Xiaomi is the second-largest smartphone manufacturer and is one of Nepal’s most popular smartphone brands. Not only Xiaomi’s smartphones are well received in Nepal but other products as well. Xiaomi’s sub-brands Redmi and POCO are fan favourites with their budget and mid-range smartphone options.
Redmi’s recent Note 13 series including the Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus 5G, Redmi Note 13 Pro and Redmi Note 13 which were launched back in April have gained a wide range of appreciation and love from Nepali smartphone users. Now Xiaomi Nepal is launching the Redmi 13 smartphone, the successor of last year’s Redmi 12 which was the most popular smartphone in the sub-Rs 20,000 category.
To talk about the dedication of Xiaomi towards its customers and Xiaomi, Onlinekhabar caught up with Manu Manaswi, the Country General Manager of Xiaomi Nepal who has over a decade of experience in the smartphone and telecom sectors. With over 10 years of experience in the smartphone, telecom, and market research sectors Manaswi has led Xiaomi’s success and expansion in Nepal. He holds an MBA from SIMSR, Mumbai, and a Bachelor’s in Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering from the University of Pune.
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1. As Nepal’s newly appointed Country Manager, how has your experience been so far?
Taking on the role of Country Manager for Xiaomi Nepal has been an inspiring journey, allowing me to experience Nepal’s rich culture and diverse market firsthand. Working closely with the local team, I’ve learned a lot about the tech preferences and aspirations of Nepali consumers. Building strong connections with local partners has been crucial in ensuring our products meet the needs of the market. It’s not just about selling phones but fitting our products to what people here want. I’m optimistic about the future, not just for Xiaomi, but for contributing positively to Nepal’s tech scene.
2. What do you enjoy most about living and working in Nepal?
Living and working in Nepal has been an incredibly enriching experience, blending rich cultural heritage with breathtaking natural beauty. The warmth and hospitality of the Nepali people make every interaction meaningful, while the diverse landscapes, from the majestic Himalayas to lush valleys, offer a perfect balance between work and leisure. This vibrant environment enhances my professional growth and enriches my personal life. Understanding Nepali consumers deeply has allowed us to connect with them and tailor our products to their needs, driving excellence in my role and making Nepal a special place to live and work.
3. Xiaomi has witnessed rapid growth in Nepal. What do you attribute to the company’s success?
“Innovation for everyone” has always been Xiaomi’s motto. We ensure our products are top-notch and make advanced technology accessible to more people. Our range of products, from smartphones to smart devices, meets the diverse needs of Nepali consumers. We continuously develop new and cool features, keeping our products up-to-date and appealing. Building strong relationships with local partners and ensuring reliable customer service have also played a vital role in our rapid growth in Nepal. Our focus on providing quality and innovative products at the best price, along with strong connections with our users and partners, has been key.
Understanding consumer needs and offering quality products at affordable prices is crucial. Enhancing the customer journey through timely updates and after-sales services further strengthens our consumer experience, ensuring satisfaction both before and after purchase.
4. Being one of the leading consumer electronics and mobile phone brands in Nepal, how do you plan to sustain and further strengthen Xiaomi’s position?
As one of the leading consumer electronics and mobile phone brands in Nepal, Xiaomi aims to offer quality products at honest prices, ensuring advanced technology is accessible to more people. By listening to Nepali consumers and expanding its product range to meet diverse needs, Xiaomi focuses on building strong relationships with partners and providing excellent customer service.
At Xiaomi, customers are at the heart of everything we do, which is why we refer to them as Xiaomi fans. These fans actively provide feedback and guide us on the features needed in the market. By listening to and fulfilling their needs, we ensure our success and continue to thrive in the industry.
5. In a market with numerous smartphone brands, how does Xiaomi differentiate its products and set them apart from competitors?
In a fiercely competitive smartphone market, Xiaomi distinguishes itself by consistently delivering exceptional value. Their strategy revolves around offering feature-rich phones that precisely meet consumer demands. From budget-friendly models to high-end devices, Xiaomi ensures there’s something for everyone. The flagship Xiaomi series caters to users seeking premium features and top-tier performance, including flagship processors.
The Redmi series, on the other hand, targets a broader audience with a balance of affordability and performance. Meanwhile, the POCO product line is tailored for power users who prioritise device performance. This diverse portfolio not only addresses varied consumer needs but also keeps Xiaomi ahead with innovative features and ideas.
6. Amidst the global economic crisis affecting Nepal, how is Xiaomi navigating to maintain its position?
During these challenging times of the global economic crisis affecting Nepal, Xiaomi is strategically maintaining its position by prioritising product quality above all else. Despite the worldwide financial challenges, Xiaomi remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering high-quality products that resonate with customers. This dedication to quality has been a cornerstone of Xiaomi’s success since its inception over a decade ago, culminating in its inclusion in the Forbes 500 list.
