Xiaomi Skips a Generation — The Real Reason Behind the 17 Series
Xiaomi reveals the 17 series lineup with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, Pro Max battery upgrade, and a head-to-head challenge against iPhone 17.
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Xiaomi confirmed it will bypass its next sequential flagship generation and move directly to the Xiaomi 17 series, a lineup expected to arrive later this month. The company said the decision was taken to align its new devices with Apple’s iPhone 17 launch and strengthen its position in the premium smartphone segment.
Xiaomi president Lu Weibing disclosed the plan on Weibo, noting that the upcoming phones represent a turning point in the brand’s push toward high-end devices. Weibing said the series would not carry the “16” label because the leap in features and positioning made the change necessary.
The Xiaomi 17 range will consist of three models — the Xiaomi 17, Xiaomi 17 Pro, and Xiaomi 17 Pro Max. All three are set to run on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, introduced recently as the company’s most advanced mobile processor.
Weibing highlighted that Xiaomi has invested heavily in premium development during the past five years and confirmed that funding for research and design will be doubled over the next half-decade. The Pro Max edition will sit at the top of the lineup, designed as the most powerful device in the company’s portfolio.
Reports suggest that the entire series will carry significant battery upgrades. The standard Xiaomi 17 is expected to include a 7,000mAh unit, while the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max may ship with a 7,500mAh battery along with a secondary display.
