Xiaomi is reportedly set to skip its ’16’ series altogether and jump straight to the Xiaomi 17 Pro and Pro Max, aiming squarely at Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17. According to leaks from reliable tech insiders, these phones may come with a small secondary display on the rear panel and run on a custom, more powerful variant of Qualcomm’s next-generation flagship processor, tentatively known as the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.
Key Takeaways
- Xiaomi plans to launch the 17 series, skipping the 16.
- The phones are expected to directly compete with the iPhone 17.
- A secondary rear display is one of the standout rumored features.
- They may run on a special “Elite” version of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chip.
A Special “Elite” Chipset
The Xiaomi 17 lineup is shaping up to be more than just another yearly refresh. Instead of using the standard Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 that most Android flagships will rely on, reports suggest Xiaomi will equip the 17 Pro and Pro Max with a tweaked version called the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.
This chip is believed to be a higher-clocked variant of the base processor, promising faster speeds and smoother overall performance. It’s a strategy that feels quite familiar, as Samsung has done something similar with its custom “Snapdragon for Galaxy” chips, tuned specifically for its high-end models. If true, Xiaomi is clearly signaling that it wants to deliver a performance edge over its Android rivals.
Rear Screen Makes a Comeback
Perhaps the most eye-catching rumor is the return of a rear display. Xiaomi previously experimented with this concept on the Mi 11 Ultra, and now it seems ready to bring it back.
The idea of a small screen on the back may sound gimmicky at first, but in practice, it has its uses. It can show the time, notifications, and incoming calls without requiring you to turn the phone around. Its biggest advantage, though, is as a viewfinder, letting you snap selfies with the main rear camera system instead of relying on the usually weaker front camera. It’s the kind of feature that could genuinely set the device apart from the iPhone and other Android competitors.
Targeting Apple and Other Features
The decision to jump ahead and brand this flagship as the Xiaomi 17 isn’t subtle. It’s a deliberate move, designed to put the phone in direct comparison with the iPhone 17, which is expected to arrive in late 2025. That head-to-head positioning alone will catch the attention of buyers weighing their next premium smartphone purchase.
Leaks have also hinted at some other notable features. The Pro model could include a periscope telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, making long-distance shots much clearer. Another upgrade on the list is a new ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor, said to be faster and more secure than the optical ones most phones currently use. Taken together, these additions suggest Xiaomi wants the 17 Pro series to feel like a complete high-end package, not just a phone with a flashy gimmick.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Why is Xiaomi not releasing a 16 series?
A. Xiaomi is likely skipping the number 16 to align its product launch cycle and naming with the Apple iPhone 17, creating a direct sense of competition.
Q. What is different about the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip?
A. It is expected to be a custom version of the standard Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 with higher clock speeds, offering better and faster performance specifically for the Xiaomi 17 series.
Q. What can you do with a rear screen on a phone?
A. A rear screen can show notifications, time, and music controls. Its main benefit is acting as a viewfinder for taking selfies with the much better main cameras.
Q. When will the Xiaomi 17 series be released?
A. The Xiaomi 17 series is expected to be announced in late 2025, with a global launch likely following in early 2026.
Add Comment