Xiaomi is gearing up to launch its 17 series later this month, and company President Lu Weibing recently shared a comparison between the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max and the iPhone 17 Pro Max on Weibo. In a short hands-on video, he highlighted the differences in design, aiming to clarify that Xiaomi’s camera island is not a copy of Apple’s. While the rear island designs look similar at first glance, Xiaomi notes unique distinctions, including a screen-integrated camera island, which sets it apart.
Design Inspired by Mi 11 Ultra
Xiaomi claims the design inspiration comes from the Mi 11 Ultra from 2021. The company also clarified that the jump from the 16 series to 17 was not an attempt to match Apple’s naming scheme. The rear screen on the Pro Max adds multifunctionality, allowing users to handle calls, control music, display travel info, countdowns, or even use it as a camera viewfinder for superior selfies. Lu compares this feature to cover displays on foldable flip phones.
Performance and Chipset
The Xiaomi 17 series will be the first devices powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC, set to be officially unveiled on September 23, 2025. Xiaomi has secured a longer exclusivity window for this chip, meaning competing devices are unlikely to launch with it before October.
Pricing and Availability
In China, the Xiaomi 17 Pro is expected to retail between CNY 5,000 and CNY 6,000 ($700–$850), while the Pro Max could cost between CNY 6,000 and CNY 7,000 ($850–$1,000). International pricing is likely to include a significant premium.
The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max promises a blend of innovative design, cutting-edge performance, and versatile photography capabilities. With its exclusive Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset and rear display functionalities, Xiaomi aims to offer users a premium experience ahead of its global competitors.
