If you think you've spotted an iPhone 17 Pro with a touchscreen on the front and back, think again. Chinese brand Xiaomi just launched its new Series 17 lineup, and there's a striking resemblance to the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max launched last month. The biggest difference? The small display on the back of the handset.
Founded in 2010, Xiaomi is known for developing innovative smartphones and other smart home devices with modern, minimalistic designs.
Although Xiaomi seems to have pulled a page (or a few) out of Apple's design book this year.
These new phones feature a 6.3" display, glass fronts, and an aluminium frame, with a secondary screen around the back two camera lenses
|XIAOMI PRESS OFFICE
First off, they both feature a 6.3" edge-to-edge display, toughened glass, and an aluminium frame.
The case has curved corners for a softer appearance. The slimline volume and power buttons on the side of the handset are almost identical in appearance to the latest efforts from the secretive Design Team in Apple's Californian HQ, too.
One of the biggest differentiators between iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max is the "camera plateau," the name given to the large module that houses the triple-camera systen, LiDAR scanner, and LED flash
| APPLE PRESS OFFICEWhile the expansive camera module, which Apple refers to as "the plateau" in its marketing for the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, closely resembles the Pro-level lineup from Apple, it borrows from the entry-level iPhone 17 series for its dual-camera system.
Xiaomi has also looked to the standard iPhone 17 for inspiration for the colourways. Both handsets are sold in almost identical colourways: Black, White, Cold Smoke Purple, and Merino Green. Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 is offered in Black, White, Lavender, Mist Blue, and Sage.
iPhone 17 is available in a choice of Lavender, Mist Blue, Sage, White, or Black. For the first time, Apple is offering 256GB with the entry-level model of its iPhone | APPLE PRESS OFFICE However, its main differentiator is the secondary screen around the back two camera lenses. This touchscreen lets you quickly check the time, preview pictures, and more.
Xiaomi isn't the first brand to place a secondary screen on the back of the phone. Other tech brands like Vivo and Nubia have designed mobiles with full rear displays.
In terms of naming the different phone models, Xiaomi went with the Xiaomi 17, Xiaomi 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max, whereas Apple's models this year are titled the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max. Unlike Xiaomi, Apple released a fourth phone in its flagship series, the ultra-thin iPhone Air.
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Xiaomi 17 (left) has more cameras, but lacks the additional touchscreen on the back of the handset, Xiaomi 17 Pro and Xiaomi 17 Pro Mac (centre, right) have the showstopping second screen. Inside, you'll find a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, and up to 16 GB RAM for fast, efficient performance
|XIAOMI PRESS OFFICE
Although the phone's similarities stop at appearance and names. In terms of hardware and software designs, Xiaomi brings in its own mix of offerings.
Xiaomi's 17 series boasts the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, and up to 16 GB RAM ensures fast, efficient performance. Apple, on the other hand, uses an A19 chip for its powerful production.
The new series also features 5G, Wi‑Fi 7, and Bluetooth for modern connectivity.
There are undoubtedly similarities between the Xiaomi 17 Pro (left) and iPhone 17 Pro (right) announced in September
|APPLE PRESS OFFICE | XIAOMI PRESS OFFICE
Xiaomi’s HyperOS 3 (based on Android 16) enables AI features, Always-On Display, customizable widgets, and seamless system animations.
Additional perks include fast wired and wireless charging, where the battery can charge fully in about 40 minutes and has been said to last longer than the new iPhones. In fact, the 17 comes equipped with a battery even bigger than the iPhone 17 Pro.
If you're interested in purchasing a new 17 mobile, they're currently only available for Chinese customers. The brand has not yet released plans for a global launch.
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