China’s Xiaomi unveils US$680 smartphone, sees growth in Africa

A person checks out the new Xiaomi Mi 9 mobile phone ahead of the Mobile World Congress (MWC 19) in Barcelona, Spain, February 24, 2019. REUTERS/Rafael Marchante

BARCELONA: China's Xiaomi has launched its contribution to a new wave of smartphones that will be able to take advantage of faster 5G mobile networks at a lower price than analysts expect from rivals.

The world's fourth-largest smartphone maker unveiled the handset on Feb 24, trumpeting prices starting from €599 (RM2,765) when it hits the market in May, prompting gasps in the hall at the mobile industry's biggest global event in Barcelona.