Xiaomi has introduced the Xiaomi 17 globally. But the most attentive will have noticed a long-awaited absence: the Xiaomi 17 Pro with a screen on the back.
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Xiaomi globally presented the Xiaomi 17 and Xiaomi 17 Ultra this Saturday in Barcelona. We were there and even had the opportunity to spend 3 weeks with the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, which has everything to be one of the best smartphones of 2026. The Xiaomi 17, which we also tested, is the most interesting compact high-end launched in 2026 so far. But not everything was perfect.
Xiaomi 17 Pro Max should have been launched globally
Yes, the rumors didn’t point in that direction. But there was hope for “one more thing” other than a new car in Gran Turismo 7. The Xiaomi 17 Pro and Xiaomi 17 Pro Max launched a few months ago in China, at least for now, don’t have room to be launched globally.
As we’ve reported here a few times, the fact that these smartphones have a screen on the back of the device generated a buzz like we’ve never felt before with a top-of-the-line device from the brand. Being a reference in the premium segment is Xiaomi’s biggest challenge for 2026. Wouldn’t these be the perfect terminals for this to happen? Maybe or maybe not.
Xiaomi 17 Pro could eventually overshadow other models
The truth is that the Xiaomi 17 Pro or Xiaomi 17 Pro Max would have to reach intermediate prices between € 1,099 (or € 949.99 in pre-sale) for the Xiaomi 17 and € 1,499.99 (or € 1,299.99 in pre-sale) for the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. We can speculate that this would leave users confused and there would be many devices competing in a much reduced price space and with a rear screen capable of outshining other models.
But we have not – yet – been able to find a plausible justification for not launching this equipment globally. The Xiaomi 17 has the clear purpose of being a very complete compact top of the line. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra focuses almost exclusively on premium photography in addition to being an excellent top of the line. You Xiaomi 17 Pro would be the pinch of salt that was missing from this launch.
Xiaomi has to put all its cards on the table if it wants to be a premium reference
Don’t get me wrong: Xiaomi 17 and Xiaomi 17 Ultra are excellent. But knowing that there are smartphones that could capture so much interest – even if the usefulness of a screen on the back is doubtful – leaves us thinking that this decision makes little sense when the brand wants to definitively establish itself in the premium segment.
Unlike the Xiaomi 17 and 17 Ultra, which are safe bets, the truth is that we don’t know if there is a type of consumer for models with a screen on the back. But why not try it globally? We saw so much interest emerging and the hype eventually ends up falling apart. We will see what the strategy is for the next generation.
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