Xiaomi 17 Pro vs iPhone 17: China’s Flagship Battle Heats Up

Xiaomi has officially introduced its new flagship smartphones, the Xiaomi 17 Pro and Xiaomi 17 Pro Max, positioning itself as a strong challenger to Apple’s recently released iPhone 17 series in the Chinese market. With competitive pricing and high-end specifications, the new lineup aims to capture consumers seeking premium features at a lower cost.

The base Xiaomi 17 starts at 4,499 yuan ($631), undercutting the iPhone 17 by over $100. Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun highlighted the phones’ advanced features during a live-streamed launch event, emphasizing display quality, camera performance, and processing power as direct rivals to Apple’s offerings. Industry analysts interpret Xiaomi’s strategy as a dual approach: compete on price while strengthening technological credibility and brand perception in the premium segment.

Both Xiaomi 17 models are powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, promising high efficiency across gaming, AI, photography, and multitasking. The 17 Pro comes with a 6.3-inch LTPO display, offering 1–120Hz refresh rates, 12-bit color, and 3,500 nits peak brightness, safeguarded by Xiaomi Dragon Crystal Glass. Its larger sibling, the 17 Pro Max, features a 6.9-inch display with identical specifications. A unique feature of both devices is the full-width rear display, enabling high-quality selfies with the main camera, notification previews, music control, countdown timers, and even retro gaming.

The camera setup remains a flagship highlight. Both devices feature a 50MP main sensor with Leica Summilux optics, optical image stabilization, and a wide dynamic range. A periscope telephoto lens allows 5x optical zoom, while ultra-wide and selfie sensors also deliver 50MP performance. The Pro Max includes a larger telephoto sensor for improved low-light photography, though macro shots on the Pro remain more precise. Both devices carry an IP68 rating; the Pro can be submerged up to 4 meters, and the Pro Max up to 6 meters.

Battery capacities are equally ambitious, with the 17 Pro offering 6,300mAh and the Pro Max 7,500mAh. Both phones support 100W wired, 50W wireless, and 22.5W reverse charging, managed by the Surge G2 chip to maintain long-term battery health over thousands of charge cycles.

By releasing the Xiaomi 17 series shortly after Apple’s iPhone 17, Xiaomi is signaling a direct challenge in China’s premium smartphone market. Beyond pricing, the dual-display design, advanced camera system, and massive battery life position the Xiaomi 17 Pro and Pro Max as viable alternatives to Apple’s flagship devices, appealing to tech-savvy consumers seeking innovation at a lower entry point.