Xiaomi 17 Series: The iPhone Rival Has Landed

Xiaomi 17: The Bold Leap Skipping Series 16 to Take on the iPhone 17

Hold onto your hats, folks, because Xiaomi just dropped a bombshell that’s shaking up the smartphone world. In a move that’s honestly a little wild, they’ve decided to completely bypass the much-anticipated Xiaomi 16 series and jump straight to the Xiaomi 17. This isn’t just a random number skip; it’s a clear signal that Xiaomi is gunning for the very top, aiming their new flagships directly at Apple’s newly released iPhone 17 lineup.

This strategic decision was confirmed by none other than Xiaomi’s CEO, Lei Jun, in a Weibo post that he, rather pointedly, captured using the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. His message was blunt: “Xiaomi 17 series, product power cross-generation upgrade, comprehensive benchmark iPhone, front to face!” It perfectly sums up the ambition of a company that, after a massive five-year investment in R&D – we’re talking over 100 billion yuan – isn’t just looking to compete anymore. They want to lead the premium segment.

Why Skip the 16? A Generational Leap

The core of this whole strategy is that “skip” of the series 16. Xiaomi is framing this as the most significant generational leap they’ve ever made. According to Lu Weibing, President of Xiaomi Group, skipping the 16 allows them to align their launch with the iPhone 17. This makes direct comparisons way easier, placing them “in the same generation and level.” Now, this kind of numbering adjustment isn’t totally new in the industry – we’ve seen Samsung play around with their models before. But for Xiaomi, this feels like a serious turning point. They’ve gone from being that accessible, budget-friendly brand to a serious premium contender. They’re now putting another 200 billion yuan into the next five years, focusing not just on hardware but on that crucial software-hardware integration, which has historically been a bit of a weak spot compared to Apple. The result? The Xiaomi 17 series is hitting the shelves at the end of September, a whole month earlier than the 15 did last year, snagging that post-Apple launch momentum.

Meet the Xiaomi 17 Series: Powerhouses Arrive

The Xiaomi 17 series is rolling out in three flavors, each designed to conquer specific market niches:

• Xiaomi 17 (Base Model): This is your balanced all-rounder, offering a compelling mix of performance and features.
• Xiaomi 17 Pro: This compact beast is laser-focused on photography, packing some serious camera chops.
• Xiaomi 17 Pro Max: Touted as the “most powerful phone in Xiaomi’s history,” this is the ultimate flagship experience.

Under the Hood: Top-Tier Performance

All three models debut the brand-new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 from Qualcomm, and get this – they’re the first phones to feature it! This chipset promises performance that, based on early benchmarks, is set to outshine Apple’s A19 Pro in multitasking, gaming, and AI tasks.

Camera Prowess, Courtesy of Leica

Xiaomi’s partnership with Leica continues to pay dividends. You can expect a triple-camera module on the back of all Xiaomi 17 devices, each boasting 50 MP sensors for the main, telephoto, and ultra-wide lenses. And for those crisp selfies? A 32 MP front-facing camera is onboard.

Battery Life and Software: Staying Power

Powering these devices are massive batteries. The Pro Max, in particular, is rumored to pack a colossal 7,500 mAh unit. Running the show is HyperOS 3.0, built on the latest Android 16, promising a super smooth and fluid user experience. Plus, expect even deeper integration with Xiaomi’s growing ecosystem, connecting your smartphone, wearables, and even their SU7 electric car.

Pricing: Still Keeping it Accessible?

While it’s a premium device, early rumors suggest the base Xiaomi 17 might start around 4,499 yuan (roughly $630 USD). This means Xiaomi is trying to avoid significant price hikes, keeping that core tenet of accessibility intact.

The Industry Reacts: A Buzz in the Air

This announcement has definitely created a stir online and among industry analysts. On Weibo, Lei Jun’s post is racking up hundreds of thousands of interactions. Fans are celebrating what they’re calling a “masterstroke” against Apple, and there are already plenty of memes floating around comparing Lei Jun to a resurrected Steve Jobs.

In key markets like China, where Xiaomi saw a whopping 55% growth in the premium segment during the first half of 2025, this move is poised to chip away at Apple’s market share, especially with rumors of the iPhone Air being delayed.

Of course, not everyone is just cheering. Critics are rightly pointing out that Xiaomi’s success will ultimately hinge on refinement. Can they match the long-term software update longevity that iOS users enjoy? How will the power optimization stack up against Apple’s tight hardware-software synergy?

However, with whispers of innovations like a secondary display on the Pro Max, the Xiaomi 17 series isn’t just about raw specs; it’s about redefining the user experience.

The Future is Now: Xiaomi’s Disruptor Mentality

Ultimately, skipping the 16 and launching the 17 perfectly encapsulates Xiaomi’s evolution. They’ve transformed from a follower to a true disruptor. Lei Jun, often called the “Chinese Steve Jobs,” isn’t just selling hardware anymore; he’s building a narrative of relentless improvement and ambition. In a crowded market, this bold leap could very well propel Xiaomi to the top of the Android ladder.

Going head-to-head with the iPhone? Absolutely. The consumer verdict will be delivered soon, but one thing’s for sure: the era of uneven comparisons is over. If you’re looking for a flagship that doesn’t flinch at the thought of the Cupertino giant, the Xiaomi 17 might just be your next smart move.

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Source:Weribo Alles Xiaomi