Chinese smartphone manufacturer Xiaomi has announced it will open the first authorised flagship Mi Store in Sylvia Park Shopping Centre, Auckland in early November.

Xiaomi is the fourth largest smartphone manufacturer, and is one of the fastest growing mobile phone brands.

The launch will significantly reduce prices for smart devices, said Xiaomi’s New Zealand brand spokesman Eric Chang.

“Mi’s stellar performance in recent years is driven from a unique business model which can see some products are sold at cost or below, and subsidised with content offers and accessories as part of the wider Mi ecosystem,” Chang said.

“What this means for Kiwi consumers is the ability to purchase a Mi mobile phone like the Redmi Note 5 which has similar specifications to a $1400 competing model on the market already – but selling for around 70 per cent less.”

While the company is known for its smartphones, further flagship products include electric scooters, robotic vacuum cleaners, wearable tech, automation, appliance and lifestyle products.