Skipping ahead to rival Apple
Xiaomi unveiled its new 17 series smartphones in Beijing, drawing deliberate comparisons with Apple’s latest iPhones. The company jumped from the 15 series directly to 17 in order to match Apple’s numbering system. CEO Lei Jun repeatedly emphasized how the Xiaomi 17 lineup outperforms iPhones on performance, battery life, and photography.
The series includes three models: Xiaomi 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max. For the first time, Xiaomi is offering two Pro sizes, echoing Apple’s strategy. The Pro models also feature a unique addition — a secondary screen on the back that functions as a selfie viewfinder, widget hub, and even a music controller.
Pro models bring dual displays
The standout feature of the 17 Pro and Pro Max is the rear display integrated into the camera housing. This secondary screen borrows from innovations seen in flip phones, allowing users to check widgets, control music, or take selfies with the main cameras. Xiaomi even offers a Game Boy-inspired case with functional buttons, turning the rear panel into a portable console.
The 17 Pro has a 6.3-inch display and weighs 192g, while the larger Pro Max boasts a 6.9-inch display at 231g. Xiaomi highlighted that the Pro Max is thinner and lighter than Apple’s 17 Pro Max and demonstrated its tougher glass in a promo video. Both models run on Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset and feature large batteries — 6,300mAh for the Pro and 7,500mAh for the Pro Max — with 100W wired and 50W wireless charging.
Focus on cameras and performance
Camera performance remains a major selling point. Each Pro model carries three 50-megapixel sensors, including a shared main and ultrawide lens. Both offer 5x telephoto zoom, though the Pro Max benefits from a larger sensor and wider aperture for improved low-light performance.
The regular Xiaomi 17, while lacking the rear display, still shares many flagship specs. It has the same 6.3-inch size as the Pro, a triple 50MP camera setup, and the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor. Surprisingly, it carries a bigger battery than the Pro at 7,000mAh, which Xiaomi showcased in a dramatic comparison against Apple’s iPhone 17 during the launch event.
Pricing and availability
The Xiaomi 17 lineup is already available for preorder in China, with full release set for September 27. Prices start at ¥4,499 (around $630) for the Xiaomi 17, ¥4,999 (around $700) for the 17 Pro, and ¥5,999 (around $840) for the 17 Pro Max. A European launch is expected in spring 2026, potentially at the Mobile World Congress, where Xiaomi may also unveil a more advanced 17 Ultra.