India

Xiaomi has a limited window to fix MIUI amid Chinese app ban

Brand perception matters the most right now

Published

June 30, 2020

Shivam Vahia

Xiaomi is India’s top smartphone maker and it has been leading for a couple of years now. The brand is credited for revolutionizing affordable 4G smartphones in the country and since then, it has expanded to smart homes, wearables, IoT, and even luggage. However, the brand faces a fresh challenge unlike any other. Anti-China calls are at an all-time high and Chinese app makers are already facing the brunt. How long can a brand like Xiaomi survive?

In a recent interview with The Economic Times, Xiaomi India CEO, Manu Kumar Jain said, “Once or twice in the past one week or 10 days, there have been one or two episodes when people have come outside our stores and raised slogans… we haven’t seen any major episodes till now. But this, to us, appears more like Twitter reaction.”

India and China have radically increased their troop deployment in the bordering region of Ladakh. The skirmish has escalated severely after clashes broke out and both sides suffered casualties. The spread of Coronavirus had already seeded anti-China sentiments and the recent border crisis has watered them further.

India has already banned 59 Chinese origin apps in the country. Buyers are inclined to avoid Chinese goods and even companies are scrambling to reduce their dependence on Chinese imports.

In the middle of all the chaos is Xiaomi, the brand with a Chinese name. So far, the company hasn’t faced any drastic issues and phones continue to sell like hotcakes.

Thanks to local sourcing, marketing, and perception of the company, it has become a household name in India. Adding to this, its affordable offerings are unmatchable, giving it a natural edge over the others. But all of this could soon tumble like a house of cards.

MIUI — the elephant in the room

Every time I review a Xiaomi phone, a few points are always common. The phone has a solid design, cameras are usually above average, and battery backup is spot-on. Performance depends on the processor and we’ve seen top-notch results in most phones. However, everyone, including me, has one complaint — MIUI and its ads.

MIUI is a mature skin and has been crucial for Xiaomi’s rise as a phone maker. With a new iteration coming every year, it has developed a fan following equivalent to Google’s stock Android releases. Filled to the brim with features, it’s perfect for everyone. But, it incorporates a very complex web of apps that are supposed to be an extension of MIUI.

Apps like Mi Video are notorious for pushing ads in the UI. Furthermore, apps like GetApps and Themes will constantly recommend content that you can download. These too, are essentially ads.

On a normal day, the notifications tab is filled with ads and bloatware suggestions. Keep in mind, the phone already ships with a ton of bloatware and is now asking you to install more.

Users have often complained about “indecent” or “inappropriate” ads showing up on their phone. Xiaomi announced last year it’s working on fixing the issue.

This year, two apps by Xiaomi — Mi Browser Pro and Mint Browser, were caught collecting a huge amount of data about any website a user visits, even in incognito mode. The data was sent to remote servers, sparking a fresh controversy on Xiaomi’s reliability. These apps often ship by default on MIUI phones.

MIUI 12 incorporates a host of new features that focus on improving the privacy and overall security of the phone and its data. However, MIUI 12 roll-out is still in the early stages and won’t act as an immediate stop-gap measure that’s required right now.

Xiaomi’s brand perception is on the line now

India banned 59 apps including TikTok for safety concerns. These apps have a notorious history of collecting too much user data without clear consent.

Many of them are serial offenders who’ve built their business models around data collection and ad targeting. Adding to this, their Chinese origin adds a layer of opaque international bureaucracy and practically impossible enforcement.

Alibaba backed UC Browser and UC News feed on your information and thrive by delivering ads. Irrespective of whether they’re relevant or not. The apps are a security researcher’s nightmare.

When I compare the behavior of UC Browser against Xiaomi’s stock apps, the difference isn’t big enough. Both push cheap and desperate ads in my notifications area.

Wouldn’t any average Joe feel the same? Pretty much every app included in India’s ban list has a strong history of flouting basic moral conduct. Xiaomi, being a respected brand in the hardware space, cannot afford to be included in this list.

