Re: Overpriced
Err, Xiaomi have had UK based repairs (via Ali Express), for at least 18 months, probably 2+ years, and now have UK based sales.
You can opt for weekly or even nightly updates if you are brave enough to load beta versions.
NFC ? meh; in 2 years, only had one customer ask if we took Apple pay, exactly the same number who have asked if we take Android pay and if we take US non Chip and Pin credit cards.
(Answer to all three was "yes").
Proven patching system? see my earlier post; you can even refuse to allow the update if you want; and can choose where, when and how it is downloaded.
Less bug ridden?? I think that is a personal call, but at least the bugs get fixed, and not blamed on how you are holding it. The last Xiaomi bug that got me irritated was one that made the main camera go blurry, and that was fixed by going back to the previous ROM version for a few months, until Xiaomi fixed the issue.
Wife has a new Mate 20 Pro, at almost Apple prices, the update process better be damned smooth.