A recent launch event for the Xiaomi 17 phones has sparked discussions among critics and fans alike. Some may argue that Xiaomi is mimicking Apple too closely, while others suggest that the company is strategically positioning itself to outperform Apple. Regardless of perspective, it is evident that Xiaomi had its eyes on Cupertino when unveiling its flagship line, particularly with the introduction of a unique second screen on the back of its two new Pro models.
The Xiaomi 17 series follows the previous 15 series, which was recently completed with the launch of the 15T phones. Unlike other Chinese manufacturers that often skip generation numbers—such as OnePlus, which is jumping from 13 to 15—Xiaomi has opted to go straight to 17. The decision to maintain this numbering scheme appears aimed at keeping pace with Apple’s flagship iterations. The lineup includes the Xiaomi 17, Xiaomi 17 Pro, and Xiaomi 17 Pro Max, which mirror the naming conventions used by Apple.
During the Beijing launch event, Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun frequently referenced Apple’s new iPhones, drawing direct comparisons regarding specifications and performance. He emphasized how the Xiaomi 17 series excels in areas such as battery life, performance, and photography capabilities. However, it's worth noting that while Xiaomi’s hardware may not heavily borrow from Apple’s designs, the specifications of the 17 series are impressive and support these bold claims.
The standout features of the Xiaomi 17 Pro and Xiaomi 17 Pro Max include an innovative second display on the back of the device, designed to enhance user experience. This secondary screen occupies the space typically reserved for camera components in equivalent Pro iPhones. It functions similarly to the cover displays found in recent flip phones, providing users with a viewfinder for selfies, music playback controls, and interactive widgets, among other features. While Xiaomi is not the first to implement a secondary screen on a smartphone, this latest design aims to elevate practicality and usability.
Both Pro models share a high-performance Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset announced by Qualcomm, ensuring powerful performance for users. The Xiaomi 17 Pro features a compact 6.3-inch display and weighs a mere 192g, while the Pro Max houses a larger 6.9-inch display and weighs 231g. Xiaomi has made a point to highlight that its devices are thinner and lighter than Apple’s competing models. Additionally, the durability of the display has been showcased in promotional materials, including a demonstration involving a figure skater gliding over the screen—though this is certainly not a recommended practice.
Battery life is another strong suit for the Xiaomi 17 series, with the Pro model boasting a 6,300mAh battery and the Pro Max featuring a 7,500mAh battery. Both models support 100W wired charging and 50W wireless charging, utilizing the universal PPS standard. Camera capabilities are also a priority, with each phone equipped with three 50-megapixel rear cameras. While both models share the same f/1.67 main camera and f/2.4 ultrawide lens, the telephoto lens differs, with the Pro Max offering a larger sensor and faster aperture for improved low-light performance.
The standard Xiaomi 17 model, while lacking the secondary screen, may appeal to users seeking a more straightforward option. It features a similar 6.3-inch display, a 50-megapixel triple rear camera, and the same Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. An unexpected highlight of the Xiaomi 17 is its impressive 7,000mAh battery, which outlasted an iPhone 17 in a continuous video playback test, as showcased during the launch.
All three models of the Xiaomi 17 series are currently available for preorder in China, with a full release scheduled for September 27th. Pricing starts at ¥4,499 (approximately $630) for the Xiaomi 17, ¥4,999 (around $700) for the Pro, and ¥5,999 (about $840) for the Pro Max. While global release details remain unannounced, a European launch for certain models is anticipated in the spring, coinciding with the MWC trade show in late February. At that time, Xiaomi may also introduce an even more powerful Xiaomi 17 Ultra.
