Android fans love teasing the iPhone but when it comes to setting the pace Apple still holds the crown. Xiaomi has just shown us how much influence Apple really has. Instead of releasing the Xiaomi 16 the company has decided to go directly to the Xiaomi 17.
Xiaomi’s president Lu Weibing confirmed that the decision was not random. With the iPhone 17 already in the spotlight this year Xiaomi did not want its phones to look a generation behind. At the end of the day numbers matter to buyers. Nobody wants to spend money on a device that feels old before it even launches. By naming its new lineup Xiaomi 17 the brand is making sure it stays in step with Apple.
The new series will arrive later this month with three phones. We will see the Xiaomi 17 the Xiaomi 17 Pro and the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max. All three will run on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor. That means faster performance improved battery efficiency and stronger AI features across the board.
The regular models should deliver what we usually expect from Xiaomi. High refresh rate AMOLED screens solid battery life and quick charging. The Pro Max however might bring back something special. Rumours suggest the return of a rear display like we saw on the Mi 11 Ultra. If true that would give users some unique tricks like using the main camera for selfies or checking notifications on the back panel.
Even if you prefer Android it is impossible to ignore the way Apple shapes the industry. Xiaomi skipping an entire number is not about superstition. It is about being seen as a direct competitor to the iPhone 17 rather than looking one step behind. This move shows once again that Apple continues to dictate the conversation even for rival brands.
With the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 inside the Xiaomi 17 series is set to be one of the strongest Android lineups this year. Gaming multitasking and AI powered features should all run smoothly. The real challenge for Xiaomi will be in delivering polished software reliable updates and consistent camera performance. These are areas where Apple still has an edge.
The Xiaomi 17 series is more than a flashy spec sheet. Skipping the number 16 is a statement that Xiaomi is not chasing Apple anymore but wants to meet it head on. Whether this bold step pays off will depend on how these phones perform once they are in people’s hands.
One thing is certain though. Xiaomi has positioned itself as a serious rival to Apple and the launch of the Xiaomi 17 series is shaping up to be one of the most exciting smartphone reveals of the year.
