Xiaomi 17 series set to launch in China this week with major upgrades

Design

The Xiaomi 17 series is expected to inherit a sleek, premium design with ultra-thin bezels and curved edges, alongside a potential periscope telephoto camera on the standard model to enhance competitive appeal against flagship counterparts like the Vivo X200 and Oppo Find X8.

Recent renders hint at a two-tone aesthetic for the Xiaomi 17, but these should be approached cautiously as they represent only one possibility that Xiaomi may showcase, differing from other brands that present simple color alternatives.

The materials might consist of robust Dragon Crystal Glass with expected IP68 ratings for water and dust resistance. Meanwhile, the Pro and Ultra variants could sport exclusive finishes like premium metal frames or artistic leather textures.

Whether all color options will make their way to UK and European markets remains uncertain, as Xiaomi’s global lines typically offer fewer choices than their domestic variants.

Interestingly, Xiaomi President Lu Weibing released a video comparing the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max to Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max. Within the clip, the functionality of the rear display is briefly illustrated, showing the capability to activate the screen with a simple tap. Initially, a clock appears on the display, though it remains to be seen whether this feature is fixed or customizable.

The dimensions of the two devices reveal a comparable width and height, which should offer a reliable reference for handling comfort.

Sources: Weibo | Maijinbu Official | GSMArena

Display

While the specs for the other two models remain uncertain, leaks indicate that the Xiaomi 17 might showcase a 6.3-inch LPTO OLED panel with a striking 1.5K resolution.

This development would enhance content consumption significantly, catering to users who appreciate streaming services on their devices.

Rumored improvements also suggest advancements in PWM dimming technology, potentially exceeding the 1920Hz capabilities found in the Xiaomi 15, and may boast peak brightness reaching up to 3200 nits.

Jon Mundy / Foundry

The Pro and Ultra variants may feature a larger 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display, delivering a 1440p resolution complemented by adaptive refresh rates for enhanced viewing experiences.

Significantly, the inclusion of a secondary display on the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max has been affirmed, enhancing usability. Early promotional materials showcase the secondary screen’s capabilities for managing timers and incoming calls and delivering immediate information such as flight statuses and taxi license plates.

This secondary display is set up similarly to outer displays seen on recent foldables like the Galaxy Z Flip 7, providing rapid access to essential features while minimizing distractions from scrolling through content.

As of this writing, the rear display feature appears exclusive to the Xiaomi 17 Pro and Pro Max, likely not making its way to the entry-level Xiaomi 17.

Sources: Smart Pikachu | Smart Pikachu (2) | GSMArena | GizmoChina | Ice Universe

Performance

Anticipations are high regarding the Xiaomi 17 series debuting with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset—which will be notably unveiled in September—marking Xiaomi as a pioneer in utilizing Qualcomm’s next-generation processor.

Qualcomm’s CEO has hinted at Xiaomi being “the first OEM to launch with our upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite chip,” a statement corroborated by Xiaomi’s President on Weibo.

This formidable chipset will undoubtedly enhance the device’s capabilities, paired with options for 12GB or 16GB of RAM and storage potential of up to 1TB via UFS 4.0 technology.

However, there’s speculation that the Chinese variant may utilize a different chipset entirely. Lei Jun’s recent Weibo announcement suggested that Xiaomi might also reveal their proprietary Xuanjie chipset during the upcoming presentation.

If this homegrown processor, designed to enhance efficiency significantly, holds true, it could differentiate performance between Chinese and global models.

Source: Weibo

Cameras

One exciting rumor points to the incorporation of periscope telephoto cameras spanning the Xiaomi 17 range, aiming to elevate its competitiveness, particularly against the entry-level Pixel 10, which is also rumored to introduce telephoto functionality.

The base Xiaomi 17 is expected to feature a cutting-edge 50MP triple-camera system, encompassing standard, ultrawide, and the newlyintroduced periscope telephoto lens.

Jon Mundy / Foundry

The Pro model will likely benefit from Leica’s renowned camera tuning, boasting a 5x optical zoom and enhanced computational photography capabilities, while the Pro Max/Ultra is anticipated to push capabilities even further, featuring a 1-inch main sensor alongside an impressive 200MP periscope telephoto camera with 4.3x zoom capabilities.

While it appears that the Pro Max variant may simplify camera usage with better quality rather than sheer quantity, dropping one of the previous cameras for a more competent all-round setup, current specs remain unconfirmed.

One notable feature might be continuous optical zoom functionality for the Pro Max, where the same CMOS sensor across different cameras could lead to seamless transitions between focal lengths.

Current leaks suggest the expected specifications for the mid-tier Xiaomi 17 Pro to feature a 50MP f/1.67 main camera alongside a f/3.0, 115mm telephoto camera providing 5x optical zoom. The specifications for the ultra-wide camera remain speculative.

In a surprising twist, the return of a secondary display has been asserted, a feature last seen on the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra. This time, the rear display is anticipated to merge seamlessly into the camera bump instead of being independent.

This integration could radically redefine user experiences, affording users the luxury of opting for higher-quality shots with the rear cameras instead of relying on the standard selfie camera.

Unfortunately, rumors designate that the Xiaomi 17 will persist with a 32MP front-facing camera, meaning that enthusiasts looking for superior selfie capabilities may need to gravitate towards the higher-end models.

Xiaomi’s partnership with Leica on imaging will carry forward, with CEO Lei Jun confirming ongoing collaboration. He asserted, “Xiaomi and Leica have been and will continue to be close partners. Expect the Xiaomi 17 Ultra to set new standards in mobile imaging; stay tuned.”

Sources: Weibo (since deleted) | Weibo (2) | Smartprix | Digital Chat Station via Weibo | GSMArena

Battery & Charging

The Xiaomi 17 series is rumored to undergo significant upgrades in battery size, with expectations of capacities ranging from 6800mAh to 7000mAh. It’s important to note that the models offered in China often feature larger batteries than their global counterparts.

As an example, the Xiaomi 15 had a 5400mAh battery in China compared to 5240mAh internationally.

Chris Martin / Foundry

There’s talk of leveraging silicon carbon technology, which would ensure a lightweight, thin design without compromising battery performance, placing the device’s capacity at considerable advantage compared to competitors like Galaxy S25.

Charging capabilities are also increasing, with indications that the Xiaomi 17 series could support up to 100W of wired charging, an upgrade from the already impressive 90W speeds.

Reports suggest various battery sizes, with some speculating that the more luxurious 17 Ultra will carry a 7000mAh cell, while whispers of a possible 7500mAh design might surface in the Pro Max model.

Sources: Smart Pikachu | Digital Chat Station | (2) | Weibo

Software

The Xiaomi 17 series is expected to operate on HyperOS 3, based on the sector’s latest Android 16. This platform promises enhanced performance, seamless integration with devices, and AI-driven enhancements.

Specific details about its features remain to be clarified, but there is strong hope that the software will be refined to offer a cleaner interface — free from clutter and improved for better usability.