I’m not saying ads are bad. Google is the world’s largest advertising company and it operates with transparency. The company is liable for privacy lapses and laws like GDPR (European Union) exert a moral responsibility on the company’s management. This accountability is lost as soon as we reach China.

Safe vs affordable: which side will you choose?

Xiaomi started integrating ads in the user interface because it helped in making the actual phone cheaper. A considerable chunk of Xiaomi’s revenue is dependent on bloatware (pre-installed apps) and ads.

In the short-term, the brand is able to sell more phones thanks to aggressive pricing and earn ad revenue in the longer run. But, times are changing and geopolitical forces exert more pressure than ever.

Now’s the time for Xiaomi to decide — can it let go of some revenue in exchange for long-term brand perception? These ads are clearly not helping the company make a point and users are gradually understanding the value of their data.

With the recent app ban, a Chinese app or software that delivers ads is inherently assumed to be compromised or risky.

The company may have to rework their product pricing or could move away from ads in a phased mnner with new phones. It can also offer a monthly subscription wherein users can opt-out of ads and data collection. But selling privacy after selling you a device may not go down well for many users. Amazon has tried this subscription model with its Fire tablet lineup that targets the entry-level segment.

If Chinese phone makers want to sell units anywhere in the world, one thing’s for sure — they need to focus on privacy as a fundamental right and not a privilege. The Huawei ban has proved that getting in the bad books of non-allied nations could mean doom for them.

Related Topics:Boycott China Chinese Apps MIUI MIUI 12 MIUI Ads Xiaomi

India

The vivo V60 is a rebadged vivo S30 for international markets

The first V-series phone with periscope telephoto lens

Published

August 12, 2025

Vincenz

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

vivo is just on time with its biannual refresh of the V-series.

After the V50 launched last February 2025, the Chinese company has just revealed the newest vivo V60 in India six months after.

Rebadged vivo S30

If you’ve been following vivo for quite some time, you won’t be surprised that the China-exclusive vivo S30 will be the next V-smartphone in their global roster.

For the most part, it is a rebadged vivo S30 for the international market.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Internals are identical: Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 4nm 8-core SoC, Adreno 722 GPU, up to 16GB LPDDR4X memory and 512GB UFS 2.2 storage.

It may be a good or bad thing but the vivo V60 has an 8+128GB base model whereas the S30 starts with a bigger 12+256GB configuration.

Cameras are neither different: 50MP f/1.88 main, 8MP f/2.0 Ultra-Wide Angle (UWA), and 50MP f/2.2 selfie.

However, the vivo V60 now sports an additional 50MP f/2.65 periscope telephoto lens that its predecessor lacks. It’s also the same shooter found on the flagship-grade vivo X200.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

This newly-added camera is based on Sony’s widely-used IMX882 sensor and supports OIS (Optical Image Stabilization).

It can take 3x optically zoomed photos, and clear 10x shots through Stage Portrait Mode.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

50x zoomed shots is also possible via vivo’s all-new AI Hyper Zoom.

vivo’s signature ring flash dubbed “Aura Light Portrait 2.0” is here to stay.

A 6500mAh Si/C BlueVolt battery is also here alongside vivo’s speedy 90W FlashCharge standard.

Wireless charging is still absent but reversed wired charging is present for those who need it.

Dual IP68+IP69 water and dust resistance ratings also remain.

Not a total clone

The vivo V60 is not a total clone of the S30 as there are some differences that may or may not matter to most of you.

The vivo V60 has a slightly bigger 6.77-inch 120Hz AMOLED display but only with a Full HD+ resolution and pixel density of 388ppi.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

The Chinese vivo S30 has a smaller 6.67-inch screen of the same tech, but with more resolution at 1.2K and tighter 460ppi.

As expected, the Chinese model runs OriginOS 5 while the latter still runs Funtouch OS 15 that are both based on Android 15 — shutting the rumor that vivo Global will adopt their Chinese OS in the new V-phone.

That also means vivo’s already rich AI prowess are ever-present with improvements in AI Erase and Image Expander as well as highlighting newly-added AI capabilities such as AI Magic Move, AI Photography Suite, and even AI Four-Season Portrait.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

As expected, the vivo V60 still rocks the ZEISS Camera System that its Chinese counterparts never had since the S18 Pro (Chinese version of the V30 Pro).

