HyperOS 3 Beta Live for Xiaomi 17 & Pad 8 Series

HyperOS 3 Beta Lands for Xiaomi 17 Series & Pad 8: Get Ready for Next-Level Interconnection!

Big news from the Xiaomi universe! On October 9, 2025, the doors opened for the closed beta of the official HyperOS 3 (also known as Penglai OS 3) for the shiny new Xiaomi 17 series phones and the Pad 8 tablets. This is a massive step for Xiaomi as they double down on making their whole tech ecosystem talk to each other seamlessly. If you’re itching to try it out, you can sign up via the Xiaomi Community, but just a heads-up – it’s a beta, so expect some kinks and be ready to roll up your sleeves if you’re technically inclined. The buzz is real, with over 150 comments already flying around!

The Xiaomi 17 Series: More Than Just a Pretty (Secondary) Screen

First up, let’s talk about the Xiaomi 17 series. Launched on September 25th, this lineup includes the standard Xiaomi 17, the 17 Pro, and the Pro Max. Kicking off at 4,499 yuan (around $630 USD) for the standard model, these phones are seriously turning heads. They’ve already smashed the million-unit sales mark in their first week, and a huge part of that is the awesome “妙享” (Miáoxiǎng) 2.66-inch secondary display on the back. Protected by Xiaomi’s own Dragon Crystal glass, this screen pumps out a blinding 3,500 nits brightness with M10 tech.

What Can This Back Screen Do?

It’s not just for showing off cool AI-generated portraits or your pet’s antics. This secondary screen is a real multitasker:

• Stay Informed: Get quick glances at music controls, travel updates, or sticky notes for essential info.
• Snap Better Selfies: Use the main rear cameras for crystal-clear selfies and preview shots for group photos.
• Print Smarter: Connect directly to Mijia devices for easy printing.

Under the hood, these devices are beasts. They pack the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 (3nm) processor, boasting a massive 50% graphics performance boost. You’ll get a hefty battery, up to 7,000mAh, and lightning-fast charging – 100W wired and 50W wireless. And for the photography enthusiasts, the partnership with Leica means you’re getting the Light Hunter 950L sensor with a wild 16.5EV dynamic range.

Pad 8 Series: Your PC-Level Tablet Experience

Not to be outdone, the Pad 8 series also launched in September, featuring the standard Pad 8 and the Pad 8 Pro. Starting at 2,199 yuan (about $308 USD), these tablets are built for getting things done and having fun. They sport an 11.2-inch 3.2K LCD display with a buttery-smooth 144Hz refresh rate and anti-glare tech.

The Pad 8 Pro is where things get really interesting. With the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, it’s hitting Geekbench scores over 9,000, earning its “PC-level tablet” title. Powering it all is a huge 9,200mAh battery, all housed in a sleek 5.75mm metal body. Plus, with the optional Pro stylus and magnetic keyboard, it’s ready for anything. The real game-changer? The XiaomiWinPlay engine lets you run Windows games locally. Yes, you read that right!

HyperOS 3: The Symphony of Interconnection

Now, the star of the show: HyperOS 3. Built on Android 16, this new OS is all about efficiency and a smoother experience.

• Performance Boosts: A custom micro-architecture scheduler cuts CPU power consumption by 10%, and window animations are 18.9% snappier.
• Smarter Interaction: The “Super Island” concept neatly combines notifications and device controls.
• Graphics Power: Advanced rendering tech slashes system load by 60%.

The real magic is in how devices talk to each other. Think controlling your car from your smartwatch or getting navigation that syncs with your heart rate. The beta has been rolling out gradually since September 24th to devices like the Xiaomi 15, with official availability for early birds starting October 15th.

What to Expect (and Not Expect) from the Beta

Xiaomi is upfront: this beta is for early adopters who can handle potential issues. Reports from the Xiaomi Community mention things like random reboots or delayed notifications. So, definitely back up your data before diving in! You’ll need an active community account and approval to get those Over-The-Air updates.

Xiaomi’s massive investment in R&D – 100 billion yuan over five years and plans to double it – shows their commitment to a “person-car-home” ecosystem. With the Xiaomi 17 series and Pad 8, powered by HyperOS 3, they’re seriously challenging the status quo, even against competitors like the iPhone 17. Are you ready to be part of this connected future?

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