Xiaomi is preparing to launch its Xiaomi 17 series later this month, and ahead of the official unveiling, company president Lu Weibing shared a comparison between the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max and the iPhone 17 Pro Max on Weibo.
The hands-on video aimed to address speculation that Xiaomi copied Apple’s latest camera island design.
According to Lu, the camera setup on the 17 Pro Max is distinctly different, though many viewers noted similarities at first glance. Xiaomi insists its design was actually inspired by the Mi 11 Ultra from 2021, which also featured a unique rear module. Despite this, critics point out that Xiaomi’s decision to skip the “16” generation and adopt an Apple-like “Pro Max” branding fuels comparisons with iPhone.
The Xiaomi 17 series is confirmed to launch in China before October 1 and will debut as the first smartphones powered by Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, set to be announced on September 23. Xiaomi has reportedly secured an extended exclusivity period for the new chipset, meaning rival devices are unlikely to appear before October.
In terms of pricing, the Xiaomi 17 Pro is expected to retail between CNY 5,000 and CNY 6,000 (approximately $700–$850), while the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max will be priced between CNY 6,000 and CNY 7,000 (around $850–$1,000). These prices apply to the Chinese market, and any global release would likely carry a higher premium.
One of the standout features of the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max is its secondary rear display, which offers multiple functions. Users can handle calls, control music playback, check travel information, view countdowns, and even use it as a full camera viewfinder for selfies using the high-quality rear cameras. Lu compared this functionality to the cover displays on foldable flip phones, highlighting its practicality and versatility.
With bold design choices, powerful hardware, and a focus on premium features, Xiaomi is positioning the 17 Pro Max as a direct competitor to Apple’s flagship lineup. Whether it can truly rival the iPhone 17 Pro Max will become clear once both devices hit the market.