Xiaomi denies authorizing US handset sales

Photo taken on Jan 13, 2016 shows the Xiaomi smartphone on display at its launching ceremony in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. China's Xiaomi, launched a wide range of its products, in partnership with Dubai-based Task FZCO firm. Xiaomi plans to acquire a sizable market share in the rapidly expanding smartphone market in the Middle East and North Africa. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese smartphone firm Xiaomi Corp said on Tuesday it is yet to enter the highly competitive United States market following reports stating that a small carrier is vending Xiaomi devices online.

"There are no plans to sell smartphones through any authorized distributors in the US," Xiaomi told China Daily in a statement.

The comment came after tech site pcmag.com posted a story saying US Mobile, a virtual carrier which uses T-Mobile's network, is selling, servicing, and supporting a few Xiaomi devices starting from Monday.

The phones that went on sale include the Xiaomi Redmi 2 for $119, the Mi 3 for $139, Mi 4 for $219 and an inexpensive model from another Chinese vendor Meizu Technology Co Ltd, according to pcmag.com.

Meizu, based in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, also told China Daily it did not authorize handset sales to US Mobile.

Xiaomi and Meizu devices were not seen on US Mobile's online shop as of Tuesday.

Xiaomi, the biggest smartphone maker in China in terms of shipment, was long expected to enter the more profitable US market as demand on its home turf peaks.

The Beijing-based company launched an online store in the US last year but it only offers a small selection of accessories such as earphones and fitness bands.