Xiaomi has unveiled its latest flagship smartphones, the Xiaomi 17 and Xiaomi 17 Pro, to great anticipation in its home region of China. While the two models share several components, distinct differences set them apart, notably in their design and features.
The Xiaomi 17 Pro is distinguished by its innovative two-inch rear display, a feature absent from the base model. This AMOLED screen serves multiple purposes: it acts as a viewfinder for selfies using the rear camera and displays notifications and calls. Enthusiasts can also utilize the screen for retro gaming when paired with a specially designed game controller case. Though this feature may appeal primarily to niche users, it underscores the Pro model’s uniqueness in a crowded smartphone market.
Camera performance is another area where distinctions are drawn, although not as pronounced as one might expect. Both models sport a 50MP primary camera with identical specs, including OIS capability and support for high-definition video recording. The differentiator lies in the telephoto capabilities; the Xiaomi 17 features a 50MP 2.6x telephoto lens, while the Pro model boasts a 50MP 5x periscope lens, enabling more advanced zoom options.
Surprisingly, the regular Xiaomi 17 offers a larger battery, packing a robust 7000mAh silicon carbon battery compared to the Pro’s 6300mAh. Both devices support rapid charging, with 100W wired and 50W wireless capabilities, ensuring users can quickly recharge despite the differences in battery size.
The Xiaomi 17 Pro also introduces ultra-wideband support, paralleling a feature that Apple incorporates into its devices for precise location tracking. However, the availability of compatible accessories is largely limited to China, meaning international users may find this less relevant.
Despite their differences, the two flagships share many similarities. Both feature a high-end 6.3-inch 120Hz LTPO AMOLED display, identical build materials with IP68 water and dust resistance, and the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, available with either 12GB or 16GB of RAM. Both devices run on Xiaomi’s new HyperOS 3 based on Android 16.
As consumers weigh their options, it’s evident that the Xiaomi 17 and Xiaomi 17 Pro cater to different needs. The Pro model shines in advanced features and functionality, while the base model’s significant battery capacity offers notable advantages for users prioritizing longevity. Ultimately, the final verdict on performance will be reserved until both models undergo real-world testing, anticipated in early 2026. For now, Xiaomi fans have plenty to look forward to with these two new offerings.