The Xiaomi 17T Pro: A Comprehensive Review

The Xiaomi T series of phones has long been known for providing an affordable alternative to flagship smartphones. In the past, I have praised the Xiaomi 15T Pro and 14T Pro for their exceptional value. Now, with the release of the 17 series, Xiaomi continues to offer compelling options for consumers.

Among the 17 series, there are two main models: the Xiaomi 17 Ultra priced at £1300, and the smaller Xiaomi 17 priced at £900. Notably, Xiaomi did not release the Xiaomi 17 Pro or Pro Max in the UK.

Timing-wise, the launch of the Xiaomi 17T Pro is in close proximity to the Honor 600 Pro, a device that competes directly with the 17T Pro. Positioned as a step down from the Honor Magic8 Pro, the 17T Pro aims to deliver a high-quality experience at a more accessible price point.

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Xiaomi 17T Pro vs 15T Pro vs Honor 600 Pro Specifications

Before delving into the real-world performance of the Xiaomi 17T Pro, let’s first compare the specifications of the three phones on paper.

Xiaomi 17T Pro vs 15T Pro – What has been upgraded?

One of the most significant upgrades in the 17T Pro is the battery capacity. Jumping from 5,500mAh to 7,000mAh, the new model offers improved longevity. Additionally, the chipset has been upgraded from the Dimensity 9400+ to the 9500, providing enhanced CPU and GPU performance for better overall performance.

In terms of cameras, both the 17T Pro and 15T Pro feature a 50MP main sensor with Leica branding and a 50MP 5x periscope telephoto. However, the 17T Pro introduces a new sensor design, the Light Fusion 950 with 2.4-micron super pixels, offering a different approach compared to the 15T Pro’s sensor.

Other improvements include a higher peak brightness of 3,500 nits on the 17T Pro’s display, as well as Dolby Vision support. While the 15T Pro holds a slight edge in water resistance with a rating of 3 meters compared to the standard IP68 on the 17T Pro.

Overall, the most significant upgrade in the 17T Pro is the battery capacity. If the battery life of the 15T Pro meets your needs, there may not be a compelling reason to upgrade to the 17T Pro.

Xiaomi 17T Pro vs Honor 600 Pro Key Differences

One of the key differences between the Xiaomi 17T Pro and the Honor 600 Pro is the choice of chipsets. While the Honor runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite, the Xiaomi is powered by the Dimensity 9500. The Snapdragon 8 Elite is last year’s flagship chipset, while the Dimensity 9500 offers a more recent and potentially more powerful option.

When it comes to cameras, the Xiaomi places emphasis on its partnership with Leica, featuring a 50MP main sensor and a 5x optical telephoto. In comparison, the Honor boasts a massive 200MP main sensor but only a 3.5x telephoto. The Xiaomi also excels in video recording, offering capabilities such as 8K and Log footage that the Honor does not provide.

Display-wise, the Xiaomi offers a larger screen with a 144Hz refresh rate, while the Honor stands out with its 8,000 nit peak brightness, making it ideal for outdoor use. Additionally, the Xiaomi’s larger battery and faster wired charging give it an edge in terms of battery life and charging speed.

In terms of build quality and practicality, the Honor shines with its lighter weight, superior IP68 and IP69K rating, and a commitment to six major Android updates. With a competitive price point and strong features, the Honor presents a compelling option for consumers.

Design & Build Quality

The Xiaomi 17T Pro boasts a large and well-built design, featuring a brushed metal finish and micro-curved edges for a comfortable grip. The Leica-branded camera module adds a touch of sophistication to the device. While the phone is on the heavier side at 219g, it offers a sturdy build and a flat front design.

Notably, the Xiaomi focuses on minimizing bezels with a LIPO packaging solution, resulting in sleek 1.29mm bezels on all sides. The front is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, and the phone comes in three color options: Deep Blue, Deep Violet, and Black.

While the under-display fingerprint sensor works reliably, the Xiaomi falls slightly behind the Honor in terms of ingress protection, with an IP68 rating compared to the Honor’s additional IP69 and IP69K certifications. Despite this, the Xiaomi offers a solid design with thoughtful features.

Display

The Xiaomi 17T Pro features a 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED panel with a 144Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth motion. With a peak brightness of 3,500 nits and support for HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, the display delivers an excellent viewing experience in most conditions.

Notably, the Xiaomi implements full-brightness DC dimming across the luminance range, providing a comfortable viewing experience for those sensitive to screen flicker. While the display is impressive overall, it falls slightly short in outdoor brightness compared to the Honor 600 Pro, which offers a higher peak brightness of 8,000 nits.

The Xiaomi’s display also features Xiaomi Vision Care and a range of TUV Rheinland eye-care certifications, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to user comfort and eye health. Additionally, the panel’s 144Hz refresh rate ensures smooth performance for gaming and multimedia consumption.

Performance and Benchmarks

Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset on a 3nm process, the Xiaomi 17T Pro offers impressive performance levels. With an octa-core CPU, Mali G1-Ultra GPU, and 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM, the device excels in everyday tasks, app switching, and multitasking.

While specific benchmark results were not available for all tests, the Geekbench scores showcase the 17T Pro’s superiority over the Honor 600 Pro in terms of raw performance. The GPU performance is also commendable, providing a solid gaming experience with smooth frame rates and stability.

