. If that’s anyhing to go by, there would be an influx of smartphones on the continent giving consumers greater choice and an influx of affordable devices.