Xiaomi’s flagship killer returns with a unique rear display design and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 power, launching September 19 in China with India launch expected in October.

By Muzamil Ahad – Founder of DoorDasherHelpCentral.com

Key Specs (at a glance)

What’s new vs Xiaomi 15 Pro?

• Secondary rear display — A unique iPhone 17-inspired design with a functional rear screen for notifications, selfies, and quick controls without flipping the phone.

• Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset — Jump to the latest 3nm processor promising 40% better performance and 35% improved efficiency over the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.

• Larger 6100mAh battery — Significant upgrade from the 5400mAh in the Xiaomi 15 Pro, offering extended battery life for power users.

• Enhanced 5x telephoto zoom — New periscope lens with 115mm focal length delivers sharper zoom shots compared to the previous 3.2x optical zoom.

Rivals to consider

Display & Design

The Xiaomi 17 Pro marks a bold design departure with its dual-display setup. The main 6.73-inch LTPO OLED panel delivers flagship-grade visuals with 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and HDR10+ support. What sets this device apart is the secondary rear display – a feature that allows users to check notifications, take selfies with the main camera, and control music playback without flipping the phone.

The build quality appears premium with an aluminum frame and glass construction. The device follows current design trends with its camera module arrangement, drawing comparisons to the iPhone 17 series. The rear display integration looks seamless based on teaser videos, though real-world durability remains to be tested.

Performance & Thermals

At the heart of the Xiaomi 17 Pro sits the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, Qualcomm’s latest flagship processor built on a 3nm process. This chipset represents a significant leap in mobile computing power, with Xiaomi claiming the 17 Pro will be among the world’s first devices to feature this silicon.

The combination of up to 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage ensures smooth multitasking and rapid app launches. Early benchmarks suggest performance gains of approximately 40% over the previous generation, positioning this device firmly in flagship territory. Thermal management appears robust with an advanced vapor chamber cooling system to handle sustained gaming sessions.

Camera Quality (Photos & Video)

The camera system receives notable upgrades, particularly in the telephoto department. The 50MP main sensor with f/1.67 aperture promises excellent low-light performance with optical image stabilization for steady shots. The standout feature is the new periscope telephoto lens offering 5x optical zoom at 115mm focal length with f/3.0 aperture – a significant improvement over the previous generation’s zoom capabilities.

The 50MP autofocus selfie camera represents a major upgrade, offering professional-grade self-portraits with accurate focus tracking. The rear display adds versatility by allowing users to frame selfies using the superior main camera system. Video recording capabilities include 8K at 30fps and 4K at 60fps with OIS across multiple lenses.

Battery Life & Charging

Battery capacity sees a substantial boost to 6100mAh, addressing one of the key concerns with previous Xiaomi flagships. This larger cell, combined with the efficiency gains from the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5’s 3nm process, should easily deliver all-day battery life even for heavy users.

The 120W fast charging support means the device can charge from 0-100% in approximately 35 minutes. Wireless charging support is expected at 50W, though official confirmation is pending. The combination of large battery capacity and ultra-fast charging positions the 17 Pro as a powerhouse for users who demand extended screen time.

Software & Updates

The Xiaomi 17 Pro ships with Android 15 out of the box, running HyperOS 2.0 – Xiaomi’s latest custom interface. HyperOS promises a cleaner, more refined experience compared to MIUI, with improved animations and reduced bloatware. The rear display functionality is deeply integrated into the OS, offering customizable widgets and quick actions.

Xiaomi typically provides 3 years of major OS updates and 4 years of security patches for its flagship devices, though official confirmation for the 17 series update policy is pending. The software experience includes AI-powered features for photography, system optimization, and cross-device connectivity within the Xiaomi ecosystem.

Price & Availability

• Starting price: ₹69,999 for the base variant (12GB/256GB) – expected pricing based on market analysis

• Availability: China launch confirmed for September 19, 2025, with India launch expected in October 2025 via Flipkart, Amazon, and Mi.com

• The 16GB/512GB variant is expected to be priced around ₹79,990, with the top-tier 16GB/1TB model potentially reaching ₹89,990

Should You Upgrade?

From last year’s model: If you own the Xiaomi 15 Pro, the upgrade brings meaningful improvements – the rear display adds genuine utility, the larger battery addresses a key weakness, and the enhanced zoom capabilities expand photographic versatility. However, these upgrades may not justify the cost unless you specifically value the dual-display functionality.

From a 2-year-old phone: Users coming from the Xiaomi 13 Pro or older will experience a dramatic leap in performance, battery life, and camera capabilities. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 delivers generational improvements in AI processing, gaming performance, and power efficiency, making this an excellent upgrade opportunity.

For budget-conscious buyers: At an expected ₹69,999 starting price, the Xiaomi 17 Pro offers flagship specifications that compete with devices costing significantly more. The iPhone 17 Pro, for instance, is expected to be 45% more expensive for similar storage. However, waiting for festival sales or considering the standard Xiaomi 17 might offer better value for those with tighter budgets.

FAQs

Does Xiaomi 17 Pro include a charger in the box? The China variant is expected to include a 120W charger, though the India variant packaging details are not yet confirmed.

Is there an IP rating for water resistance? Yes, the device features IP68 certification, providing protection against dust and water immersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.

Does it support eSIM or microSD expansion? The device supports dual SIM functionality with likely eSIM support, but no microSD card slot for storage expansion.

How does the rear display work? The secondary display shows notifications, time, battery status, and can be used as a viewfinder for rear camera selfies. It also supports customizable widgets and quick controls.

Pros

• Innovative rear display adds genuine functionality for notifications and camera use

• Massive 6100mAh battery with 120W fast charging eliminates battery anxiety

• Flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 delivers top-tier performance

• Improved 5x optical zoom telephoto camera expands photography options

Cons

• Expected high price point may deter budget-conscious buyers

• Rear display could be fragile and may increase repair costs

• HyperOS still needs refinement compared to cleaner Android experiences

Verdict

The Xiaomi 17 Pro emerges as a bold flagship that dares to innovate with its dual-display design while delivering on core fundamentals. The combination of Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 performance, a massive 6100mAh battery, and enhanced camera capabilities creates a compelling package for power users and tech enthusiasts. While the rear display might seem gimmicky to some, it offers practical benefits that could change how we interact with our phones. At an expected ₹69,999, it undercuts similar flagship devices while offering unique features. For those seeking cutting-edge technology and don’t mind being early adopters, the Xiaomi 17 Pro represents excellent value in the premium segment.