Xiaomi has announced that it will bypass its expected 16 series of smartphones, opting instead to launch the Xiaomi 17 series later this month. The company announced this strategic move on Weibo, stating the decision was made to directly compete with the anticipated Apple iPhone 17 lineup. The new series will feature three flagship models.
Lu Weibing, President of Xiaomi, conveyed the company’s plan to launch the Xiaomi 17 series directly, foregoing the Xiaomi 16. According to Weibing, this decision reflects the significance of the new lineup and its positioning against the iPhone 17. Weibing stated that the company sees this launch as a major generational leap, thus justifying the skip in numerical designation. He also acknowledged the competitive intent behind aligning the Xiaomi series with Apple’s upcoming release.
The Xiaomi 17 series will comprise three models: the Xiaomi 17, Xiaomi 17 Pro, and the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max. These devices are slated to be the first smartphones powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor. This new processor is anticipated to provide a significant performance upgrade, placing the Xiaomi 17 series at the forefront of Android smartphone technology.
Weibing emphasized Xiaomi’s commitment to the premium smartphone market. He noted that the company has invested heavily in research and development over the past five years to refine its premium strategy. Furthermore, Xiaomi plans to double its investment in R&D over the next five years. According to Weibing, the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max is expected to be the company’s most powerful flagship device to date. This underscores Xiaomi’s ambition to deliver cutting-edge technology and features in its premium offerings.
Rumors suggest significant battery upgrades across the Xiaomi 17 series. The standard Xiaomi 17 is expected to feature a 7,000mAh battery, while the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max may incorporate a 7,500mAh battery. The top-tier Xiaomi 17 Pro Max is also rumored to include a secondary display, enhancing functionality and user experience. These potential upgrades reflect Xiaomi’s focus on improving battery life and incorporating innovative features.
