Tag: Lei Jun

  • Xiaomi’s Lei Jun Tests SU7 Ultra Battery by Dropping Watermelon

    Xiaomi’s Lei Jun Tests SU7 Ultra Battery by Dropping Watermelon

    Key Takeaways

    1. Durability Test: Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun showcased the SU7 Ultra’s coating durability by dropping a watermelon from the 6th floor, demonstrating its impact resistance.

    2. Powerful Battery: The SU7 Ultra features a 94 kWh NMH battery pack from CATL, enabling acceleration from 0-60 mph in under two seconds, with enhanced safety measures.

    3. Advanced Cooling System: The battery utilizes dual large-surface active cooling technology, improving heat dissipation and extending battery life during rapid charging.

    4. Enhanced Protection: The CATL Qilin battery pack includes “bulletproof” material, increasing scratch resistance by ten times and puncture resistance by thirteen times.

    5. Market Strategy: Xiaomi aims to leverage its reputation in consumer electronics to establish a strong presence in the electric vehicle market, similar to the approach of industry leaders like Elon Musk.


    The Xiaomi CEO, Lei Jun, always looking for new ways to impress, showcased the durability of the SU7 Ultra sports car’s coating by dropping a watermelon from the 6th floor of the factory.

    Impressive Battery Specs

    The SU7 Ultra is powered by a 94 kWh NMH battery pack produced by CATL, which accelerates from 0-60 mph in less than two seconds. Xiaomi has worked hard to make the ternary nickel battery as safe as possible for impacts. The structural chassis pack features a strong multilayer shell made of high-strength steel beams, alongside an active cooling system that uses wide surface and aerogel insulation.

    Advanced Cooling Technology

    The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra’s battery is part of CATL’s latest generation Qilin batteries, boasting dual large-surface active cooling. This is similar to the system BYD recently highlighted in their 1MW Han L sedan. This design aids in heat dissipation, which is crucial for safety during rapid 5C charging sessions, and extends the lifespan of the battery cells by keeping them cool under stress.

    The aerogel surrounding each cell prevents the spread of issues from one cell to another, while the 7.8 m2 active cooling system has plates on both sides of the prismatic cells to significantly increase the total cooling surface area. To safeguard against side impacts, the CATL Qilin battery pack is structurally enhanced and coated with what is referred to as “bulletproof” material.

    Durability and Market Presence

    In the SU7 Ultra’s battery pack, this coating increases scratch and tear resistance by ten times and puncture resistance by thirteen times.

    Xiaomi, primarily recognized for its smartphones, home electronics, and consumer gadgets like Bluetooth speakers, is now leveraging its reputation for value to enter the electric vehicle market, which is gaining traction. Lei Jun’s strong work ethic and ambitious nature have made him something of a cult figure among Chinese business leaders, who liken him to Elon Musk.

    The proof of this innovation was evident when Lei Jun stood on the 6th floor of Xiaomi’s car factory and dropped a watermelon wrapped in the same coating used for the SU7 Ultra battery. The result was that the watermelon bounced off the asphalt below without breaking apart, demonstrating the level of safety Xiaomi aims for in its racing car batteries during impacts.

    Source:
    Link

  • Xiaomi Prepares to Launch Luxury SU7 Ultra Successor Car

    Xiaomi Prepares to Launch Luxury SU7 Ultra Successor Car

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xiaomi exceeded expectations with over 10,000 pre-orders for the SU7 Ultra by the third day of launch.
    2. The SU7 Ultra was initially priced at 814,900 yuan ($112,649), later offering a standard version starting at 529,900 yuan ($73,252) for February 2025.
    3. The Ultra model features a powerful triple-motor system with 1,526 horsepower and oversized carbon ceramic brakes.
    4. CEO Lei Jun hinted at plans for a more expensive vehicle and the upcoming YU7 SUV.
    5. Future Xiaomi vehicles may include hybrids, expanding their electric vehicle lineup beyond fully electric models.


    Xiaomi didn’t think they would even get 10,000 pre-orders for the Ultra version of their SU7 when it first launched. Surprisingly, this number was surpassed by the third day of the pre-order phase.

