From "Following the Trend" to "Setting the Benchmark": Xiaomi Leads the New Trend of Android Flagships

From "Following the Trend" to "Setting the Benchmark": Xiaomi Leads the New Trend of Android FlagshipsSince October 14th, the battle for Android flagships in 2025 has officially begun, with numerous brands preheating their upcoming flagship models. However, upon closer observation, we can see that many new flagships this year have a close connection to Xiaomi, in one way or another

From "Following the Trend" to "Setting the Benchmark": Xiaomi Leads the New Trend of Android Flagships

Since October 14th, the battle for Android flagships in 2025 has officially begun, with numerous brands preheating their upcoming flagship models. However, upon closer observation, we can see that many new flagships this year have a close connection to Xiaomi, in one way or another. This inevitably brings to mind the accusations of "following the trend" that Xiaomi faced in the past. How will these critics explain themselves now?

1. "Ultra" Naming: From Mockery to Following Suit

When Xiaomi first adopted the "Ultra" naming for its top-of-the-line straight-screen flagship, many mocked them for "following Samsung." After all, Ultra was a name first used by Samsung. Now, however, various brands have begun to follow suit, attaching "Ultra" to their own top-tier flagships, a trend that continues unabated since the beginning of the year. Will those who once ridiculed Xiaomi now feel their cheeks burning?

2. Right-Angled Mid-Frame: From Imitation to Standard Feature

When Xiaomi's digital series adopted the right-angled mid-frame design, many accused them of "following Apple." Lei Jun himself admitted that Xiaomi's digital series aimed to rival the latest iPhones at the time. Nowadays, almost every brand has embraced the right-angled mid-frame design. How can this be explained? How will those who criticized Xiaomi back then reconcile their statements? A particular brand even went so far as to mock the sharp-edged frame during a press conference, only to later release a model with a right-angled mid-frame, a prime example of a self-inflicted slap in the face.

3. Equal-Depth Quad-Curved Screen: From Innovation to Widespread Adoption

Xiaomi 14 Pro pioneered the equal-depth quad-curved screen, with Lei Jun declaring it the best form for straight-screen flagship phones. This screen design combines the aesthetic appeal of a curved screen with the user experience of a straight screen, effectively addressing the issue of accidental touches. Xiaomi has been using the equal-depth quad-curved screen for a year now, and its rivals have quickly followed suit, incorporating this screen design into their own flagship products.

4. Compact Flagship: From Pioneering to Catching Up

Starting with the Xiaomi 12, Xiaomi has launched three generations of compact flagships. The Xiaomi 13 was a success, and the Xiaomi 14 is selling tremendously well. It's this environment that has encouraged other manufacturers to start experimenting with compact flagship models. Imagine, if not for the success of the Xiaomi 13 and 14, would other brands have chosen to produce compact flagships?

5. Benchmarking against iPhone: From Imitation to Pursuit

Lei Jun has openly stated that Xiaomi's goal in entering the high-end market is to rival Apple. Since the Xiaomi 13 series, Xiaomi's flagship products have been comparable to the latest iPhones of the year, without copying or plagiarizing iPhone. Now, increasingly more brands are taking the iPhone as their benchmark, some even branding themselves as "XX Apple" and completely redesigning their operating systems to resemble iOS.

6. Wireless Charging: From Pioneer to Popularizer

Back in the day, Xiaomi was among the first Chinese Android brands to adopt wireless charging. The head of one particular brand even stated that wireless charging lacks technological sophistication, simply adding a coil. Today, practically every flagship model on the market supports wireless charging. In those days, wireless charging technology was immature, with limited charging speeds. However, someone had to pave the way.

Besides the aforementioned points, Xiaomi's leading role in the Android flagship landscape is evident in many other aspects, including fast charging technology and imaging systems.

Its always Xiaomis fault. No matter what Xiaomi does, someone will criticize. If others follow suit, they'll still get slammed. The most baffling part is that all brands use Qualcomm processors, yet they accuse Xiaomi of being a "phone assembler." So, what exactly are the other brands?

In conclusion, as a pioneer in the Android flagship field, Xiaomi has driven many industry trends. Those who once criticized Xiaomi for "following the trend" might need to reconsider their statements. From "following the trend" to "setting the benchmark," Xiaomi is proving its strength with its actions.