Xiaomi has unveiled its new flagship 17 series, skipping the number 16 to align with iPhone’s numbering. The series includes three models: the standard Xiaomi 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max – with the latter two featuring a secondary screen on the back of the phone.
The most eye-catching feature is the “Dynamic Back Display” on the Pro models, a rectangular touch screen next to the camera module. On the 17 Pro, this screen measures 2.7 inches, while the Pro Max gets a slightly larger 2.9-inch display. These back screens can show notifications, time, music controls, and even function as a camera viewfinder for selfies using the superior rear cameras.
Xiaomi has designed the back screen with practical uses in mind. Users can pin QR codes or boarding passes to the back display while using the main screen for other tasks. The company has also created a retro gaming case accessory that transforms the phone into a handheld console by adding physical buttons around the back screen.
Battery life is another standout feature. The 17 Pro Max packs a massive 7,500 mAh battery – significantly larger than the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s 5,088 mAh. The standard 17 includes a 7,000 mAh battery, while the 17 Pro comes with 6,300 mAh. Xiaomi achieved these large capacities through a new L-shaped “Jinshajiang” battery design that maximizes internal space.
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All three phones are powered by Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, making the 17 series the first phones to ship with this chip. The main displays feature Xiaomi’s new M10 panel technology with “SuperRED” luminous material, reaching up to 3,500 nits; on the Pro Max, the new pixel array uses about 26% less power than traditional 2K displays.
Camera capabilities remain a focus, with all models sporting a Leica-branded triple camera system. The main 50MP Light Fusion 950L sensor has an f/1.67 aperture, while the Pro Max adds a 5x periscope telephoto lens with hardware-level HDR. The standard 17 gets a telephoto with 10cm close-focus capability.
During the launch, Xiaomi’s CEO Lei Jun directly compared the new phones to the iPhone 17, highlighting advantages in battery capacity, display brightness, and camera capabilities.
Pricing for the Chinese market starts at 4,499 yuan (about $630) for the base 17 model, 4,999 yuan (around $700) for the 17 Pro, and 5,999 yuan (approximately $840) for the 17 Pro Max. The phones will be available in China starting September 27, 2025, with a global release expected around February 2026.
Third-party app support for the back display will initially be limited mostly to Chinese apps like Didi and Taobao, with Spotify currently the only international app mentioned as supporting the feature.
The new phones run on HyperOS 3 based on Android 16, and Xiaomi has incorporated new charging features, including 100W wired charging, 50W wireless charging, and 22.5W reverse charging capabilities.While Xiaomi’s naming strategy and design choices clearly echo Apple’s approach, the company is pushing hardware boundaries with larger batteries, innovative display technology, and the unique back screen functionality that offers practical benefits beyond what’s currently available on iPhones.
