Xiaomi and Motorola are preparing to launch new smartphones in South Korea, where the market is effectively dominated by Samsung Electronics and Apple.
Xiaomi is reportedly considering a November launch of what is believed to be its next-generation flagship, the Xiaomi 18, after completing South Korean radio certification.
Motorola also appears to be preparing to launch its midrange Moto G47 in Korea.
According to the National Radio Research Institute on the 21st, Xiaomi received radio certification on the 15th for a new smartphone (model number 2611FPNFAG). The industry views this product as the global model of Xiaomi 18.
Xiaomi 18 is expected to be equipped with Qualcomm's next-generation flagship AP (application processor), "Snapdragon 8 Elite 6th Gen." Qualcomm plans to unveil two next-generation chips at "Snapdragon Summit 2026," to be held in Hawaii, USA, on the 22nd.
The industry anticipates that a standard version using a 2nm process and a high-performance Pro model will be released. These chips are highly likely to be adopted in Samsung Electronics' upcoming "Galaxy S27" series next year.
The launch timing is also drawing attention. The predecessor, Xiaomi 17, was unveiled in China last September and then launched globally at the end of February this year, about five months later.
In contrast, the global model estimated to be Xiaomi 18 has already completed domestic radio certification prior to its product unveiling, with a possible Korean launch in November. If realized, the time gap between launches in China and the global market is expected to shrink significantly compared to the previous model.
Motorola Korea also received domestic radio certification for "XT2625-11" on the 3rd of this month. It is estimated to be the Korean version of "Moto G47." The Moto G47 features a 6nm process AP, "Dimensity 6300," a 120Hz 6.67-inch HD+ LCD display, a 180-million-pixel main camera, and a 5200mAh battery. It was launched in Europe at 319 euros (approximately 506,000 won).
The challenges posed by these two companies are noteworthy given the high entry barriers in the domestic market. According to a survey conducted by Gallup Korea last month among 1,675 smartphone users aged 13 and over, the currently used brands were Galaxy at 81% and iPhone at 19%.
An industry official said, "Domestic consumers value not only performance and price but also brand trustworthiness and the convenience of after-sales service (AS)." He added, "For foreign companies other than Apple to expand their market share, expanding distribution and AS networks while enhancing brand trust is crucial."
Nevertheless, Xiaomi and Motorola continue their efforts to penetrate the Korean market. After establishing its Korean subsidiary, Xiaomi has expanded its product lineup to include smartphones, wearables, TVs, and robot vacuums, while Motorola consistently introduces mid-range products.
If Xiaomi 18 is launched in Korea in November, it could reduce the launch time lag often cited as a weakness of foreign phones. The key question remains whether rapid new product introductions can shake up the duopoly led by Samsung Electronics and Apple.
in TECH
