Xiaomi has announced it will bypass the Xiaomi 16 series and instead launch the Xiaomi 17 series of flagship smartphones. The company revealed the decision on Weibo, stating the move is intended to directly compete with Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 lineup.
The Xiaomi 17 series, scheduled for release later this month, will feature three models: the Xiaomi 17, Xiaomi 17 Pro, and Xiaomi 17 Pro Max. A key feature of these devices is that they will be among the first to utilize Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, promising enhanced performance and capabilities.
According to Xiaomi President Lu Weibing, this launch represents a significant milestone in the company’s five-year strategy to establish itself in the premium smartphone market. Weibing emphasized the extensive research and development investments made over the past five years, with plans to double this investment in the next five. He stated that the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max will be the company’s most powerful flagship to date.
Rumors suggest that the Xiaomi 17 series will incorporate substantial battery upgrades. The standard Xiaomi 17 is rumored to feature a 7,000mAh battery, while the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max is expected to house a 7,500mAh battery. Additionally, the high-end model is speculated to include a secondary display, adding to its premium features and functionality.
Weibing stated the decision to skip the “16” designation was made to align the new flagships with the anticipated iPhone 17 series, positioning Xiaomi as a direct competitor in the high-end smartphone segment. The launch of the Xiaomi 17 series will be a key moment to watch in the escalating competition in the global smartphone market.
