Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the changing perception of Xiaomi, highlighting that despite its strong sales, it struggles with brand identity and user trust compared to Apple, particularly in the high-end market [1][23]. Group 1: Product Experience - The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max has a design and feel that closely resembles the iPhone 16 Pro Max, but there are still noticeable differences in weight and overall premium feel [3][4]. - Users often compare Xiaomi devices with iPhones, indicating that while Xiaomi's design is on par, it lacks the same level of perceived quality and trust [3][4]. Group 2: Brand Philosophy - Xiaomi's approach to product design is seen as lacking a cohesive philosophy, contrasting with Apple's minimalist and unified design ethos [5][14]. - The article emphasizes that Xiaomi's products, despite having high specifications, lack the "soul" that resonates with consumers, which is crucial for building a strong brand identity [6][14]. Group 3: Target Audience - The article identifies a key demographic for high-end devices as "productivity users," such as professionals who rely on their devices for work, rather than casual users or tech enthusiasts [15][21]. - Xiaomi's current marketing strategies focus on flashy features rather than addressing the needs of productivity users, which may hinder its ability to penetrate the high-end market [21][22]. Group 4: Market Perception - Despite high foot traffic in stores and impressive daily sales, Xiaomi's stock market performance reflects investor concerns about its long-term profitability and ecosystem integration [23][24]. - The article points out that Xiaomi's ecosystem lacks a seamless workflow compared to Apple's, which can deter potential high-end users from committing to the brand [25][26]. Group 5: Ecosystem Challenges - Xiaomi's ecosystem is described as fragmented, with products that do not work together as efficiently as Apple's, leading to doubts about reliability and user experience [24][27]. - The article suggests that Xiaomi needs to shift its focus from a self-contained ecosystem to one that fosters partnerships and collaboration, similar to successful models used by top companies like Tencent and Apple [28][29].
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