Xiaomi has officially launched its latest flagship smartphones, the Xiaomi 17 Pro and Xiaomi 17 Pro Max, directly positioning them against Apple’s newly released iPhone 17 series in China. With aggressive pricing, powerful hardware, and unique design features, Xiaomi is aiming to capture a bigger slice of the premium smartphone market.
Pricing Undercuts Apple
Starting at 4,499 yuan (around $631), the Xiaomi 17 series comes in over $100 cheaper than the iPhone 17, a deliberate move to attract price-conscious consumers who still want premium features. Xiaomi co-founder and CEO Lei Jun, during a livestreamed launch, highlighted the new models’ strengths in performance, displays, and cameras—directly comparing them with Apple’s offerings. The strategy underscores Xiaomi’s ambition to challenge Apple not just on affordability but also on innovation.
Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 at the Core
Both the Xiaomi 17 Pro and Pro Max are powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, delivering cutting-edge performance across gaming, multitasking, AI-driven applications, and photography.
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Xiaomi 17 Pro: 6.3-inch LTPO front display, 1–120Hz refresh rate, 12-bit color, 3,500 nits peak brightness, Dragon Crystal Glass protection.
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Xiaomi 17 Pro Max: Larger 6.9-inch display with identical quality specs for a more immersive experience.
Adding to the appeal is a full-width rear display on both models, enabling users to take main-camera selfies, check notifications, control music, set timers, and even play retro games.
Camera and Durability
Xiaomi has doubled down on camera performance with Leica-engineered lenses. Both models carry:
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50MP primary sensor with optical image stabilization.
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Periscope telephoto lens supporting up to 5x optical zoom.
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50MP ultra-wide and selfie cameras.
The Pro Max stands out with a larger telephoto sensor for improved low-light shots, while the Pro has an advantage in macro photography. Both devices come with IP68 certification, with the Pro resisting depths up to 4 meters and the Pro Max up to 6 meters.
Big Batteries with Fast Charging
Battery life is another area where Xiaomi aims to outshine Apple.
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Xiaomi 17 Pro: 6,300mAh battery.
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Xiaomi 17 Pro Max: 7,500mAh battery.
Both support 100W wired charging, 50W wireless charging, and 22.5W reverse charging. The in-house Surge G2 chip ensures better battery health across thousands of charging cycles.
A Clear Challenge to Apple
By rolling out its 17 series just weeks after Apple’s iPhone 17 launch, Xiaomi signals its determination to compete head-on in China’s high-end market. With aggressive pricing, innovative dual-display design, and massive batteries, the Xiaomi 17 Pro and Pro Max are not only cost-effective but also offer features that rival or surpass Apple’s flagship lineup.
Beyond China, this launch reflects Xiaomi’s broader vision: to challenge U.S. tech giants globally and establish itself as a strong contender in the premium smartphone space.