As it plans a full expansion to the United States and other non-Chinese markets, Xiaomi needs a larger patent profile to avoid lawsuits. Part of that profile will come from Microsoft, which has agreed to sell the company 1,500 patents, many of which relate to mobile software.

Microsoft and Xiaomi are keeping the financial terms of the deal under wraps. Though, they've entered into a separate deal that will see Xiaomi pre-install Microsoft Office and Skype on its devices, bringing Microsoft's software to a larger audience.

The Mi 5, Mi Max, Mi 4s, Redmi Note 3, and Redmi 3 will all have Office and Skype apps come September of this year.