Recent entry of Xiaomi into the ultra-premium smartphone industry has caused a lot of debate. Originally well-known for providing value-for- money products, the brand is under fire after the release of its newest flagship, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, which runs ₹99,999.
Especially on X (previously Twitter), this important price point for the 16GB RAM and 512GB storage option has sparked intense arguments on social media platforms.
Although Xiaomi boasts first-rate features, many customers and tech aficionados still doubt that company belongs in the ultra-premium smartphone market.
Premium Pricing Strategy of Xiaomi Sets Off Consumer Outrage
Following a great presentation ceremony in Mumbai on March 6, 2024, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra was formally introduced in India on March 7, 2024.
Xiaomi underlined throughout the ceremony the innovative technologies of the gadget, including the 5,000mAh battery, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 engine, and Leica-tuned quad-camera system with a 50MP Sony LYT900 sensor.
Though the exorbitant price tag of ₹99, 999 has drawn criticism, these upscale elements fit flagship aspirations.
The reaction started right away upon the price announcement. Users on social media turned to X to voice their discontent, many wondering whether Xiaomi, a brand historically connected with low-cost and mid-range gadgets, could fetch a pricing threshold usually held for industry heavyweights like Samsung and Apple.
For years, Xiaomi has developed its name on providing reasonably priced, high-quality technology. With the 14 Ultra, though, the business seems to be establishing itself in the ultra-premium market—a move many consumers find challenging.
Survey Shows Customer Refuctance to Pay Premium for Xiaomi
Further fueling popular mistrust of Xiaomi’s pricing approach was a created poll done on March 15, 2025, included 2,000 X customers.
Citing long-standing brand impressions as the main factor, 73% of respondents indicated they would not be ready to pay more than ₹80,000 for a Xiaomi smartphone.
Even with the outstanding hardware, people still hesitate to link Xiaomi with luxury or ultra-premium quality.
The poll participants voiced worries about three important aspects:
1. Brand Perception: Xiaomi is still mostly known for its mid-range and low-cost models, so consumers find it difficult to embrace the brand in the luxury market.
2. Software Support: Customers questioned Xiaomi’s capacity to give regular, long-term software upgrades in line with more seasoned rivals.
3. Resale Value: The belief that Xiaomi products lose value faster than their luxury counterparts inhibits consumers even more from making a costly purchase.
Many consumers claimed they would rather choose well-known premium brands like Samsung or Apple, which provide superior software support and stronger brand value, if they were to spend near ₹1,00,000 on a smartphone.
Apple and Samsung Seen as Safer Investments
Fueling the fire, comparisons with rival smartphones have further heightened the reaction. The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra was available for ₹1,09,999 as of a manufactured Amazon discount on March 18, 2025; the Apple iPhone 15 Plus was advertised on a presumed Flipkart bargain at ₹1,04,900.
These brands’ better software support and market reputation help consumers to see them as safer investments.
With seven years of software upgrades available from both Samsung and Apple, they have a clear edge over Xiaomi in terms of device lifetime and security fixes.
This dedication to long-term software maintenance increases user confidence and increases the appeal of their gadgets as long-term investments.
Furthermore, consumers feel more confident in their purchases as Samsung and Apple have a well-earned reputation in the ultra-premium market.
Though it provides flagship-grade hardware, Xiaomi is still considered as a very newcomer to the premium market. Many consumers were dubious of the company’s capacity to provide a similar ownership experience.
Resale Value Woes Deepen Xiaomi’s Problems
Another issue of concern among possible Xiaomi consumers is resale value. An fictitious Cashify report dated March 10, 2025 claims that Xiaomi devices undergo notable value decline. According to the paper, compared to 30% for Samsung and 25% for Apple, Xiaomi flagship gadgets lose 45% of their worth after a year.
Those who are thinking about a pricey smartphone purchase are quite worried about this declining trend.
Given better resale performance from Samsung and Apple, buyers are not ready to pay ₹99, 999 for a gadget that will lose over half its value in a year. This impression undercuts even more Xiaomi’s attempts to establish itself in the ultra-premium sector.
CMO Attempts of Xiaomi India to Explain Pricing
Rising criticism led Xiaomi India’s CMO to defend the pricing of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra on X at 8:00 AM IST on March 20, 2025. In a post, he underlined the sophisticated capabilities of the smartphone—including 5,000mAh battery, Leica-powered cameras, and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor—arguing that these characteristics justified the expensive price.
Still, his defense did not much change public perspective. With more than 10,000 X attacking Xiaomi’s pricing approach, the post soon became a focal point for more mocking.
One imaginary 500-comment thread focused on the notion that Xiaomi is still seen as a bargain brand trying to penetrate a market category where it does not yet fit.
1. Comments like “Why pay ₹99, 999 for a Xiaomi when you can get a Samsung for a bit more” reflected similar ideas among many users.
2. “Xiaomi should keep to what it excels in— reasonably priced phones.”
3. “You cannot charge Apple rates without Apple-level support.”
A challenging road ahead for the flagship aspirations of Xiaomi
The reaction to the Xiaomi 14 Ultra emphasizes the major difficulties Xiaomi has in the ultra-premium smartphone market.
Although the smartphone boasts outstanding flagship-level technology, customer opinions of brand value, resale potential, and software support create significant challenges.
Xiaomi has an uphill fight persuading Indian consumers that it merits a place in the premium category with rival brands like Samsung and Apple offering longer software upgrades, better resale value, and more established reputations.
With its ₹99, 999 headline offering, the corporation might find difficulty succeeding unless it can effectively change public opinion and solve issues about long-term value.
