Xiaomi smartphones on sale tomorrow

The Xiaomi Mi 4 will be available for purchase in an online flash sale tomorrow.

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The South African launch of Chinese smartphone brand Xiaomi will take place online tomorrow, with limited stock of the flagship Mi 4 available.

"Due to limited initial quantities, Mi 4 will be sold via a 'flash sale'," says newly established distributor, Mobile In Africa Group (MIA), headed by Rutger-Jan van Spaandonk, previously of the Core Group.

'Flash sales' are a way for online retailers to match large demand with limited supply when new products are launched.

"This is the fairest way to allocate the limited amount of stock on day one," says Kerry Taoushiani, MIA marketing executive.

Those interested will have to register on the Web site before midnight tonight.

The sale will take place tomorrow from noon, for as long as stocks last.

All registrants are advised to log into their accounts from 10am, says MIA, as sales in other countries have sold out in seconds.

Xiaomi is a new brand to Africa. The company's aim is to deliver a quality smartphone experience for a low price, to as many people as possible.

MIA launched the Xiaomi brand in Nigeria last week and says the uptake is more than expected, especially with the Mi 4. Xiaomi will launch in Kenya before Christmas, with other African markets to follow next year.

Xiaomi is the fourth largest smartphone manufacturer in the world and sold over 60 million smartphones last year. The company sells its products very close to the cost price, to keep prices low.

There will be two smartphones on sale tomorrow: the flagship Mi 4 for R3 799 and the entry-level Redmi 2 for R1 999.

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