Xiaomi entered the premium mid-range segment last year with the 14 Civi smartphone. This was also the first time Xiaomi brought the China-exclusive Civi series to the country. Launched at Rs 42,999, the Xiaomi 14 Civi was offered as a flagship alternative with Leica optics, a feature that has been exclusive to the brand’s flagship lineup. However, we might not get a successor as the Xiaomi 15 Civi India launch has reportedly been cancelled, according to SmartPrix. Instead, the brand appears to be shifting its focus to the mid-range segment with the launch of a new smartphone, the Redmi Note 14 SE.
With the 14 Civi, Xiaomi tapped the premium mid-range segment, a space new to the brand. Xiaomi offers several smartphones across the budget, mid-range, and flagship categories. However, according to the latest report, it appears that Xiaomi may be moving away from it altogether. This is reportedly due to weak sales of the Xiaomi 14 Civi in India, according to a recent report by SmartPrix. And in what could be a stock-clearing move, the Xiaomi 14 Civi has received a significant discount, selling for as low as Rs 31,999 on Amazon.
For users seeking a value-for-money phone with premium design and camera features, the discounted 14 Civi may still be worth considering. However, keep in mind that it may not receive long-term support or a successor, according to the latest report. We reviewed the Xiaomi 14 Civi last year and were impressed by its premium design language, lightweight and compact form factor, and nicely tuned Leica cameras. But its battery life and performance throttling issues left us wanting more.
Smartprix’s report on the cancellation of the Xiaomi 15 Civi for India comes amid Xiaomi’s declining market share in the country. A recent report by research firm Canalys for the quarter ending in June(Q2) showed that Xiaomi shipped 5 million smartphone units for a 13 per cent market share. In comparison to Q2 2024, Xiaomi shipped 6.7 million units for an 18 per cent market share, confirming a year-on-year decline. The report added that Q2 sales were boosted thanks to the budget Redmi 14C 5G (Rs 9,999) and the new Champagne Gold Redmi Note 14 series. These numbers indicate that Xiaomi continues to flourish in the budget and mid-range segment.
Return to basics?
Xiaomi had told Mint in April of this year that the brand would focus on the mid-to-premium segment of smartphones, priced above Rs 20,000. In line with that, Xiaomi has started teasing the launch of a new mid-range smartphone in India, the Redmi Note 14 SE 5G. Xiaomi is teasing this phone as the ‘Killer Note’ with ‘Killer Specs and Price’, suggesting that you will get a highly specced smartphone at an affordable price, something that made the brand famous in its heyday.
This is also the first time Xiaomi is introducing an ‘SE’ model in the Redmi Note series. Judging by the moniker, this could be an affordable variant in the smartphone lineup. The Redmi Note 14 series starts at Rs 18,999 and goes up to Rs 32,999 for the Pro+ model. It’s confirmed that the Redmi Note 14 SE will feature the MediaTek Dimensity 7025 Ultra. It’s the same chipset powering the Redmi Note 14. According to our review, the Redmi Note 14 delivers reliable performance, even for intensive gaming, but lags in thermal efficiency and benchmark scores compared to its rivals.
The Redmi Note 14 SE will also feature a 5,110mAh battery, which is reportedly TUV tested to last for four years at optimal health. The smartphone’s display offers a 120Hz refresh rate, 2,100 nits of peak brightness, Gorilla Glass 5 protection, and an in-display fingerprint sensor. It’s also confirmed that the phone will feature a 50MP Sony LYT-600 camera with OIS, promising ‘superior low-light captures’. Lastly, you’ll get dual stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, making it suitable for your entertainment needs. All these specifications are the same as the Redmi Note 14, with the only exception being the design. Therefore, it’s unclear how Xiaomi plans to market the phone and how it will differ from the regular Note 14.
Xiaomi has also announced the India launch of a budget smartphone, the Redmi 15. It’s expected to offer a massive 7,000mAh battery with 33W fast charging support. There was no Redmi 14, so this could be a direct successor to the Redmi 13. Joining this phone could be the Redmi 15C, with the official announcement expected in August.
With all these budget devices coming up, Xiaomi appears to be doubling down on releasing affordable smartphones for the masses. And while the report on the Xiaomi 15 Civi’s cancellation is yet to be confirmed, we wonder what the brand plans to do to fill the void between its affordable mid-range Redmi phones and flagship Xiaomi phones. The Xiaomi 14 Civi was that bridge, but it seems the company is rethinking its strategy for India.
