Xiaomi has made a decisive leap, skipping its expected 16 series entirely to jump directly to the Xiaomi 17. It’s a direct challenge to Apple, positioning the new lineup head-to-head with the iPhone 17 series and sending a clear message that Xiaomi is fully committed to the global premium market.
The Next-Gen Core: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

At the heart of this generational leap is Qualcomm’s newly named Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor. This is the fifth generation of the company’s premium 8-series and is expected to deliver a significant performance boost. The Xiaomi 17 series will be one of the first, if not the first, to feature this new chipset, underscoring Xiaomi’s strong partnership with Qualcomm and its ambition to lead the Android performance race.
Design Innovations: A Secondary Display Returns
Rumors and a temporary profile picture on an official Xiaomi Weibo account have confirmed that the top-tier Xiaomi 17 Pro Max will feature a secondary rear display. This isn’t a new concept for Xiaomi, as the Mi 11 Ultra also had a similar feature. However, the new “Miaoxiang Back Screen” is rumored to be larger and more functional, acting as a viewfinder for the powerful main cameras and providing quick access to notifications and time.
Beyond the Chip: A Full Suite of Upgrades
- Massive Batteries: The entire lineup is expected to see significant battery upgrades, with the standard model reportedly getting a 7,000mAh battery and the Pro Max jumping to a huge 7,500mAh capacity.
- Camera Prowess: The Xiaomi 17 Pro and Pro Max are said to feature a triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP periscope telephoto lens. The front camera is also rumored to be a high-resolution 50MP sensor with autofocus.
- Display: The Xiaomi 17 and 17 Pro are expected to feature 6.3-inch LTPO OLED displays with a 120Hz refresh rate, while the Pro Max could sport a larger 6.8-inch 2K display.
A New Chapter for Xiaomi
By skipping the 16 series, Xiaomi is signaling a shift in its strategy. It’s no longer just about offering great specs at an aggressive price. It’s about brand perception, market positioning, and directly challenging the established players in the premium space.
Xiaomi is skipping the 16 series to launch the 17. Is this a smart marketing move to compete with Apple?
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