    Pricing Details

    The company introduced this high-performance electric vehicle at a price of 814,900 yuan (around $112,649). However, it later announced a starting price of 529,900 yuan (approximately $73,252) for February 2025. This new pricing applies to the standard version of the car, while the “Racing Package” and the “Nürburgring Nordschleife Limited Edition” are available as additional options.

    Performance Features

    Even with its standard features, the Ultra comes equipped with a robust triple-motor system delivering an impressive 1,526 horsepower, along with oversized carbon ceramic brakes.

    Recently, Xiaomi’s CEO, Lei Jun, has hinted at the possibility of creating an even pricier vehicle in the future, alongside the upcoming YU7 SUV.

    Future Plans

    There are expectations that more Xiaomi vehicles will be launched down the line, with some potentially being hybrids instead of fully electric. For now, Lei Jun admits that the SU7 Ultra’s success has far exceeded what he had imagined.

    Source:
    Link

  • Xiaomi 15 Ultra Photography Kit Features and Details Revealed

    Xiaomi 15 Ultra Photography Kit Features and Details Revealed

    Key Takeaways

    1. Modular Design: The new Photography Kit for the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is more modular and customizable, available in two versions including a Legendary Collector’s Edition.

    2. Core Features: Both versions of the Photography Kit share essential features like a detachable finger grip and a changeable shutter button.

    3. Enhanced Battery Capacity: The kit’s battery capacity has increased from 1,800 mAh to 2,000 mAh, contributing to a total phone capacity of 8,000 mAh.

    4. Pricing: The Photography Kit is priced at CNY 999 (approximately $137) in China, with expected global pricing around €199 (around $209).

    5. Global Launch: Xiaomi will announce global availability of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra and its Photography Kit at the MWC 2025 event in Barcelona next week.


    Xiaomi has unveiled the Xiaomi 15 Ultra in China, with detailed information shared in a separate report. During a live presentation, the company briefly mentioned the new Photography Kit, and now CEO Lei Jun has highlighted the differences between this kit and the one designed for the Xiaomi 14 Ultra (currently priced at $1,049 on Amazon) beyond just its appearance.

    Modular Design

    To summarize, the Photography Kit has evolved to be more modular and customizable with the introduction of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. This year, Xiaomi is offering the kit in two versions, including a special Legendary Collector’s Edition. Despite the different designs, both variants share the same core features, such as a detachable finger grip and a changeable shutter button.

    Enhanced Battery Capacity

    In addition to these upgrades, the kit features a larger battery that has increased from 1,800 mAh to 2,000 mAh. This enhancement allows Xiaomi to promote the total battery capacity for the Xiaomi 15 Ultra as 8,000 mAh, which primarily comes from the smartphone’s built-in 6,000 mAh battery.

    The pricing for the Xiaomi 15 Ultra Photography Kit is CNY 999 (approximately $137) in China. Xiaomi is expected to announce global availability next week during the MWC 2025 event in Barcelona, where the Xiaomi 15 Ultra will be featured. Based on last year’s launch, it is likely that the Photography Kit will be priced at €199 (around $209) for markets outside of China.

    Source:
    Link


     

  • Xiaomi 15 Ultra: Lei Jun Unveils Impressive Low-Light Camera

    Xiaomi 15 Ultra: Lei Jun Unveils Impressive Low-Light Camera

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xiaomi is set to launch the Xiaomi 15 Ultra by the end of this month.
    2. The smartphone is expected to feature an exceptional camera setup, potentially the best on a mobile device.
    3. A recent camera sample shows impressive imaging performance, particularly in challenging lighting.
    4. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra will include a 200 MP primary sensor (ISOCELL HP9) and a 4.3x periscope lens.
    5. The camera setup will also feature a 50 MP ultra-wide-angle lens and a 3x zoom lens.


    Xiaomi is expected to unveil the Xiaomi 15 Ultra by the end of this month. This flagship smartphone is likely to feature an extraordinary camera setup, arguably the best ever seen on a mobile device. Recently, company CEO Lei Jun posted a new camera sample that highlights the impressive imaging capabilities of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra.

