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Xiaomi executive pits 17 Pro Max against iPhone 17 Pro Max
Xiaomi is gearing up to launch the 17 series later this month. Ahead of the reveal, company president Lu Weibing posted a short hands-on video on Weibo comparing the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max with Apple's iPhone 17 Pro Max. The clip aims to address early remarks about the phones' camera island designs and to highlight Xiaomi’s own approach.
Design: familiar, but with its own twist
Lu stressed that the 17 Pro Max’s camera module is visually distinct from Apple’s — though the difference is subtler if you overlook Xiaomi’s small rear display that occupies part of the camera island. Xiaomi says the island concept traces its lineage back to the Mi 11 Ultra (2021), positioning the rear screen as an evolution rather than imitation.
Hardware and availability
Lu confirmed the 17 series will launch in China before October 1 and revealed another notable detail: these models will be among the first phones to ship with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC, which Qualcomm plans to announce on September 23. Xiaomi has reportedly negotiated an extended exclusivity window for the chip, so rival manufacturers are unlikely to release competing models before October.
Pricing and international expectations
Xiaomi’s China pricing targets are:
- Xiaomi 17 Pro: CNY 5,000–6,000 (~$700–$850)
- Xiaomi 17 Pro Max: CNY 6,000–7,000 (~$850–$1,000)
These are domestic figures; international launches typically carry a premium, so expect higher retail prices outside China.
What the rear display can do
The secondary screen on the back is intended to add practical utility rather than serve as a gimmick. Lu described multiple use cases:
- Incoming call handling and quick music controls
- Travel info, timers, and countdowns
- Full camera viewfinder for high-quality selfies using the main cameras
Lu compared this rear display to the cover screens found on flip-style foldables — a compact way to interact without opening the device.
Takeaway
Between the design conversation and early hardware confirmations, Xiaomi is positioning the 17 series as a flagship contender focused on camera utility, a distinct rear display, and the latest Snapdragon performance. For global consumers, the key variables will be international pricing and how long Xiaomi’s chip exclusivity holds competitors at bay.
Source: gsmarena
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