To navigate the current economic climate, Xiaomi is optimising costs, enhancing its supply chain efficiency and focusing on producing products that meet market demands. Moreover, the company remains agile and responsive, investing in research and development to stay ahead of industry trends and deliver cutting-edge technology to consumers.
7. Has the brand received enough appreciation from the Nepali market as its expectations?
Xiaomi Nepal has received tremendous appreciation from the market, exceeding expectations with a strong consumer response and positive feedback on their products. Their commitment to delivering high-quality, innovative technology at affordable prices has resonated with Nepali consumers, building a loyal customer base. “Since our inception in 2018, within two years we became the most loved brand in Nepal,” said Manu Manaswi. “Maintaining this leading position, we expanded our portfolio beyond smartphones to include accessories, smart home products, TVs, monitors, and laptops, driven by the overwhelming support and love we’ve received.”
8. How have Xiaomi and Redmi successfully targeted specific groups of Android users in Nepal, and how are these user segments distinguished?
Xiaomi and Redmi have successfully targeted specific groups of Android users in Nepal by offering a diverse range of smartphones to cater to different needs. Recently, Xiaomi Nepal launched the Xiaomi 14, receiving significant support from fans, with its Leica-tuned triple 50MP camera, Flagship 8 Gen 3 Processor and top-notch LTPO display. On the other hand, the Redmi Note 13 Series appeals to a wide audience with models like the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G, featuring a 200MP camera and IP68 rating for tech and photography enthusiasts.
The Redmi Note 13 Pro offers a balanced set of features for those seeking performance and style. At the same time, the Redmi Note 13 combines an elegant design with a powerful camera for users who value both aesthetics and functionality. The Redmi Note series, in particular, is highly anticipated and brings flagship features to the mass market, making it immensely popular both in Nepal and globally.
9. As the Country Manager of Xiaomi Nepal, how do you perceive the impact of the grand launch of the Redmi Note 13 Series on Xiaomi’s continued success in the Nepali market?
As the Country Manager, the launch of the Redmi Note 13 Series is a milestone for Xiaomi’s success in Nepal. This series blends innovation, style, and performance, meeting diverse user needs. Standout features like the 200MP camera, IP ratings, vibrant AMOLED displays, and Xiaomi HyperOS highlight Xiaomi’s commitment to value. The Note 13 series includes three models: the vanilla Note, the Note Pro, and the Note Pro Plus, each catering to different user preferences. The Note Pro Plus offers flagship-grade features such as a 200MP camera, curved 1.5K AMOLED display, powerful 5G processor, and fast charging, all at a mid-premium price.
The Note Pro balances performance and affordability, while the Note targets users upgrading from entry-level to mid-premium devices. This launch enhances Xiaomi’s product portfolio and solidifies its competitive edge in the Nepali smartphone market.
10. Xiaomi has been experiencing significant growth in Nepal. With the launch of the Redmi Note 13 Series, how do you see this contributing to the ongoing success of the company in the Nepali market?
The launch of the Redmi Note 13 Series is set to significantly boost Xiaomi’s success in Nepal, building on past achievements with innovative features and exceptional value. This series, known for its stylish design, high-quality displays, powerful processors, and advanced camera systems, aligns well with Nepali consumer preferences. The Redmi Note series is one of the most celebrated and anticipated product lines for Xiaomi both in Nepal and globally.
It combines multiple standout features such as excellent performance, impressive cameras, and cutting-edge technologies, all wrapped in a sleek design. Its affordability further enhances its appeal, making it a top choice for consumers and reinforcing Xiaomi’s commitment to quality and value.
11. This year, we have seen the second Xiaomi smartphone in Nepal that features Leica professional lenses. What unique features of the Xiaomi 14 differentiate it from other smartphones available in Nepal?
The Xiaomi 14 stands out in Nepal as the second Xiaomi smartphone this year to feature Leica professional lenses, with a triple 50MP rear camera system co-engineered with Leica for exceptional photo quality. Its 1.5K 6.36-inch AMOLED LTPO display, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and 4610mAh battery with 90W wired and 50W wireless charging offer great performance. The screen is a custom-made C8 panel with an impressive brightness of almost 3000 nits, making it one of the brightest displays in the smartphone industry.
This dynamic LTPO display adjusts its refresh rate based on the content making sure it delivers both smooth performance and power efficiency. Additionally, the Xiaomi 14 features IP68 durability and advanced security with in-screen fingerprint and AI face unlock, providing unmatched reliability in its class.
