Lei Jun Reminisces About Xiaomi’s First Phone, Netizens Share Nostalgic Memories

CNBC AI News – August 16 – Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun is sparking a wave of nostalgia among tech enthusiasts. Late last night, a simple tweet from Lei, “Did you use the first generation Xiaomi phone?”, ignited a flurry of “Xiaomi memories.”

Lei’s post showcased the original Xiaomi smartphone, launched 14 years ago, complete with its now-retro removable battery. The image served as a visual time capsule for early adopters of the brand.

The comments section quickly became a digital forum for users to reminisce about their experiences with the original Xiaomi device.

One user from Shanxi, China, stated that they’ve been using Xiaomi phones since the very first iteration, and continue to choose Xiaomi. Intriguingly, this loyalty wasn’t attributed to Lei Jun’s charismatic presentations, which the user admitted to rarely watching, but to the perceived superior functionality of the original Xiaomi phone. This speaks volumes about the initial product’s appeal and the subsequent brand loyalty it fostered.

Another user from Sichuan proudly declared their ownership of the Xiaomi 1S, while a user from Chongqing emphatically stated, “I bought it myself, I used it!” These comments underscore the sense of pride and positive association users held with the early Xiaomi devices.

Further demonstrating the brand’s diverse appeal, a user from Liaoning mentioned their introduction to Xiaomi started with the “Xiaomi 3 Unicom version,” highlighting how different generations of Xiaomi phones have resonated with various segments of the user base.

Lei Jun’s tweet, beyond being a retrospective on Xiaomi’s inaugural product, served as a catalyst for collective nostalgia. It’s a potent reminder of the significant impact Xiaomi’s early offerings had on users, solidifying the foundation for its current market position and showcasing the enduring power of a solid first impression in the fiercely competitive smartphone arena. The engagement also highlights the value of user-generated content and brand storytelling through social media for maintaining customer loyalty and reinforcing brand identity.