Xiaomi 17 Pro & Pro Max Unveiled: Dual‑Screen Flagship Powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

Xiaomi just dropped its newest high‑end handsets – the Xiaomi 17 Pro and the larger Pro Max – and they come with some serious upgrades. The biggest headline is a dual‑screen design that you won’t see on most flagship phones today. Alongside that, the phones run the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, come with massive storage options, and feature a Leica‑branded camera trio.

Design and Display Innovations

Both models keep a sleek, flat glass back, but the Pro Max steps it up with a 6.9‑inch LTPO AMOLED panel that hits QHD resolution (1220 × 2656) and a buttery‑smooth 120 Hz refresh rate. What really catches the eye is the 3,500‑nit peak brightness – that’s bright enough to make the screen readable in direct sunlight without squinting.

The surprise element is the 3‑inch rear display tucked behind the main screen. It runs at full 120 Hz and shows full‑color graphics. Xiaomi says you can set it up for quick glances at the clock, calendar events, or even incoming messages, saving you a tap on the main screen. Gamers get a special treat: a dedicated gaming case that uses the rear screen for extra controls or real‑time stats, turning the phone into a mini‑console.

Because the secondary screen sits on the back, it stays visible even when the phone is face‑down on a table – perfect for checking a timer or seeing who’s calling without flipping the device. Xiaomi’s UI lets you create custom widgets, and developers can tap into an API to build apps that make full use of the extra screen space.

Performance, Camera, and Battery

Performance, Camera, and Battery

Under the hood, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, built on a 3 nm process, powers both phones. The chip promises top‑tier performance for AI, gaming, and multitasking while staying efficient enough to keep heat in check. Paired with 12 GB of RAM, the devices feel snappy whether you’re scrolling social feeds or editing 4K video.

Storage options range from 256 GB up to a massive 1 TB, giving power users plenty of room for apps, media, and large game files. The triple‑camera system uses three 50 MP sensors co‑engineered with Leica, delivering sharp, colour‑accurate photos. Xiaomi highlights the cameras’ ability to capture bright images even in low‑light scenes, thanks to larger sensor sizes and improved image‑processing algorithms.

The Pro Max adds a dedicated 5× periscope telephoto lens with a 1/2‑inch sensor, f/2.6 aperture, and built‑in optical image stabilization. This means clearer zoom shots and steadier video when you’re moving around.

Battery life gets a serious boost with a 7,500 mAh cell. Xiaomi pairs that with 100 W wired fast charging – you can go from 0 % to full in about 30 minutes – and 50 W wireless charging, which is among the fastest you’ll find on the market. The large battery also supports a power‑saving mode that can stretch usage further when you’re away from a charger.

All these specs position the 17 Pro line squarely against other premium flagships from Apple, Samsung, and Huawei. By adding the rear display, Xiaomi is trying to differentiate itself in a crowded market and give early adopters a reason to look beyond the usual single‑screen experience.

The phones were announced in September 2025, and Xiaomi says they’ll start rolling out globally in the coming months. Prices haven’t been confirmed yet, but the company hinted that they’ll be competitive with other high‑end devices, aiming to attract users who want top‑tier performance without paying a premium price tag.