    Impressive Imaging Capabilities

    In a post on Weibo, Lei Jun showcased a photo taken with the Xiaomi 15 Ultra under challenging lighting conditions. The image exhibits remarkable dynamic range and exhibits minimal blurring, suggesting that it could compete well against photos captured by the primary cameras of Apple and Samsung’s latest flagship models. Surprisingly, this impressive shot was taken with the zoom camera of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra.

    Advanced Camera Specifications

    As mentioned earlier, Xiaomi plans to equip the device with a 200 MP primary sensor for its long-range zoom capabilities. This sensor, known as the ISOCELL HP9, measures 1/1.4″ and produces 2.24μm pixels after the binning process. For comparison, the main camera on the Galaxy S25 (available on Amazon) and S25+ features the ISOCELL GN3, which has a physical size of 1/1.56″ and generates 2μm pixels after binning. Thus, it’s clear why the Xiaomi 15 Ultra’s zoom camera shows such high performance.

    Detailed Camera Features

    Exif data from the image sample confirms that the HP9 sensor is paired with a 4.3x periscope lens that has a 100mm equivalent focal length. Previous reports indicate that there will also be a 3x zoom lens available. Additionally, the camera setup will include a 50 MP ultra-wide-angle lens and a type 1-inch 50 MP main camera.

    Source:
    Link


     

  • Xiaomi SU7 Ultra and Xiaomi 15 Ultra Launch Confirmed by February

    Xiaomi SU7 Ultra and Xiaomi 15 Ultra Launch Confirmed by February

    Xiaomi has restarted its operations today following the Chinese New Year celebrations. Lei Jun, the CEO of Xiaomi, distributed red envelopes to staff, which had the word “Ultra” on them, hinting at the launch of new Ultra models. Additionally, Xiaomi’s official Weibo account and several company leaders, including Lu Weibing and Wang Teng Thomas, have confirmed that the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra car and the Xiaomi 15 Ultra smartphone will be unveiled in China by the end of this month.

    Upcoming Launch Date

    Recent leaks suggest that Xiaomi is planning to host a launch event at 7 pm (local time) on February 26 in China. This event is likely to introduce the SU7 and 15 Ultra. The company is anticipated to officially announce the launch date shortly. Both products are also expected to be presented at MWC 2025, which kicks off in early March in Barcelona, Spain.

    Specifications of the SU7 Ultra

    The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra electric sedan is touted as the most powerful vehicle from Xiaomi yet. It features a triple-motor arrangement (V8s + V8s + V6s), producing a staggering 1,548 horsepower. The car can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 1.98 seconds and reach 0-200 km/h in 5.86 seconds. With a top speed of over 350 km/h, it utilizes CATL’s Kirin Gen 2 battery technology. Originally scheduled for a March launch, the SU7 Ultra is now likely to make its debut sooner than expected.

    Features of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra

    On the other hand, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is set to be the company’s most sophisticated smartphone so far. It will come with a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and a Leica-branded quad-camera system. The rear cameras will consist of a 50-megapixel one-inch main sensor, a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens, a 50-megapixel 3x periscope telephoto camera, and a 200-megapixel periscope telephoto lens, making it a strong contender for mobile photography enthusiasts.

    The phone will also have a TCL CSOT 2K quad-curved OLED display, a 6,000mAh battery supporting 90W wired and 50W wireless charging, an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, eSIM capability, and satellite communication features. It is expected to be priced starting at around 6,499 Yuan (~$890) and will rival flagship models such as the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, Vivo X200 Ultra, and Oppo Find X8 Ultra.

    With these two Ultra products, Xiaomi is clearly challenging the limits of both the smartphone and automotive markets, solidifying its position in the premium segment.


  • Xiaomi Market Value Exceeds HK$1 Trillion for First Time

    Xiaomi Market Value Exceeds HK$1 Trillion for First Time

    Xiaomi Group has achieved a significant achievement, as its market value has crossed HK$1 trillion for the very first time. The company’s shares finished at HK$39.85, marking an all-time high. This increase follows a strong performance in the recent months, with the stock climbing more than 7% on January 24, 2025, to conclude at HK$37.1. Earlier that month, on January 3, it had already reached HK$36.25, the highest price since 2021.

    Financial Growth of Xiaomi

    Xiaomi made its public debut on July 9, 2018, with an IPO price of HK$17. Initially, the stock fell below this IPO price and eventually dropped to a lowest point of HK$8.28 in September 2019. However, since then, Xiaomi’s stock has remarkably bounced back, hitting its record high in January 2025.

