What Xiaomi Announced
At a late‑September event in China, Xiaomi unveiled the 17 lineup, including the standard Xiaomi 17, the Xiaomi 17 Pro, and the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max. The company highlighted the second rear screen on the Pro models, larger batteries across the range, Leica‑tuned cameras, and deep AI integrations that tie into Xiaomi’s broader “human, car, home” ecosystem. Local reports point to sales in China beginning around September 27, 2025, with prices starting from roughly 4,499 yuan and climbing for higher‑end models.
How The Rear Screen Works
Xiaomi’s rear display can show customizable clock faces, notifications, and media controls. It also doubles as a live preview for selfies using the main cameras—a practical perk if you want the best image quality without flipping the phone. Xiaomi references the panel as the “Magic Back Screen” in Chinese teasers, while some English‑language outlets describe it as a “Dynamic Back Display.” Either way, the concept revives the idea once seen on the Mi 11 Ultra but scaled up and made more useful.
There’s another twist: Xiaomi is promoting a playful accessory that takes advantage of this second screen. A new retro handheld‑style case adds gaming controls so you can run simple titles with the rear display. It’s an eye‑catching extra with built‑in buttons and its own tiny battery, and it has first launched in China.
Design And Displays
From the front, both phones keep a clean, premium look with slim bezels and bright OLED panels. The real visual change is on the back: the camera island is now a functional screen. It’s large enough to be more than a notification ticker, yet small enough to avoid the bulk of a true dual‑display phone. Xiaomi pairs this with refined materials, polished edges, and a camera layout that maintains the Leica branding fans now expect.
Performance And Hardware
Inside, the Xiaomi 17 Pro and Pro Max are among the first devices powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, coupled with generous RAM and storage configurations. This platform is built to deliver strong gaming and multitasking performance, while staying efficient for better battery life. Expect smooth scrolling, fast app launches, and console‑quality visuals in supported games.
Cameras With Leica Input
Xiaomi continues its partnership with Leica on the 17 series. The Pro and Pro Max feature a triple‑camera system, with the Pro Max stepping up to a periscope telephoto for longer‑range zoom shots. The Leica color science and fine‑tuned profiles should help produce pleasing skin tones and detailed night photos. Using the rear screen as a viewfinder means you can take high‑resolution selfies with the main cameras, something front cameras typically can’t match. Early hands‑on impressions call out the periscope’s sharp results and the convenience of the rear display for camera framing.
Battery And Charging
Battery capacity is a major theme for the whole lineup. Reports indicate the Xiaomi 17 carries a class‑leading battery for its size, while the 17 Pro and especially the 17 Pro Max push capacities even higher. In particular, the Pro Max is said to include a roughly 7,500 mAh pack, and the Pro model is expected around the 6,300 mAh mark, with fast wired and wireless charging options. Combined with the efficient new chipset and smart power management, multi‑day use should be realistic for many users.
Software, AI, And Ecosystem
Xiaomi’s software puts the second screen to work. Beyond simple notifications, you can pin useful items—like a QR code for quick scanning—control music, or glance at timers without waking the main display. Xiaomi also leans into cross‑device features to connect the phone with cars, wearables, and smart‑home gear. As with many recent Xiaomi releases, expect frequent over‑the‑air updates to expand what the rear panel and system AI can do over time.
Pricing And Availability
In China, the Xiaomi 17 family is set to roll out first, with prices beginning around 4,499 yuan and moving up for higher storage tiers and the Pro Max hardware. Xiaomi hasn’t detailed international plans yet, and availability in Europe or North America remains unconfirmed. If the company follows its typical pattern, a China‑first launch will be followed by select global markets in the months ahead.
Early Outlook
A rear screen may sound like a novelty, but it solves a few real problems: taking better selfies with the main camera, checking info without waking the big display, and adding quick controls where your hand naturally rests. The gaming case that turns the back screen into a retro‑style handheld is quirky yet memorable marketing that could appeal to fans of simple, nostalgic games.
Whether this idea sticks will come down to execution. If Xiaomi keeps adding clever uses—like customizable widgets, glanceable travel cards, or camera shortcuts—the second display could become a signature feature for the brand rather than a one‑off experiment. For now, the Xiaomi 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max are two of the most distinctive premium phones of 2025, and they push the conversation forward on how hardware can make everyday tasks feel faster and more fun.
Key Specs At A Glance
- Rear second display on both Xiaomi 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max for glanceable info and camera previews
- Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 platform with high‑end RAM and storage options
- Triple‑camera systems with Leica tuning; Pro Max adds periscope telephoto
- Large batteries across the family; Pro Max around 7,500 mAh; fast charging supported
- China launch in late September 2025; wider availability to be announced
FAQs
What is the second screen on the Xiaomi 17 Pro and Pro Max used for?
It shows clocks, notifications, and media controls, and it can act as a live preview for selfies with the main cameras. Xiaomi and reviewers have demonstrated these functions already.
Is the rear display always on?
It’s designed for low‑power glanceable use, and you can wake it for tasks like music control or camera previews. Expect options to customize behavior in settings.
What are the main differences between the 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max?
The Pro Max is larger and includes a bigger battery. It also steps up camera hardware with a periscope telephoto for longer zoom. Both share the second rear display and the latest Snapdragon platform.
How big are the batteries?
Reports point to sizable batteries across the series, with the Pro Max around 7,500 mAh and the Pro near 6,300 mAh, alongside fast charging. Exact regional specs may vary at launch.
When and where can I buy them?
Xiaomi is set to roll out the 17 series in China around September 27, 2025. International availability has not been announced yet.
What’s the retro gaming case I’ve seen online?
It’s an official accessory that adds physical buttons and turns the rear screen into a mini game station. It launched in China first and may expand later.
How much do they cost?
China pricing starts near 4,499 yuan for the series, with higher prices for the Pro and Pro Max. Global pricing will depend on regional launches, if and when they happen.
