What's happened
Xiaomi announced its new 17 series smartphones, including the Pro and Pro Max models, featuring Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chips and Leica-backed cameras. The series aims to compete with Apple’s iPhone 17, offering high-end features at lower prices. The launch has generated strong consumer interest in China, with shelves quickly selling out.
What's behind the headline?
Xiaomi’s strategic move to skip the 16 series and launch the 17 lineup signals a clear intent to directly compete with Apple’s iPhone 17. The new series emphasizes high-end features such as Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processors and Leica-backed imaging systems, positioning Xiaomi as a serious contender in the premium segment. The inclusion of innovative features like the 'Magic Back Screen' on the Pro Max, which acts as a secondary display, demonstrates Xiaomi’s focus on differentiating its flagship devices. The rapid sell-out of shelves in China indicates strong consumer demand, especially for models priced below the iPhone 17 but offering comparable or superior technology. Xiaomi’s push into the premium market, supported by its expanding ecosystem and AI integration, is likely to intensify competition in China and globally. The company’s strategy to benchmark against Apple and introduce significant upgrades without raising prices could reshape consumer expectations and market dynamics, potentially forcing rivals to innovate further or adjust pricing strategies.
What the papers say
Bloomberg reports that Xiaomi’s new 17 series, including the Pro Max, has seen very strong sales in China just two days after launch, with the Pro Max being the top seller. Gulf News highlights the feverish consumer interest, with shelves wiped clean and stores crowded, emphasizing the series’ popularity. Both sources note Xiaomi’s positioning against Apple, with the series offering advanced features at a lower price point. Bloomberg also mentions Xiaomi’s move to skip the 16 series, directly targeting the premium segment with models that feature Leica-backed cameras and the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, marking a significant upgrade. Gulf News details the design innovations, such as the rear secondary display and the large camera island, which borrow ideas from foldable phones and Apple’s design language. The coverage underscores Xiaomi’s aggressive push into high-end smartphones, aiming to challenge Apple’s dominance in China and beyond.
How we got here
Xiaomi has been gradually moving into the premium smartphone market, aiming to challenge established brands like Apple and Huawei. The company skipped the 16 series, jumping directly to the 17 series to align with Apple’s naming and signal its intent to compete at the high end. The new models feature advanced Snapdragon chips, Leica imaging technology, and innovative design elements like rear secondary screens, reflecting Xiaomi’s focus on high-end features and global expansion.
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What Are the Key Features of Xiaomi’s New 17 Series?
Xiaomi’s latest 17 series has taken the smartphone world by storm, offering high-end features at a more accessible price point. With powerful Snapdragon chips, Leica-backed cameras, and innovative design elements, this launch is shaking up the market. Curious about what makes these phones stand out and how they compare to competitors like Apple? Keep reading for all the details and answers to your burning questions.
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Apple Inc. is an American multinational technology company headquartered in Cupertino, California, that designs, develops, and sells consumer electronics, computer software, and online services.
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Xiaomi Corporation is a Chinese electronics company founded in April 2010 and headquartered in Beijing. Xiaomi makes and invests in smartphones, mobile apps, laptops, bags, earphones, shoes, fitness bands, and many other products.
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Lei Jun (born 16 December 1969) is a Chinese billionaire entrepreneur and computer engineer. He is known for being the founder, chairman, and CEO of the consumer electronics company Xiaomi. He also is the chairman of Kingsoft and Shunwei Capital. Lei...