Overall, the Xiaomi 17T Pro delivers strong performance across various tasks, thanks to the efficient chipset and ample RAM. The device’s cooling system, Xiaomi 3D IceLoop, helps manage heat during extended usage, ensuring sustained performance levels.

Gaming Experience

The Mali G1-Ultra GPU in the Dimensity 9500 chipset ensures a smooth gaming experience on the Xiaomi 17T Pro. With support for higher frame rates and a large 6.83-inch display with a 144Hz refresh rate, the device is well-suited for gaming enthusiasts.

The dual stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos deliver decent sound quality for games and media consumption. However, the device’s weight of 219g may make prolonged gaming sessions tiring for some users. Despite this, the 3D IceLoop cooling system helps maintain stable performance during gaming sessions, ensuring a consistent and enjoyable experience.

Battery Life and Charging

One of the standout features of the Xiaomi 17T Pro is its massive 7,000mAh silicon-carbon battery, offering exceptional battery life. Paired with 100W wired HyperCharge and 50W wireless charging capabilities, the device ensures fast and efficient charging for users.

The 7,000mAh battery, combined with the efficient 3nm chipset, provides extended usage times for heavy users and can easily last through a full day with charge to spare for lighter users. Additionally, the device supports up to 22.5W wired reverse charging, allowing users to top up accessories on the go.

Overall, the Xiaomi 17T Pro excels in battery life and charging speed, making it a compelling choice for users prioritizing endurance and convenience.

Camera Hardware and Features

The Xiaomi 17T Pro features a triple rear camera system co-engineered with Leica, showcasing a 50MP main sensor, a 5x optical telephoto, and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. The device’s camera setup emphasizes telephoto capabilities, offering users a versatile range of focal lengths for various shooting scenarios.

Notably, the 17T Pro’s 5x optical telephoto provides a significant advantage over competitors, allowing for detailed close-ups and impressive zoom capabilities. The device also features AI-enhanced zoom up to 120x, although it is recommended for use with static subjects and tripod support for optimal results.

On the software side, the Xiaomi camera app offers various shooting modes and features, including Leica color profiles, portrait looks, and a unique Leica Live Moment mode. Additionally, the device excels in video recording, supporting up to 8K resolution, 4K at 120fps, and Log footage for advanced users.

Overall, the Xiaomi 17T Pro’s camera system delivers impressive results, particularly in terms of telephoto capabilities, video recording, and overall image quality.

Photo Quality

In good lighting conditions, the Xiaomi 17T Pro’s main camera excels in capturing detail and dynamic range. The Leica color science adds a touch of richness to images, creating a distinct look compared to other smartphones. The device’s telephoto capabilities and telemacro mode offer users additional flexibility for capturing close-up shots and detailed subjects.

When comparing sensor sizes, the Xiaomi’s 1/1.31-inch main sensor and the Honor’s 1/1.4-inch sensor take different approaches to image capture. While the Honor’s higher resolution sensor provides ample detail for cropping and full-resolution images, the Xiaomi’s larger sensor area and lower pixel count focus on light gathering and low-light performance.

Overall, the Xiaomi 17T Pro’s camera system offers a balanced combination of features and capabilities, catering to a wide range of photography needs.

HyperOS 3 & Android 16

Running on HyperOS with Android 16, the Xiaomi 17T Pro provides a smooth and functional user experience. While HyperOS may not be as polished as other Android skins, it offers a decent set of features and customization options for users.

Compared to the Honor’s MagicOS, the Xiaomi’s software experience is relatively bloatware-free, providing a cleaner interface for users. Additionally, the Xiaomi includes Xiaomi HyperAI, Circle to Search, Google Gemini, and Xiaomi Offline Communication features, enhancing the overall user experience.

Users in eligible markets can also enjoy bundled trials of Google AI Pro, YouTube Premium, and Spotify Premium with the Xiaomi 17T Pro. However, it is essential to note that Xiaomi’s software update commitment has not been officially confirmed, so users should verify the update policy before making a purchase.

Price and Alternative Options

As pricing details for the Xiaomi 17T Pro were not available at the time of writing, comparisons with other devices may vary based on actual retail prices. In the past, Xiaomi’s T series phones have been competitively priced, offering excellent value for money.

For users considering alternatives, the Honor 600 Pro presents a strong competitor with its impressive features and discounted pricing. Additionally, the Honor Magic8 Pro offers a different set of strengths, including a superior telephoto lens and faster charging capabilities.

Within Xiaomi’s own lineup, the standard Xiaomi 17 and Xiaomi 17T provide alternative options for users looking for flagship features at different price points. Ultimately, the choice between devices will depend on individual preferences and priorities, as well as the available deals and promotions at the time of purchase.

Overall

The Xiaomi 17T Pro stands out as a well-rounded and affordable flagship device, continuing the T series’ tradition of delivering excellent value for money. With standout features such as a massive battery, versatile camera system, and strong performance, the 17T Pro offers a compelling package for users.

While the device has its drawbacks, including its weight and IP68 rating, the overall user experience is positive, with impressive display quality, camera performance, and battery life. When compared to the Honor 600 Pro, the choice between the two devices comes down to personal preferences and priorities.

Ultimately, the Xiaomi 17T Pro is a solid choice for users seeking a capable and feature-rich smartphone at an accessible price point. With its blend of performance, camera capabilities, and battery life, the device offers a well-rounded experience for a wide range of users.