Indian vivo V60s are also expected to have an exclusive Wedding vLog and Portrait Studio presets.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Lastly, the vivo V60 has executed premium finishes and colorways: Auspicious Gold, Moonlit Blue, and Mist Gray.

That’s in contrast to S30’s pastel slash two-tone options derived from the S30 Pro mini (or X200 FE).

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Although the gold and blue options have glass backs, the gray one is made from plastic.

That also makes up for its varying thickness: 7.53mm (gray), 7.65mm (gold), 7.75mm (blue).

All in all, the vivo V60 is slightly thicker over the S30 (7.49mm).

Pricing and Availability

Although there’s no “V60 Pro mini” (nor a V60 Pro), the X200 FE already exists as the global version of China’s vivo S30 Pro mini.

And unlike the vivo X200 FE where it was launched first in Malaysia and Taiwan, the vivo V60 headlines the global launch in India.

Here are India’s specific pricing per configuration:

8+128GB = INR 36,999
8+256GB = INR 38,999
12+256GB = INR 40,999
12+512GB = INR 45,999

It will just be a matter of time which markets the vivo V60 will come right after India.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

It’s good to note though that vivo Malaysia already teases the V60 up on their website with two different colorways opposed to the Indian options: Berry Purple and Summer Blue.

India

Marshall Minor IV earbuds price, availability in India

Small in size, big on Marshall signature sound

Published

June 14, 2024

GadgetMatch

Marshall has unveiled the Minor IV True Wireless earbuds. This entry-level audio wearable sets new standards with Marshall signature sound, supreme comfort, and exceptional battery life. It will retail for INR 11,999 locally. Elsewhere, the product will be available from June 15 on Marshall.com.

Created for music lovers, the Minor IV features a 12mm dynamic driver that delivers expertly balanced sound. Design wise, it stands out with Marshall’s classic look, coming in a black-colored leather-like material. The brand logo is situated in front of the charging case. The water-resistant earbuds themselves feature a reangled design so it can fit better inside the ear canal.

The Minor IV earbuds can play music and other content for up to seven hours on their own. And with a charging case, the total playtime extends to more than 30 hours. When drained of power, the Minor IV will take just about over an hour to recharge. The case, meanwhile, will replenish back to full in two hours using USB-C charging.

Users will find it easy to navigate and manage calls with Marshall’s dedicated app. They may also connect multiple devices simultaneously with Bluetooth multipoint connectivity.

Along with the Major V, the new earbuds will support Bluetooth LE Audio soon. This technology allows the device to deliver higher audio quality, while also increasing the streaming range and improving audio sync.

India

India imposes a ban on imported laptops, tablets, and PCs

Personal orders are still allowed

Published

August 4, 2023

Luigi Leonardo

There’s no doubt that India is a major market for technology. While the country has its own brand preferences outside of the world’s usual, everyone still wants to get a piece of the market. To the dismay of global companies, the country is realizing the potential of its own market. Effective immediately, India has started restricting imports for new laptops, tablets, and PCs.

Recently, India made some headlines in the smartphone industry. A few companies, including Apple, have poured funds into building factories in India. Locally produced devices will allow these companies to attract the Indian market better. With the new regulations out today, it looks like these brands are going to enjoy a head start over others who aren’t in the country yet.

The Indian government introduced a new restriction (via Reuters) against the importation of “laptops, tablets, all-in-one personal computers, and ultra-small form factor computers and servers” made from other countries. Customers, however, will get an exemption. Airline passengers can still bring in these devices in their luggage. Additionally, a single imported device is allowable when bought through e-commerce platforms. Companies can import their products only by applying for a special license.

In a nutshell, bulk orders without a license are out. The government is instead encouraging users to buy locally produced products as part of its “Make in India” program. At the very least, it’s not a total ban on foreign brands. For example, Dell, HP, and Lenovo are exempt from the regulations since they already have production facilities built in the country.