Sales of Xiaomi Technology's smartphones in Russia are gaining momentum, according to media reports in China. Xiaomi's smartphones are currently the sixth most popular mobile device used on Russia's subway Wi-Fi networks compared to the 24th position a year earlier.

The number of users of Xiaomi smartphones at telecom operator VimpelCom expanded by nine-fold during the period from September 2015 to September 2016, the report indicated.

Another Russia-based telecom operator Tele2 has also reported that the subscribers of Xiaomi phones have increased by 20% since August 2016.

In addition to marketing its smartphones online, Xiaomi has also begun selling its products through local retail channel operators, including Svyaznoy and Euroset, as well as retailing outlets of other telecom operators, said the report.

Additionally, Xiaomi also plans to set up an exclusive retail shop in Moscow through its distributor in Russia. By the second quarter of 2018, Xiaomi plans to establish a total of 20 retail shops in Russia.

Xiaomi currently accounts for less than 1% of the smartphone market in Russia, according to Mobile Research Group.