TECH – Xiaomi is turning heads in the smartphone world this month by skipping directly to the Xiaomi 17 series bypassing what many expected to be the Xiaomi 16 line. This move was confirmed by Xiaomi’s president, Lu Weibing, via Weibo, who explained that the decision is part of Xiaomi’s strategy to position their next flagship on the same level as Apple’s iPhone 17 series.
The Xiaomi 17 range will include three models: Xiaomi 17 (standard), Xiaomi 17 Pro, and Xiaomi 17 Pro Max. Each of these is expected to bring progressively greater features, pushing the boundaries of what Xiaomi has done previously.
At the heart of the new series is the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset from Qualcomm, making the Xiaomi 17 the first Android lineup to adopt this top-tier processor. According to reports, Xiaomi 17 Pro Max is being touted as the most powerful phone the brand has ever built.
Rumors and leaks suggest a number of standout specifications: the standard Xiaomi 17 may feature a 6.3-inch LTPO OLED screen with 1.5K resolution, an under-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, and a large 7,000 mAh battery. Meanwhile, the Pro Max is speculated to include a “secondary display” on the back, much like Xiaomi’s past Ultra-series models, possibly for notifications or selfie purposes.
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In terms of timing, the series is slated for release in China later this month, with Xiaomi aiming to match Apple’s rollout pace. Lu Weibing has emphasized that Xiaomi has invested heavily in research and development over the past five years, and intends to continue doing so doubling investment in the near future.
The decision to skip a generation in naming is seen by analysts as not just a marketing tactic but a statement of confidence. Xiaomi seeks not just to compete on specs, but also on perception and brand prestige. The company hopes to challenge Apple directly by offering premium‐level hardware and design without simply following Apple’s lead.
While many of the Pro features, especially for the Pro Max model, are still under wrap, elements such as the second rear display, large battery capacity, and the top-end chipset suggest Xiaomi is aiming high. As users and critics await official hands-on reviews, expectations are that the Xiaomi 17 series will deliver a blend of power, innovation, and flagship polish.
