Xiaomi 17: Everything you need to know about the release date, price, and specs

Xiaomi has surprised everyone by skipping the Xiaomi 16 range and unveiling the Xiaomi 17 series in China. The new lineup includes the Xiaomi 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, and the Ultra model. The company seems to be aiming to compete directly with Apple, especially with the iPhone 17 range.

The Xiaomi 17 series is the first to feature the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, providing improved performance, power efficiency, and AI capabilities. All three phones in the series are powered by this new chipset and offer options for 12- or 16GB of RAM.

One of the most significant changes in the Xiaomi 17 Pro models is the addition of secondary displays on the back. These displays are exclusive to the Pro models and can be used for various functions like controlling music, setting timers, and viewing notifications.

The Xiaomi 17 series also boasts large batteries, with the Pro Max model featuring a massive 7500mAh battery. The phones support 100W wired charging and 50W wireless charging.

In terms of displays, the Xiaomi 17 series offers improvements such as larger screens and higher refresh rates. The cameras on the Xiaomi 17 series have been upgraded, with the Pro Max model featuring a 200Mp periscope telephoto lens.

The phones run on Xiaomi’s HyperOS 3 software, based on Android 16, offering a unique user experience. Xiaomi is known for providing extensive software support, with the Xiaomi 15 series receiving four major OS upgrades and six years of security patches.

The global release of the Xiaomi 17 series is expected in 2026, with the Xiaomi 17 Ultra already launched in China. The Ultra model comes in two versions, including a camera-focused model by Leica.

The pricing for the Xiaomi 17 series in China starts from CNY 4,499 for the base model and goes up to CNY 7,999 for the Ultra model by Leica. The global prices are expected to be higher, with the base model likely to start at £899/€999.

It remains uncertain if the Xiaomi 17 Pro model will be available globally, as previous Pro models have been limited to Asian markets. The global launch prices for previous generations have been provided for reference.

Overall, the Xiaomi 17 series offers significant upgrades in terms of performance, display, cameras, and software. With flagship features and competitive pricing, Xiaomi is set to make a strong statement in the smartphone market with the Xiaomi 17 series.