If you find the camera design on the iPhone 17 Pro Max impractical and uninspiring, it’s time to shift your attention to the upcoming release from Chinese tech giant Xiaomi.
In a strategic move—whether calculated in response to Apple or not—Xiaomi has confirmed it will skip the “Xiaomi 16” moniker, leaping directly to the “Xiaomi 17” series, slated for launch later this month.
The spotlight falls on the premium Xiaomi 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max, both reintroducing a rear secondary display. This bold feature sets the stage for a direct and exciting showdown with Apple’s iPhone 17 series, mirroring even in name.
The “Magic Back Screen” – A Game-Changing Feature
The most intriguing highlight of the Xiaomi 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max is the rear secondary display, dubbed the “Magic Back Screen.” Teasers from Xiaomi reveal this isn’t just any small screen. The entire rectangular camera module, spanning edge-to-edge, doubles as a vibrant, high-resolution display.
This innovative screen serves multiple functions: displaying essentials like time, weather, custom animations, and app notifications, while also acting as a convenient viewfinder for high-quality selfies using the primary camera system.
Rumors suggest it could even control your car. Xiaomi appears poised to redefine aesthetic functionality, offering smartwatch-inspired clock faces and vibrant graphical options.
While the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s camera redesign merely alters aesthetics and chassis space, Xiaomi delivers a bolder, more practical innovation.
Reviving an Old Idea with Greater Ambition
This isn’t Xiaomi’s first foray into secondary displays. Tech enthusiasts recall the Mi 11 Ultra (2021-2022), featuring a tiny 1.1-inch AMOLED screen beside its cameras. Despite limited functionality, users ingeniously mirrored Android’s full interface onto it, creating a unique experience.
After a hiatus, Xiaomi resurrects this concept in the 17 Pro series with far greater ambition. What was once a minuscule display now transforms the entire camera array into an interactive canvas.
Skipping the 16 series to launch the 17 series is a strategic maneuver, positioning Xiaomi directly against Apple’s iPhone 17. The expansive horizontal camera module on the 17 Pro echoes Apple’s recent controversial designs. While often accused of emulating Apple, Xiaomi here turns the tables, transforming the very module into a standout feature.
Flagship-Grade Performance
Beyond design, the Xiaomi 17 series boasts flagship specifications. It will debut Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, a first for any smartphone globally.
Photography enthusiasts can anticipate a Leica-coengineered triple-camera setup on the 17 Pro: a 50MP f/1.67 primary lens, a 115mm f/3.0 telephoto with 5x optical zoom, and a 17mm ultra-wide lens.
Battery upgrades are notable too. Leaks suggest a 7,000mAh battery for the standard model and a 7,500mAh variant for the Pro Max, promising exceptional endurance.
The Xiaomi 17 series launches in China later this month, alongside the global debut of the Xiaomi 15T series.
