Introduction

In September 2025, the smartphone market witnessed two heavyweight contenders: the Xiaomi 17 series and Apple’s iPhone 17 series. Xiaomi’s bold move to skip the 16 series and align its naming with Apple’s iPhone 17 signals a direct challenge to the premium smartphone segment.

 Both lineups boast cutting-edge technology, innovative designs, and advanced camera systems, but they cater to different audiences with distinct priorities.

 This article compares the Xiaomi 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max against the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, focusing on launch details, technology, camera capabilities, and pricing.

Launch Details

Both Xiaomi and Apple unveiled their flagship series in September 2025, with Xiaomi accelerating its launch timeline to compete directly with Apple. 

The iPhone 17 series was announced on September 9, 2025, with pre-orders starting September 12 and sales beginning September 19.

 Xiaomi confirmed its 17 series launch for later in September, a shift from its usual October schedule, emphasizing its intent to challenge Apple head-on in the premium market. 

The Xiaomi 17 series includes the standard Xiaomi 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max, while Apple’s lineup features the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. 

Notably, Xiaomi’s 17 Ultra is slated for a 2026 release, whereas Apple’s full lineup is available immediately.

Design and Technology

Xiaomi 17 Series

The Xiaomi 17 series introduces a bold redesign, particularly with the Pro and Pro Max models, which feature a “Magic Back Screen” — a secondary display integrated into an enlarged camera island. 

This full-color, high-definition rear display, inspired by foldable phones like the Galaxy Z Flip 7, can show widgets like clocks, notifications, or act as a camera viewfinder for selfies.

 The base Xiaomi 17 lacks this feature, positioning it as a more affordable flagship with a focus on core upgrades. 

All models are powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, promising top-tier performance.

 The series also includes larger batteries and HyperOS 2.0 for enhanced customization and efficiency, alongside Wi-Fi 7 and advanced 5G connectivity. 

The Pro models boast ultra-slim bezels and a design that echoes the iPhone 17 Pro’s aesthetic but with a unique twist.

iPhone 17 Series

Apple’s iPhone 17 series emphasizes refined design and performance. 

The iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air maintain a familiar aesthetic, with the Air being the thinnest iPhone yet at 5.5–6.6mm, featuring a 6.5-inch display and a Ceramic Shield 2 back for durability. 

The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max introduce a redesigned aluminum unibody with a large “camera plateau” and a new vapor chamber cooling system for sustained performance.

 Powered by the A19 chip in the base model and the A19 Pro chip in the Air, Pro, and Pro Max, Apple claims up to 40% better sustained performance compared to the iPhone 16 Pro.

 All models feature 120Hz ProMotion displays, Wi-Fi 7, and iOS 26 with Apple Intelligence for AI-driven features like image creation and Live Translation.

Camera Capabilities

Xiaomi 17 Series

The Xiaomi 17 series prioritizes photography with Leica-branded triple rear cameras on the Pro and Pro Max models. 

The Pro is expected to feature a 50MP main sensor with advanced dynamic range and autofocus, though recent leaks suggest its camera specs may not match the iPhone 17 Pro’s in some areas.

 The base Xiaomi 17 has a dual-camera system, still delivering high-quality imaging but without the Magic Back Screen’s selfie-enhancing capabilities. 

The secondary display on the Pro models allows for unique selfie functionality, potentially rivaling Apple’s front-facing camera innovations.

iPhone 17 Series

Apple’s iPhone 17 series sets a high bar for mobile photography. 

The base iPhone 17 features a 48MP Fusion Main camera with a 2x telephoto and a 48MP Ultra Wide camera, paired with an 18MP Center Stage front camera that uses AI to adjust framing for group selfies and 4K HDR video.

 The iPhone 17 Air has a single 48MP rear camera, limiting its versatility. 

The Pro and Pro Max models shine with a triple 48MP Fusion camera system, including a telephoto lens with an 8x optical zoom (200mm focal length), the longest on any iPhone. 

Features like ProRes RAW, Apple Log 2, and genlock support cater to professional filmmakers.

 The Photonic Engine and Deep Fusion technologies enhance color accuracy and detail across all models.

Pricing

Xiaomi 17 Series

Xiaomi maintains its edge in affordability. The base Xiaomi 17 (12GB/256GB) is priced at CNY 4,499 (~$633), unchanged from its predecessor. 

The Xiaomi 17 Pro (512GB) is projected at CNY 5,999 (~$843), significantly undercutting the iPhone 17 Pro’s price for similar storage.

 The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max, the most advanced model, is expected to be pricier but still competitive.

 However, these prices are primarily for the Chinese market, and global availability, especially for the Pro models, may be limited at launch.

iPhone 17 Series

Apple’s pricing reflects its premium positioning. 

The iPhone 17 (256GB) starts at $799, with the 512GB model at $999. The iPhone 17 Air (256GB) is priced at $999, with options up to 1TB at $1,399. 

The iPhone 17 Pro (256GB) starts at $1,265 (CNY 8,999), and the Pro Max (256GB) is higher, with a 2TB option reaching $2,000.

 Apple’s pricing strategy avoids increases despite tariff pressures, aiming to maintain market share, particularly in China.

Conclusion

The Xiaomi 17 series and iPhone 17 series represent two approaches to premium smartphones.

 Xiaomi’s aggressive pricing, innovative Magic Back Screen, and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 make it a compelling Android alternative, especially for cost-conscious buyers seeking flagship performance.

 Apple’s iPhone 17 series excels with its refined ecosystem, professional-grade cameras, and industry-leading A19/A19 Pro chips, appealing to those invested in iOS and premium build quality. 

For photography enthusiasts, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max offer unmatched versatility, while the Xiaomi 17 Pro’s secondary display adds a unique twist.

 Ultimately, the choice depends on budget, ecosystem preference, and whether you prioritize Apple’s polished experience or Xiaomi’s value-driven innovation.