    Insights from CEO Lei Jun

    The financial outcomes for Xiaomi in Q3 2024 surpassed market predictions. The firm announced revenues of RMB 92.51 billion, more than the expected RMB 90.28 billion, which indicated a growth of 30.5% year-on-year. The net profit was RMB 5.35 billion, which was also better than the anticipated RMB 4.73 billion, showing a 4.4% increase compared to the previous year. Nonetheless, the company faced a loss of RMB 1.5 billion in its innovative business section, which includes IoT, electric vehicles, and new technologies.

    Lei Jun, who is the founder, chairman, and CEO of Xiaomi, called the company’s recent performance its best in history. Xiaomi is concentrating on strategic investments in high-end smartphones, AIoT, and smart electric vehicles. With robust financial results and a clear direction, Xiaomi is positioning itself as a leader in global technology. Investors are eagerly waiting for the company’s Q4 2024 earnings to see if it can keep up this growth trend.

    Xiaomi’s Rise as a Tech Leader

    Founded by Lei Jun in April 2010, Xiaomi Group is a top electronics company based in Beijing, China. It became the largest smartphone manufacturer in China in 2014 and is now counted among the top five smartphone vendors globally. The company provides a wide variety of smartphone series, such as Mi, Redmi, Blackshark, and Pocophone, to meet different consumer needs.

    With around 291.6 million active MIUI users, Xiaomi has developed a robust ecosystem that extends beyond smartphones, producing laptops, mobile accessories, wearables, home appliances, and smart-home devices. In 2019, Xiaomi also ventured into lifestyle products like bags, glasses, and umbrellas. Furthermore, it entered the financial services sector with Mi Credit in India (2018), making personal loans more accessible. Xiaomi also offers added internet services like Mi Music, Mi Video, and Mi Game, which enriches its digital presence.

  • Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun Unveils New Year Emoticons on WeChat

    Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun Unveils New Year Emoticons on WeChat

    To celebrate the New Year of the Snake, Xiaomi’s CEO, Lei Jun, has introduced a fresh set of WeChat emoticons. This collection includes 16 distinctively crafted emoticons that embody the joyous spirit of the Lunar New Year with lively and whimsical designs. Available for free to all WeChat users, these emoticons continue a tradition that Lei Jun started in 2021 with the Year of the Ox and will continue into 2024 for the Year of the Dragon.

    Emoticons with a Personal Touch

    These emoticons are notable for their humor and relatability, transforming common feelings and cultural allusions into moments that people can easily share. They resonate well with users who are celebrating the New Year, enhancing the festivity of online chats. Beyond their delightful designs, this project showcases Lei Jun’s flair for creative marketing. By engaging with a widely-used platform like WeChat, he forges a direct link with millions of users, strengthening Xiaomi’s image as friendly, innovative, and culturally aware.

    A Smart Marketing Move

    Not just a source of fun, this project is also a smart marketing approach. Lei Jun’s hands-on participation adds a layer of authenticity to the Xiaomi brand, indicating that he comprehends and appreciates the everyday experiences of users. The emoticons create an emotional bond, inviting people to link Xiaomi with happiness, community, and celebration. The limited-edition items, such as the special red envelope cover featuring Lei Jun himself, boost the exclusiveness and charm of the campaign.

    Xiaomi’s Worldwide Expansion Efforts

    Since its inception in 2010, Xiaomi has grown into a formidable global tech giant. By 2022, a significant 49.2% of the firm’s revenue was derived from international markets, showcasing its success beyond China. Xiaomi’s global approach focuses on affordable innovation, providing top-notch, feature-laden products at competitive prices, which is especially attractive in price-sensitive emerging markets.

    The company’s move beyond just smartphones into a broader ecosystem of connected devices, including smart home gadgets and wearables, has further solidified its standing. Xiaomi’s strong branding, extensive online and offline networks, and dedication to localizing products and marketing for various cultures have been crucial to its achievements.

    By consistently investing in cutting-edge technologies like AI, IoT, and 5G, Xiaomi not only addresses current consumer needs but also prepares itself for future challenges. Campaigns like the emoticons from Lei Jun illustrate how the company merges cultural awareness with innovation, fostering loyalty and connection in both local and international markets.


