Xiaomi 17 Series Launches with 100W Charging, Direct Challenge to iPhone 17

What the Xiaomi 17 series Offers

On September 27, 2025, Xiaomi opened its online store, Mi.com, and official retail outlets for the new 17 lineup. Buyers can choose from three variants – the standard Xiaomi 17, the Xiaomi 17 Pro, and the top‑end Xiaomi 17 Pro Max. All three sport a glass‑back design, an aluminum frame, and a 6.7‑inch AMOLED panel that supports a 120 Hz refresh rate.

Charging is the headline act. Each model supports 100‑watt PPS fast charging, and Xiaomi brands the accompanying battery as an "Ultra‑High Energy Density" cell. In real‑world tests, the Pro Max hits 0 to 100 % in just 22 minutes, a clear win over most competitors that still sit above 30 minutes for a full charge.

Another eye‑catching addition is a secondary back‑screen display that shows notifications, music controls, and quick replies. The screen uses DC dimming technology to cut blue‑light emissions, a nod to eye‑health concerns that have grown louder among heavy smartphone users.

• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 (Pro Max) / Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (Pro) / Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (standard)
• RAM/Storage: 12 GB/256 GB (standard), 12 GB/512 GB (Pro), 16 GB/1 TB (Pro Max)
• Camera: Triple‑lens setup – 50 MP main, 48 MP ultra‑wide, 12 MP telephoto (Pro Max adds a periscope module)
• Battery: 4600 mAh (standard), 5000 mAh (Pro), 5400 mAh (Pro Max)
• Charging: 100 W wired, 50 W wireless, reverse wireless up to 10 W
• Extras: Charger and cable included, X‑OS 12 with MIUI overlay, Xiaomi Offline Communication feature (OTA from Sep 24)

While many Android flagships have dropped the charger from the box, Xiaomi kept it, positioning the move as a “customer‑first” decision. The company also rolled out a new OTA update called Offline Communication, which lets devices exchange encrypted messages without relying on cellular data – a feature that may appeal to privacy‑concerned users.

How It Stacks Up Against the Competition

The timing is unmistakable: Apple’s iPhone 17 series is already on the market, and Samsung’s Galaxy S17 line is expected later this year. Xiaomi’s pricing strategy undercuts both rivals – the Pro Max starts at $899, roughly $200 less than the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s launch price.

Design-wise, eyebrows have been raised. The rectangular camera island, rounded edges, and matte finish mirror Apple’s recent aesthetic, prompting some observers to call it a “copycat” move. Even the decision to skip a "16" designation and jump straight to "17" looks like a deliberate alignment with Apple’s naming cadence.

Analysts say the design debate won’t dent sales among Android users hungry for premium specs at lower cost. However, the iOS‑loyal crowd is unlikely to switch without a compelling ecosystem pull, and Xiaomi’s MIUI still carries a fair amount of bloatware compared to stock Android.

Early reviewer sentiment reflects this split. Hardware scores are high – reviewers praise the fluid display, lightning‑fast charging, and versatile camera system. Software impressions are more mixed; critics point to delayed security patches and a heavy skin that can feel sluggish on lower‑end configurations.

Service expectations also surface. Xiaomi’s after‑sales network is still expanding in Western markets, and some users report longer repair turnaround times compared to Apple’s Genius Bar or Samsung’s Care+ program.

Despite these hurdles, the 17 series arms Xiaomi with a solid foothold in the premium arena. By delivering flagship‑level performance at a more approachable price point, it forces other Android manufacturers to rethink their value propositions. If the hardware continues to impress and software updates become more reliable, the series could reshape the high‑end smartphone battle line, offering a viable Android alternative for consumers who admire the iPhone’s look but prefer a different operating system.