Xiaomi takes on Samsung and LG as it targets to enter the Korean smartphone market by offering the young consumer sector with high-end budget phones. Analysts and experts are skeptical of the success of Xiaomi's marketing plans.

Named as the Chinese Apple, Xiaomi is known for manufacturing low-priced phones offering superior specifications. The Chinese company sells its products mainly online through websites. At present, Xiaomi has no distribution channels of its devices based in Korea. However, this might change as the company pursues its goal of becoming a premium handset maker and penetrate the Korean market.

Analysts and experts are doubtful whether Xiaomi can successfully enter the Korean market. Some say the strategy will be fruitful. The Internal Business Times quoted Panos Mourdoukoutas of Forbes: "First, it closes the gap between the upper and the lower segments of the smartphone market. Second, it helps Xiaomi gain market share, as already evidenced in China, where the company holds 18% market share. Third, it helps Xiaomi up the game, move from emerging markets to mature markets, and eventually attack Apple and Samsung in their home base."

However, there are also those who think that Xiaomi will not make much progress in the Korean market. In a report by The Korea Times, analyst Lee Seung-woo of IBK Investment & Securities says that it would be hard for Xiaomi to penetrate the local market dominated by Samsung and LG just like other foreign handset makers. Yet, there is a good opportunity for the Chinese manufacturer to find success in the international market says Jonathan Hwang of KDB Daewoo Securities.

Although the situation looks bleak for Xiaomi, the company finds hope with its increasing number of young customers in Korea. These consumers look for products that give greater value to their money, which Xiaomi devices promise to offer.

Recently, Business Korea reported that Xiaomi representatives met with Korean start-ups to discuss a contract to create possible distribution channels for their products. They also introduced the new MIUI in Seoul on a September 11 even, inciting developers to create apps for the new OS. The company is slowly taking steps towards the fulfillment of its goal.

According to Hwang, Xiaomi is still on the list of top players in the smartphone industry. But its progress is impeded by emerging competition such as Huawei, HTC, and Nokia.