Xiaomi 17 vs 17 Pro: The Real Differences You’ll Notice (and The Ones You Won’t)
The Xiaomi 17 and 17 Pro are nearly twins, but key differences in design, battery, and camera may surprise you.
The Xiaomi 17 and Xiaomi 17 Pro are here — two sleek new flagships that look almost identical at first glance, yet quietly diverge in some key ways. Both launched in China in late September 2025, and while the Pro model grabs attention with its flashy rear screen, the regular 17 hides a few surprises that might make it the smarter buy.
Let’s break it down.
Design: The Pro Gets Flashy, Literally
The biggest visual difference sits right on the back. The Xiaomi 17 Pro packs a 2.7-inch AMOLED rear display — a 120Hz mini screen that doubles as a selfie viewfinder, a notification center, or even a retro gaming window when paired with Xiaomi’s new controller case. It’s a fun, niche touch that makes the Pro model stand out, especially for those who love design flourishes.
Meanwhile, the regular Xiaomi 17 keeps things clean and minimal — a familiar look with a single camera island and subtle branding. It might not turn heads, but it’s practical, and you won’t be worrying about scratching an extra display when you set it down.
Camera: Sharper Zoom for the Pro
On paper, both phones share an impressive 50MP main camera with OIS and 8K video capture. They even carry the same 50MP ultra-wide sensor, meaning daily shots and landscapes will look nearly identical between the two.
Where the Pro pulls ahead is zoom. The Xiaomi 17 Pro packs a 50MP 5x periscope lens, compared to the regular model’s 50MP 2.6x telephoto. It’s a meaningful difference if you love travel or street photography — that extra optical reach brings out more flexibility for framing shots without losing detail.
Battery: The Underdog Wins
Here’s the twist — the Xiaomi 17 actually has the bigger battery. At 7,000mAh, it outlasts the 17 Pro’s 6,300mAh, despite sharing the same 100W wired and 50W wireless fast charging speeds. That means the standard model will easily stretch through a long day (and maybe more), while the Pro trades a bit of endurance for slimmer design and extra features.
Both models come with Xiaomi’s HyperCharge tech, so you’ll need the brand’s dedicated charger to hit full speed.
Hardware: Same Power, Same Software
Underneath, the two phones are practically twins. Both run on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, paired with up to 16GB RAM and Xiaomi’s new HyperOS 3 based on Android 16. You’ll get blazing-fast performance, fluid multitasking, and future-proof software updates.
Connectivity-wise, both phones support Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and IP68 water resistance, but the Pro model does gain one subtle perk — ultra-wideband (UWB) support. It’s the same tech Apple uses for AirTags and precise device tracking. Though limited mostly to Xiaomi’s ecosystem, it hints at a growing smart-home integration strategy in China.
Early Verdict: Small Differences, Big Personality
Unlike some brands that use “Pro” to gatekeep all the best specs, Xiaomi kept the 17 and 17 Pro surprisingly balanced. You’re getting flagship performance either way — it’s just a matter of what kind of flagship you prefer.
The Xiaomi 17 Pro is for those who love innovation and aesthetics: that rear display, better zoom lens, and future-ready UWB make it feel experimental and bold. But for most users, the Xiaomi 17 might actually be the smarter pick — bigger battery, same performance, lower price, and none of the fuss.
Both models show how Xiaomi continues to blur the line between practicality and playfulness in modern smartphone design — proving that sometimes, even the “non-Pro” option can feel pretty elite.
