Xiaomi is poised to introduce its new 17 series flagship later this month. A video comparison between the upcoming phone and the iPhone 17 Pro Max, featuring Lu Weibang, the company’s president, has gained traction on the internet, coinciding with the launch of iPhone 17 sales.
The video was intended to clarify that Xiaomi’s camera island design is distinct from Apple’s. However, the design of the two phones shares notable similarities. Xiaomi cites the Mi 11 Ultra from 2021 as its design inspiration. The company’s decision to skip the 16 series was not intended to match Apple’s product releases, even though a Pro Max version is planned.
Lu Weibang confirmed that the 17 series will launch in China before October 1. These devices will be the first to incorporate Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC, which is set to be unveiled on September 23. Xiaomi has reportedly secured a longer exclusivity period for the chip, suggesting a delayed launch for competing devices. The Xiaomi 17 Pro is expected to be priced between CNY 5,000 and CNY 6,000 ($700 to $850), while the Pro Max will cost between CNY 6,000 and CNY 7,000 ($850 to $1,000) in China. International pricing is expected to be higher.
The rear of the phone features a smaller screen for controlling music, displaying information, and acting as a viewfinder, enhancing selfie capabilities with the rear cameras.