Xiaomi has launched its flagship Xiaomi 17 Pro and Xiaomi 17 Pro Max, directly challenging Apple’s iPhone 17 series in China. Priced starting at 4,499 yuan ($631), the new devices undercut Apple’s models by over $100 while offering top-tier performance, premium displays, and advanced camera systems. Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun highlighted performance, display quality, and photography capabilities during a livestreamed event, signalling the company’s intent to compete on both technology and brand perception.
Xiaomi 17 Pro and Pro Max: Powerful Performance, Advanced Displays, and Robust Cameras
At the core of both devices is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, ensuring smooth multitasking, gaming, AI applications, and photography performance. The Xiaomi 17 Pro has a 6.3-inch LTPO display, while the Pro Max features a 6.9-inch screen. Both displays offer 1–120Hz refresh rates, 12-bit colour depth, peak brightness of 3,500 nits, and protection via Xiaomi Dragon Crystal Glass. The devices also feature full-width secondary rear displays for main-camera selfies, notifications, music control, timers, and even retro gaming.
Camera and battery performance are key strengths. Both models have a 50MP main Leica Summilux lens, optical image stabilization, ultra-wide 50MP sensors, and periscope telephoto lenses with 5x optical zoom. IP68 water and dust resistance is included, with Pro-rated for 4 meters and Pro Max for 6 meters of submersion. Battery capacities are substantial: 6,300mAh for the Pro and 7,500mAh for the Pro Max. Both support 100W wired, 50W wireless, and 22.5W reverse charging, backed by the Surge G2 chip for long-term battery health.
Key Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi 17 Pro | Xiaomi 17 Pro Max |
| Display | 6.3-inch LTPO, 1–120Hz | 6.9-inch LTPO, 1–120Hz |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 |
| Main Camera | 50MP Leica Summilux | 50MP Leica Summilux |
| Telephoto Lens | 5x optical zoom | 5x optical zoom, larger sensor |
| Battery | 6,300mAh | 7,500mAh |
| Charging | 100W wired, 50W wireless | 100W wired, 50W wireless |
| Secondary Display | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IP68, 4m | IP68, 6M |
By combining aggressive pricing with flagship-level hardware, Xiaomi positions the 17 Pro and Pro Max as compelling alternatives to the iPhone 17 series, demonstrating the company’s ambition to compete globally in the premium smartphone market.
Summary:
Xiaomi has launched the 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max in China, challenging Apple’s iPhone 17 with aggressive pricing and flagship features. Both feature Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, LTPO displays, 50MP Leica cameras, secondary rear screens, large batteries, fast charging, and IP68 protection, offering premium performance at a lower cost.
