Xiaomi is preparing one of its boldest smartphone launches yet: the Xiaomi 17 series, which will include the standard 17, the 17 Pro, and the larger 17 Pro Max. 
The company has deliberately skipped the number 16 to align its naming strategy with Apple, signaling its ambitions to compete directly with the iPhone in branding as well as hardware.
The highlight of the lineup is undoubtedly the 17 Pro Max, which features a rear display – a design decision that Xiaomi itself accidentally revealed on its official Weibo account before quickly deleting the post. Whether it was a slip-up or a carefully planned teaser, the reveal confirmed earlier leaks showing the Pro Max’s unique dual-screen approach. The additional screen is positioned on the back, enabling new uses such as reading notifications discreetly, previewing photos, and even snapping high-quality selfies with the main rear camera setup.
Under the hood, all three models are expected to feature Qualcomm’s newly named Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, ensuring flagship-level performance across the series. While the 17 and 17 Pro will likely share the same overall size, the Pro version should offer superior cameras and possibly a more advanced display. The Pro Max, however, stretches the formula further, echoing Apple’s Pro Max concept but with Xiaomi’s twist – that rear screen.
The design is already sparking debate. Some see the rear display as a gimmick that risks draining battery life and complicating durability. Others argue it could become genuinely useful, allowing better selfies and multitasking tricks that make sense in daily use. Comparisons have quickly been drawn with past niche devices like the Nubia X, Meizu Pro 7, and Xiaomi’s own Mi 11 Ultra, which experimented with a secondary screen. Yet, supporters say Xiaomi has refined the idea into something practical, even desirable. One enthusiastic fan joked that being able to discreetly read messages during a meeting is reason enough for the feature to exist.
The broader question remains whether the rear display is a true innovation or simply an attempt to outshine Apple with bold design. Some users welcome the experimentation, praising Xiaomi for pushing boundaries, while critics dismiss it as Apple-chasing. But if the 17 Pro Max delivers on performance, camera quality, and software integration with its secondary screen, it could become one of the most talked-about Android flagships of the year. Whether gimmick or game-changer, Xiaomi has everyone watching.
2 comments
finally i can read msgs upside down in a meeting, thx xiaomi 👏
to me its just another battery drain gimmick, no point tbh