  • Xiaomi MIX Flip Unveiled by CEO Lei Jun

    Xiaomi MIX Flip Unveiled by CEO Lei Jun

    Xiaomi is preparing to launch its inaugural foldable smartphone, the MIX Flip. This will mark the brand’s entry into the Flip phone market. Years after abandoning the MIX Flip prototype, codenamed "argo," Xiaomi is ready to reveal the new MIX Flip. While many brands already offer Flip-style smartphones, Xiaomi’s upcoming device is highly anticipated. Nearly a month before the official introduction of the MIX Flip, a photo emerged showing Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun using the new foldable device.

    Xiaomi MIX Flip Spotted in the Wild

    It is well-known that Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun tests every new smartphone model. Recently, Lei Jun was seen using the MIX Flip. Although the device is not fully visible in the photo, it is clear from its structure that it is indeed the MIX Flip. This smartphone is rumored to come with unique features.



    This device is one of the many products scheduled to be officially unveiled in July. We are eagerly awaiting Xiaomi’s launch event in July, where the MIX Flip, MIX FOLD 4, Redmi K70 Ultra, and several other devices will be introduced.

  • Lei Jun Heads Xiaomi’s $1.5B Electric Car Initiative

    Lei Jun Heads Xiaomi’s $1.5B Electric Car Initiative

    Xiaomi’s Entry into the Electric Vehicle Sector

    Xiaomi, a prominent Chinese technology company, has declared its intention to make an entrance into the automotive domain by introducing its inaugural electric car in the initial half of 2024. In a recent discussion with Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, the company’s founder, Lei Jun, elucidated his ambitious vision for this venture.

    Xiaomi’s Aspirations

    Lei Jun emphasized his resolve to thrive in the realm of car manufacturing, articulating, "My objective in entering the automobile manufacturing sector is to emerge victorious." He delineated two fundamental principles that will shape Xiaomi’s automotive endeavors: harnessing established technologies from well-known automakers and committing significant resources to research and development.

    Innovative Approach to Automotive Crafting

    Xiaomi is adopting a distinctive strategy in car production. Lei disclosed that the company has allocated resources exceeding ten times what is conventionally invested in a maiden car model by a traditional automobile manufacturer. This translates to a specialized team of 3,400 engineers and an R&D allocation surpassing 10 billion yuan (equivalent to approximately $1.4 billion).

    "We assigned 3,400 engineers to the initial model, with the entire R&D investment exceeding RMB 10 billion. Hence, we are leveraging over ten times the industry standard investment," Lei elaborated.

    Impending Obstacles

    Despite his confidence in Xiaomi’s capabilities, Lei acknowledged the forthcoming challenges. He expressed apprehension regarding potential production hindrances and extended waiting periods, which, if not managed adeptly, could cast a negative light on Xiaomi’s reputation.

    "I am primarily concerned that a surge in demand resulting in prolonged waiting times, say one or two years, might tarnish our image," Lei conceded.

    The Unveiling and Technical Specifications

    While the official launch of Xiaomi’s electric vehicle is yet to occur, some particulars have already been disclosed. Dubbed the SU7, the model is a four-door sedan boasting a sporty aesthetic. It surpasses the dimensions of both Tesla’s Model 3 and Nio’s ET5. The SU7 will be offered with two battery alternatives, providing ranges of up to 800 kilometers on a single charge.

    Rivalry in the Electric Vehicle Sector

    Xiaomi is stepping into an already congested electric vehicle market, where established entities and ambitious startups are contending for supremacy. The triumph of Xiaomi’s electric car will be contingent on its capacity to deliver a vehicle that excels in terms of performance, technology, and notably, price.

    In summary, Xiaomi is venturing into the automotive domain with the launch of its maiden electric car in 2024. With lofty aspirations, substantial investments, and an innovative approach to car production, Xiaomi aims to carve a niche in the fiercely competitive electric vehicle market. Although the revelation of the SU7 model and its specifications has sparked anticipation, the ultimate verdict will depend on whether Xiaomi can present a vehicle that surpasses its rivals in various aspects, encompassing affordability.