12. In terms of after-sales service and support, what initiatives is Xiaomi implementing to enhance the customer experience for the flagship Xiaomi 14 users in Nepal?
Xiaomi has introduced the Xiaomi Priority Club for Xiaomi 14 users, offering exclusive benefits to enhance the user experience. Members receive complimentary access as a 6-month extended warranty, a one-time free screen replacement within the first 6 months and phone repairs with no labour charges for 24 months. Additionally, users can enjoy zero wait time at service centres, free pickup and drop services and a complimentary health checkup. This initiative aims to add value and improve the ownership experience for Xiaomi 14 customers.
13. How does the collaboration with Leica on the Xiaomi 14 align with Xiaomi’s broader strategy to deliver premium photography experiences at an accessible price point in Nepal?
Xiaomi’s collaboration with Leica on the Xiaomi 14 aligns with their strategy to offer premium photography experiences by integrating high-end camera technology into their smartphones. The Xiaomi 14 features a triple 50 MP rear camera system co-engineered with Leica, including the Leica Summilux optical lens, enhancing image quality, colour reproduction and low-light performance. When collaborating with a giant in imaging like Leica, Xiaomi gains insights into optics, image sensors, and optical systems.
This knowledge helps refine their sensor capabilities, image processing and post-processing software, significantly improving the user experience for photography. Xiaomi plans to integrate these advancements not only into flagship devices but also into mid-premium segments, making advanced photography accessible to a broader range of consumers in Nepal at a competitive price.
14. How has the change from MIUI to HyperOS been seen by Nepali consumers?
Xiaomi Nepal recently began rolling out the Hyper OS update for the Note 13 series starting in April. Since its release, consumers have noticed significant improvements in user experience, particularly in system fluidity and overall performance. Hyper OS represents a complete overhaul of their software framework, not just an update to MIUI. This comprehensive redesign ensures seamless integration between software and hardware, delivering a smoother and more reliable user experience.
15. In the rapidly evolving tech landscape, how does Xiaomi plan to stay ahead of emerging trends and continue to offer cutting-edge products?
Xiaomi remains ahead of emerging trends by investing heavily in R&D (research and development) and forming strong partnerships with industry leaders and startups. For instance, the Xiaomi 14 features the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, advanced display technologies like LTPO and AdaptiveSync Pro and high-speed connectivity options such as 5G and Wi-Fi 7. Xiaomi’s collaboration with Leica enhances its camera systems, while its focus on user-centric features like enhanced security and battery life highlights its commitment to innovation.
16. Last year’s Redmi 12 was a great success. As we have seen Redmi 13 has launched in the global market, when is the official launch date of the Redmi 12’s successor in Nepal?
We are thrilled with the success of the Redmi 12 in Nepal, thanks to its impressive features like the 50MP AI triple camera, powerful 5000mAh battery and 6.79″ FHD+ DotDisplay. Building on this, we are excited to announce the official launch of the Redmi 13 in Nepal by the end of June. The Redmi 13, already launched globally, offers major upgrades including an enhanced camera system, a faster processor and improved fast charging capabilities.
Fast charging is particularly new and exciting, as users will no longer need to charge their phones overnight; a quick 15-20 minute charge will be sufficient for nearly half a day’s use. We believe these enhancements will continue to delight our customers and remain on hold with the Redmi series’ reputation for exceptional value and performance.
17. What unique benefits or features of the Redmi 13 do you think will appeal most to Nepali consumers?
Xiaomi is gearing up to launch the Redmi 13 in Nepal, packed with standout features. It has a powerful MediaTek Helio G91-Ultra processor, a 108MP main camera and a long-lasting battery with fast charging capabilities. One of its unique features is the in-sensor zoom, providing a lossless zoom experience unlike the digital zoom found in other devices. This promises higher image quality when zooming, potentially setting a new standard in its price range.
Another standout feature is its glass-back design, ensuring durability and a timeless look that resists wear and tear over time. Coupled with Xiaomi’s Hyper OS, which guarantees a smooth user experience without slowing down for up to two years, the Redmi 13 aims to attract Nepali consumers seeking an affordable yet high-performance smartphone.
Xiaomi Fans
Xiaomi Nepal has consistently shown its commitment to Nepali customers, evident from the immense love received for its products over the past five years. Continuous innovation and customization to suit Nepali tastes have been our priority and intend to maintain this dedication in the future. Xiaomi fan community has been growing steadily across Nepal which marks Xiaomi’s founding day annually with their fans, celebrating not just Xiaomi’s success but our journey together.
