Xiaomi Leaps Ahead, Targets iPhone 17 With New Phone
▼ Summary
– Xiaomi skipped the number 16 in its naming to maintain generational parity with its new Xiaomi 17 series, aligning with the recent iPhone 17 announcement.
– The series includes three flagship models featuring the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, large batteries, and very narrow bezels.
– The Pro and Pro Max models are distinguished by a unique Dynamic Back Display on the rear, which offers customizable features like watch faces, notifications, and selfie previews.
– These Pro models also introduce an industry-first L-shaped battery, providing high capacities of 6,300mAh and 7,500mAh, along with support for 100W wired and 50W wireless charging.
– The Xiaomi 17 lineup is currently only available in China, with a global version expected to be released early next year.
In a bold strategic move, Xiaomi has launched its new Xiaomi 17 series directly targeting Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17, deliberately skipping a numerical generation to align its flagship naming with the competition. This decision signals a clear ambition to compete at the very top of the smartphone market. The new lineup goes far beyond a simple name change, introducing several innovative features designed to capture the attention of tech enthusiasts worldwide.
The heart of the Xiaomi 17 family is the formidable Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, ensuring top-tier performance across all three models. These devices boast remarkably slim bezels, contributing to a modern and immersive visual experience. However, the most distinctive innovation is reserved for the higher-end models. The Xiaomi 17 Pro and Pro Max differentiate themselves with a unique secondary screen on the rear, branded as the Dynamic Back Display.
This isn’t the first time a phone has featured a rear display, but Xiaomi appears to have refined its utility significantly. The company envisions the Dynamic Back Display as a highly customizable tool. Users can employ it for a variety of functions, including personalized watch faces, AI-generated wallpapers, interactive virtual pets, and glanceable information notifications. It also serves as a practical selfie preview screen and, with an optional accessory, can transform into a retro gaming handheld.
Another major advancement lies in the power department. The series introduces an industry-first L-shaped battery design, which optimizes internal space to accommodate larger capacities. The standard model features a substantial 7,000mAh battery, while the Pro and Pro Max versions come with 6,300mAh and 7,500mAh cells, respectively. To complement these large batteries, the Pro models support incredibly fast 100W wired charging and 50W wireless charging, drastically reducing downtime.
For now, the Xiaomi 17 series is launching exclusively within China. A global release for international markets is anticipated in the early part of next year. Whether this combination of creative design and strategic positioning will allow Xiaomi to gain significant ground on Apple remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly offers a compelling and feature-rich alternative for consumers seeking cutting-edge technology.
(Source: IGN)
