I’ve seen this headline everywhere online. “Xiaomi is openly copying Apple with its iPhone 17.” This sentence set the internet on fire. It even prompted a reaction from Xiaomi’s president. He had to show both phones side-by-side. He wanted to prove that differences did exist. So, I decided to look into the topic. In this article, I’m going to tell you about Xiaomi’s next high-end smartphones. Hold on tight, this is going to be exciting.

A Bold Marketing Strategy

You’re probably wondering why I’m starting with this comparison. It’s because Xiaomi has left several clues. First, the brand changed its series name. We were logically expecting the Xiaomi 16. However, Xiaomi is skipping that version. It’s moving directly to the 17 series. This announcement was made at almost the same time as the iPhone 17’s. That’s quite a coincidence.

Furthermore, Xiaomi has modified its naming conventions. We normally had the “Pro” and “Ultra” versions. This year, the brand is adopting the names “Pro” and “Pro Max.” Yes, just like the iPhone 17 Pro Max. This might seem trivial. However, it’s a very clear marketing move. Xiaomi wants to position itself as a direct competitor to Apple. The brand’s CEO even confirmed it. He said he wants his phones to be perceived as equivalents to the iPhone. The strategy is therefore crystal clear. Xiaomi wants to take on Apple on its own turf.

A Similar, But Innovative Design

The name isn’t the only similarity. The design of the Xiaomi 17 is also very close to the iPhone 17. Apple introduced a new design this year. Their Pro and Pro Max models have changed a lot. And Xiaomi unveiled a very similar phone. Both brands have adopted a “camera bar” module. It is a wide, rectangular bar. It stretches across the entire width of the phone. Xiaomi is thus abandoning its old designs. Gone are the big circles or imposing squares on the back.

However, Xiaomi added a unique touch. This is where the brand truly innovates. The rear rectangle is not just a camera block. It integrates a real small screen. Xiaomi calls this the “Magic Back.” This secondary screen is fully functional. It can display the time or notifications. It can also show widgets. Most importantly, it serves as a viewfinder for selfies. You can therefore use the main sensors to take pictures of yourself. It’s a brilliant idea that I love. It is somewhat reminiscent of foldable smartphones. Integrating such a screen on a classic phone is an excellent initiative.

Some are crying foul. They accuse Xiaomi of blatant copying. Yet, that’s not entirely true. Xiaomi had already tested this concept. The Mi 11 Ultra had a similar design. It featured a rectangle with a small screen on the back. The idea is now just much more refined.

Technical Specs: What’s in Store for the 17 Series?

Beyond the design, the technical sheets are impressive. Xiaomi has planned three models to satisfy everyone.

The Xiaomi 17 Classic

This model will have a more traditional design. It will feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chip. Its AMOLED LTPO screen will measure around 6.3 inches. It will offer a 1.5K resolution. Its refresh rate will reach 120 Hz. Its brightness looks incredible at 4500 nits. But its greatest strength will be its battery. Expect a monstrous capacity of 7000 mAh. That’s simply enormous. It will charge with 100W wired power. Wireless charging will reach 50W. For photos, it will have a triple 50-megapixel sensor.

The Xiaomi 17 Pro

I really hope this model gets an international release. It would be a huge hit. it’s rare to find a compact and powerful Android smartphone. It will use the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Elite chip. Its OLED screen will display a 2K definition. Its battery will be between 6100 and 6300 mAh. Charging will also be 100W wired and 50W wireless. The camera system, by Leica, will have three 50-megapixel sensors. It will include a 5x optical zoom. The selfie camera could even reach 50 megapixels.

The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max

This model is a larger version of the Pro. It will share the same powerful processor. Its large 6.8-inch OLED screen will be perfect for multimedia. Its battery will reach new heights. We’re talking about nearly 7500 mAh. That’s a true monster battery. The photo equipment will be similar to the Pro’s. Only the telephoto lens aperture will be better. This will allow for better photos in low light.

Release Date and Price: What You Need to Know

Xiaomi will launch its phones in two phases. China will have priority. The official announcement took place on September 25th. The phones will be available on the Chinese market on October 1st. For us, in Europe and the rest of the world, we will have to wait. The release is expected around February. This will likely coincide with the MWC in Barcelona.

Prices in China have been announced. The Pro version will cost between $700 and $850. The Pro Max version will be between $850 and $1,000. Of course, prices will be higher internationally. I expect prices around €1200 or €1300. The Pro Max could even reach €1500.

My Final Take on the Xiaomi 17

I’m reaching the end of this analysis. I must admit, I’m really excited. This is one of the first times a Xiaomi launch has captivated me so much. The brand is offering interesting innovations. The technical specs are impressive. I’m even wondering if one of these models could replace my current phone. What about you? What do you think of the Xiaomi 17 series? Feel free to tell me in the comments.