Xiaomi 17: Here’s everything you need to know

To arrive with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset and Leica cameras!

Xiaomi’s latest 17 series is set to debut soon. The brand has confirmed that the series will consist of three models – the Xiaomi 17, Xiaomi 17 Pro, and Xiaomi 17 Pro Max. The announcement, made via a Weibo Post, confirms that the new lineup will first be available in China, with a potential rollout to international markets expected later this year or in early 2026.

Interestingly, Xiaomi is making a (bold) move by skipping the “16” in its flagship series, aiming straight for Apple’s iPhone 17 territory. Xiaomi president Lu Weibing explained that the leap to “17” reflects a significant generational upgrade, underlining the brand’s biggest push yet into the premium segment over the past five years. The series will succeed Xiaomi 15, in essence. Here’s a rundown of what the Xiaomi 17 series has in store.

Xiaomi 17 series: Here’s what to expect

Xiaomi is gearing up to launch its 17 series flagship smartphones, which will be among the first devices to feature Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. The lineup includes the Xiaomi 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max, all expected to debut later this month. While the standard Xiaomi 17 focuses on delivering a flagship experience, the 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max stand out for their unique design choice, a large camera island that stretches across almost the full width of the rear.

What sets the Pro models apart is the innovative “Magic Back Screen.” This secondary display wraps around the dual rear cameras and can show various information, such as clock faces and even a camera preview, as teased in the spy shots. Unlike the iPhone 17 Pro models, which keep the back purely for cameras, Xiaomi’s approach integrates this extra display for added functionality.

In addition to the chipset, the 17 series is expected to feature Leica-branded triple-camera setups, larger batteries, and slimmer bezels. Rumours also suggest significant upgrades in camera performance, likely enhancing photography and video capabilities. Xiaomi is expected to reveal further official details soon as the launch draws closer