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Xiaomi insider throws shade at the upcoming iPhone SE

Apple hasn't even announced the next low-cost iPhone, but that's not stopping one Xiaomi insider from casting doubt on its chances in China

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Apple introduces the original iPhone SE during a media event at Apple headquarters in Cupertino, California, on March 21, 2016. (Picture: Josh Edelson/AFP)
Karen Chiu
This article originally appeared on ABACUS
Any day now, Apple is expected to announce a new entry-level iPhone. While some pundits say a budget-priced iPhone could threaten to lure China’s price-conscious consumers away from other brands, a Xiaomi insider argues that it might not be as competitive as it seems.
The upcoming handset, rumored to be called iPhone SE, is likely to sport a 4.7-inch display just like the iPhone 8 and 7. That means it’s primarily targeted at users who prefer smaller screens, said Pan Jiutang, a partner of Xiaomi’s Industry Investment Department, on Weibo.

He also believes that Apple won’t set the price of the iPhone SE too low, since that would compete directly with its pricier phones. And with 5G arriving on more phones, Pan thinks anyone who wants a 4G phone under 2,000 yuan (US$280) might as well wait for Chinese brands to slash prices on older flagships.

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About a third of Chinese consumers recently surveyed by Strategy Analytics said they have delayed smartphone purchases this year. But Apple users appear to be more optimistic: More than 40% said they intend to buy a new smartphone as planned or even sooner.

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