Xiaomi 17: Unveiling the Latest Release Date, Price, and Specs

The new Xiaomi 17 range has finally arrived in the West after a delayed release following its debut in China. Skipping over the Xiaomi 16 series, the Xiaomi 17 phones are expected to be highly popular in 2026, building upon the success of the Xiaomi 15 range from the previous year.

The global release includes the Xiaomi 17, Xiaomi 17 Ultra, and the Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi, while the Xiaomi 17 Pro and Pro Max remain exclusive to the Chinese market. Despite this, details about the Pro and Pro Max models are included in this comprehensive guide to the Xiaomi 17 range to showcase the investments made by Xiaomi and potentially hint at future features in Western releases.

The Xiaomi 17 series introduces significant upgrades, such as the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, which offers improved performance, power efficiency, and AI capabilities. All four phones in the range are powered by this new flagship chipset, along with options for 12 or 16GB of RAM for top-tier performance.

One of the standout features of the Pro models is the secondary displays on the back, offering unique functionalities like controlling music, setting timers, and more. The Pro models also boast large batteries, with the Pro Max featuring a 7500mAh battery for extended usage.

In terms of cameras, the Xiaomi 17 series offers incremental upgrades, with improvements to the main, ultrawide, and telephoto lenses across the different models. The Pro Max and Ultra models feature advanced camera setups, including a 200Mp periscope telephoto lens for enhanced photography capabilities.

The Xiaomi 17 phones run on the HyperOS 3 software, based on Android 16, providing a distinct user experience with redesigned elements and new features. The software includes a revamped home screen, cinematic lock screens, and an enhanced search tool.

The Xiaomi 17 range was officially unveiled at MWC 2026 on February 28, marking its global release. Prices for the Xiaomi 17 and Xiaomi 17 Ultra start at £899 and £1,299, respectively, with the photography-focused Leica Leitzphone priced higher at £1,699.

Overall, the Xiaomi 17 series offers a significant generational upgrade with powerful performance, innovative features, and competitive pricing, making it a compelling option in the flagship smartphone market.