Xiaomi 17 Pro Max vs iPhone 17 Pro Max: Xiaomi President Lu Weibing Compares the Two Devices

Xiaomi is set to introduce the 17 series later this month. Lu Weibing, the company's President, recently compared the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max with Apple's iPhone 17 Pro Max on Weibo. A short video showcases both devices, aiming to dispel concerns that Xiaomi copied Apple's camera island design. Despite claims of distinct designs, some similarities remain evident.

The company asserts that the design inspiration for the Xiaomi 17 series stems from its Mi 11 Ultra model released in 2021. However, skepticism persists regarding whether Xiaomi skipped the 16 generation to align with Apple's naming convention. The introduction of a "Pro Max" variant further fuels this speculation.

Xiaomi Exec Compares Xiaomi 17 Pro Max and iPhone 17 Pro Max

Photo Credit: Sparrows News

Launch Details and Pricing

Lu Weibing confirmed that the Xiaomi 17 series will be available in China before October 1. These devices will debut with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC, which is scheduled for unveiling on September 23. Xiaomi has secured an extended exclusivity period for this chip, delaying competitors' launches until after October.

The pricing for the Xiaomi 17 Pro is expected to range between CNY 5,000 and CNY 6,000 ($700 to $850). Meanwhile, the Pro Max version will be priced between CNY 6,000 and CNY 7,000 ($850 to $1,000). These prices are specific to the Chinese market; international releases may come with higher costs.

Unique Features and Functionality

A notable feature of the Xiaomi 17 series is its rear screen functionality. This screen can manage calls, control music playback, display travel details and countdowns, and serve as a full camera viewfinder. This allows users to take selfies using rear cameras, enhancing photo quality.

Lu Weibing likens this feature to cover displays found on foldable flip phones. Such innovation aims to provide users with versatile options for interacting with their devices beyond traditional front-facing screens.

Xiaomi's strategic decisions around design and naming conventions reflect its competitive stance in the smartphone market. As it prepares for the launch of its latest series, anticipation builds around how these new models will perform against established competitors like Apple.