Xiaomi 17 Pro Review: Key Strengths and Weaknesses You Need to Know
Xiaomi 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max: Rear Display Innovation Meets Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Power
Xiaomi has once again made headlines with the launch of its latest flagship lineup, the Xiaomi 17 Series, headlined by the Xiaomi 17 Pro and Xiaomi 17 Pro Max. These two models are set to redefine the premium smartphone experience with bold design choices, next-gen performance, and cutting-edge imaging technology.
Innovative Rear Display
One of the standout features of the Xiaomi 17 Pro is its secondary rear display, measuring 6.8 cm. Unlike traditional designs, this panel isn’t just aesthetic—it supports a 120Hz refresh rate and delivers up to 3,500 nits peak brightness.
The rear screen enables multiple functions, such as selfies, music playback controls, quick notifications, and timer settings. Users can also customize it with unique wallpapers, much like the cover screens on modern flip phones, adding a personal and premium touch.
Premium Main Display
On the front, the Xiaomi 17 Pro features a 16 cm LTPO panel with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and the same 3,500 nits peak brightness for outstanding outdoor visibility. To ensure durability, Xiaomi equips it with Dragon Crystal Glass, its proprietary material engineered for improved scratch and impact resistance.
Flagship-Level Performance with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
At its core, the Xiaomi 17 Pro runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, the latest and most powerful chipset to date. It promises not only faster performance but also better power efficiency, positioning the 17 Pro among the most powerful Android devices available in 2025.
The phone comes in configurations ranging from 12GB to 16GB RAM and up to 1TB of UFS storage, ensuring seamless multitasking and ample space for demanding users.
Leica-Powered Camera System
Photography is another area where the Xiaomi 17 Pro shines, thanks to its triple-camera system co-engineered with Leica:
- Main camera: Light Fusion 950L sensor, 1/1.28”, 1.22µm pixels, with 16.5-stop dynamic range.
- Telephoto lens: Leica Summilux f/1.67 with OIS and 5x optical zoom.
- Ultrawide lens: 50 MP with a 102° field of view.
For selfies and video calls, the front camera has been significantly upgraded to a 50 MP f/2.2 sensor with a 90° field of view, a major leap from the 32 MP sensor found in its predecessor.
Large Battery with Smart Power Management
To power it all, the Xiaomi 17 Pro packs a 6,300 mAh battery with support for 100W wired fast charging and 50W wireless charging. Adding to this, Xiaomi integrates the Surge G2 battery management chip, designed to extend battery health even after more than 2,000 charging cycles.
A True iPhone Competitor
With its rear display innovation, cutting-edge Snapdragon performance, advanced Leica-powered camera system, and long-lasting battery, the Xiaomi 17 Pro is positioned as a serious challenger to Apple’s latest iPhone in the global market.
Global Pricing (Estimated)
Based on early market insights, here’s the expected global pricing for the Xiaomi 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max:
Xiaomi 17 Pro
- 12GB + 256GB: ~$685 USD
- 12GB + 512GB: ~$725 USD
- 16GB + 512GB: ~$765 USD
- 16GB + 1TB: ~$820 USD
Xiaomi 17 Pro Max
- 12GB + 512GB: ~$820 USD
- 16GB + 512GB: ~$860 USD
- 16GB + 1TB: ~$955 USD
Xiaomi 17 Pro Specifications
| 📱 Design & Build Quality |
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| 🖥️ Display |
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| 🔧 Performance & Hardware |
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| ⚙️ Software & Sensors |
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| 📸 Camera |
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| 🔋 Battery & Charging |
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| 🌐 Connectivity & Network |
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| 🔊 Audio & Multimedia |
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Xiaomi 17 Pro Advantages
- Dual-Screen Innovation - Features a secondary rear LTPO AMOLED display (2.7 inches, 120Hz, 3,500 nits) that can be used for selfies, notifications, music controls, widgets, and custom wallpapers — bringing extra versatility and uniqueness.
- Flagship Performance - Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3nm) with Oryon CPU cores and Adreno 840 GPU, delivering top-tier speed, efficiency, and gaming performance.
- Premium Display Quality - Main 6.3-inch LTPO AMOLED with 120Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR Vivid, and an impressive 3,500-nit peak brightness — among the brightest on the market.
- Leica Camera Collaboration - Triple 50 MP system with a large main sensor, periscope telephoto (5x optical zoom), and ultrawide lens. Enhanced with Leica optics, OIS, laser autofocus, and advanced HDR video up to 8K.
- Upgraded Selfie Camera - A 50 MP front-facing sensor with PDAF, HDR, and 4K video support — a significant leap from the 32 MP sensor on the previous generation.
- Massive Battery with Smart Charging - Equipped with a 6,300 mAh cell, 100W wired fast charging, 50W wireless charging, and 22.5W reverse wireless charging. Surge G2 battery management chip ensures long-term durability across 2,000+ charging cycles.
- Premium Build & Durability - Glass front protected by Xiaomi Dragon Crystal Glass, aluminum frame, and IP68 rating (waterproof up to 4m for 30 minutes).
- Hi-Res Audio & Connectivity - Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, Snapdragon Sound support, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, UWB, NFC, and an IR blaster for added convenience.
Xiaomi 17 Pro Disadvantages
- Premium Price Tag - Positioned in the ultra-flagship segment, making it less accessible compared to Xiaomi’s usual “value-for-money” image.
- Heavier and Bulkier - At 192g with a dual-screen setup and large battery, it may feel thicker and less ergonomic for one-handed use.
- Secondary Display Battery Impact - While useful, the always-on rear screen could drain extra power if not optimized properly.
- More Complex Hardware Design - The dual-display and triple-camera module increase repair complexity and potential maintenance costs.
- Uncertain Global Availability - Launch is initially focused on the Chinese market, with limited clarity on official global rollout and after-sales support in all regions.
- Software Experience Caveat - Despite HyperOS 3 improvements, Xiaomi’s UI still has a reputation for pre-installed apps and occasional intrusive ads in certain markets.