Xiaomi is moving up its flagship schedule this year. The company announced that the Xiaomi 17 series will arrive in October 2024, a little earlier than usual. What makes this launch stand out even more is that the Xiaomi 17 will be the very first smartphone to feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor. By doing so, Xiaomi secures an early advantage over rivals in rolling out the newest high-performance chip.
Key Takeaways
- The Xiaomi 17 series will launch in October, earlier than previous generations.
- It will be the first smartphone globally to feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset.
- The entire series is expected to use a more secure single-point ultrasonic fingerprint sensor.
- Xiaomi’s 2025 flagship lineup will also include the Mix Flip and Mix Fold 5 foldable phones.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 Debut
The big talking point here is the processor. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 isn’t just another annual upgrade. This time, Qualcomm is shifting away from ARM’s designs and instead using its own custom-built Oryon cores. That might sound like a technical detail, but it could be a game-changer. The promise is faster performance and smarter power use, which in plain terms means the phone should feel quicker and last longer on a charge.
Interestingly, the early rollout of this chip in October is the very reason Xiaomi is bringing forward its launch window. It’s a calculated move, perhaps, to grab attention before other Android makers can catch up.
Full Flagship Lineup and New Features
The Xiaomi 17 and 17 Pro won’t be alone. Reports suggest the company is preparing an entire flagship lineup, which also includes the clamshell-style Xiaomi Mix Flip and the larger Mix Fold 5. Both foldables are tipped to run on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 as well, keeping the whole range consistent at the top end.
One of the more practical upgrades across the Xiaomi 17 series is the fingerprint scanner. The company is dropping the older optical sensors in favor of a single-point ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. Instead of just shining light on your finger, these uses sound waves to create a detailed 3D image of your print. It’s more secure, and it should work better when your finger is wet or not perfectly clean, a small but meaningful improvement in daily use.
As for cameras, Xiaomi is sticking with its Leica partnership, which has been central to its recent flagships. The Xiaomi 17 Pro could even come with a refreshed telephoto camera and a bigger sensor for sharper zoomed-in shots. Meanwhile, the overall design is expected to lean toward slimmer bezels and polished, high-quality displays, which is very much in line with Xiaomi’s current premium style.
While the exact launch date in October hasn’t been shared yet, it’s safe to assume the first release will be in China. A global rollout, including India, will probably follow a few months later, if Xiaomi keeps to its usual timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. When will the Xiaomi 17 series launch in India?
A. The initial launch is set for October 2024 in China. The launch in India and other global markets usually happens a few months later, likely in early 2025.
Q. What is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor?
A. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 is the next top-of-the-line mobile processor from Qualcomm. It is the first to use Qualcomm’s custom Oryon CPU cores, which are expected to offer better performance and efficiency than previous generations.
Q. What is an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor?
A. It is a type of in-display fingerprint scanner that uses high-frequency sound to read a fingerprint. It is more secure and reliable than optical sensors, especially with wet or greasy fingers.
Q. What is the expected price of the Xiaomi 17 in India?
A. Official pricing has not been revealed. Based on previous launches, the base model of the Xiaomi 17 could be priced starting from ₹70,000 to ₹80,000 in India.
Q. Will all Xiaomi 17 models have Leica cameras?
A. Yes, Xiaomi’s partnership with Leica is expected to continue across the entire Xiaomi 17 series, providing high-quality camera lenses and software tuning.
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