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Xiaomi 17 Pro: A Bold Redesign That Could Outshine the iPhone

Xiaomi 17 Pro Specificaionts:

• Secondary display at the back
• 6.3″ 120Hz LTPO display, 1.1mm ultra thin bezels (LIPO)
• ~6300mAh battery
• ~100W⚡️ wireless charging
• Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
• 50MP main + 50MP UW + 50MP periscope
• Ultrasonic FS
• IP69

The Xiaomi 17 Pro Design: First Impressions

Introduction

Every new Xiaomi flagship carries a sense of anticipation, but the Xiaomi 17 Pro feels different. This isn’t just about spec bumps or another camera tweak — it’s about design ambition, bold risks, and Xiaomi’s push to prove it can rival, if not surpass, the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy series.

As someone who has followed Xiaomi since the Mi Mix shook up the smartphone world, I’m genuinely excited about the 17 Pro. Not only because of the rumored Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 powerhouse or the Leica camera array, but because of what the phone looks like and how it makes you feel when you see it. The design is futuristic, intriguing, and unlike anything else on the market — but it also comes with controversy. You might also be interested to read as to why Xiaomi skipped series 16 and went directly to series 17.

So, let’s break it down: the design itself, how critics view it, how it stacks against Apple’s sleek iPhone 17 Pro, and why this could be Xiaomi’s most defining phone yet.

The Xiaomi 17 Pro Design: First Impressions

The first time I saw the leaked renders of the Xiaomi 17 Pro, my reaction was immediate: wow, this feels futuristic. The ultra-thin bezels, flat front display, and especially that large secondary “Magic Back Screen” integrated into the camera module make the phone stand out instantly.

I like that Xiaomi didn’t just copy trends. Too many flagships these days look like clones of each other — glass slabs with minor variations. The 17 Pro, on the other hand, feels like Xiaomi is finally returning to its roots of experimentation (remember the Mi Mix’s edge-to-edge screen?).

What excites me most:

The rear display integration feels polished compared to the tiny window on the Mi 11 Ultra. Imagine checking notifications, music controls, or framing selfies without turning the phone around — that’s convenience with flair.
Symmetry and proportions: the rectangular camera island with a surrounding display is bold but surprisingly clean. It avoids the “messy camera bump” look many phones suffer from.
Materials & finish: from leaks, Xiaomi is aiming for premium matte glass with polished metal edges. This gives it that flagship elegance without being too flashy.

What Critics Are Saying

The design has sparked debates across the tech world.

Android Central praised the innovation, calling the rear screen “the boldest idea Xiaomi has attempted since the Mi Mix” (source).
NotebookCheck noted that while the concept is futuristic, durability could be a concern — rear screens are more exposed to scratches and daily wear (source).
Gadgets360 highlighted how this design is a gamble that could either “set a new standard or be remembered as another gimmick” (source).

Personally, I lean towards optimism. Yes, the durability of that rear display matters, and yes, Xiaomi needs to ensure it’s not just a power-draining gimmick. But if done right, it could make daily interactions smoother, more fun, and more futuristic.

Xiaomi 17 Pro vs iPhone 17 Pro: Who Wins the Design Battle?

Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro is classic Apple: sleek, polished, minimalist, instantly recognizable. It’s gorgeous, no doubt. But Apple’s design philosophy is evolutionary, not revolutionary. With each generation, they refine — thinner bezels, lighter titanium, slightly smaller Dynamic Island, etc.

By contrast, Xiaomi’s 17 Pro feels daring. Here’s how they stack up:

Feature	Xiaomi 17 Pro	iPhone 17 Pro
Rear Design	Secondary display around the camera island (Magic Back Screen)	Clean triple-camera bump with matte glass
Front Design	Flat LTPO OLED, ultra-thin bezels	OLED with Dynamic Island
Innovation Factor	Futuristic, risk-taking, experimental	Minimalist, refined, safe
Practicality	Rear screen can be functional (selfies, notifications, controls)	More straightforward, proven design
Aesthetic Appeal	Bold, eye-catching, conversation starter	Premium, understated, universally appealing

My take? If you value safe elegance, the iPhone still wins. But if you want futuristic boldness, the Xiaomi 17 Pro might actually look more exciting than the iPhone. It’s refreshing to see Xiaomi try something Apple probably wouldn’t dare — at least not yet.

Why the Xiaomi 17 Pro Design Feels Futuristic

Dual-screen philosophy: In a world dominated by foldables and slabs, Xiaomi carves its own path. A secondary rear screen is a middle ground — more interactive than a slab, more durable than a foldable.
Visual identity: Too many Android phones imitate Apple. The 17 Pro establishes a clear identity, one fans can instantly recognize.
Practical ambition: It’s not design for design’s sake — the back screen could add real value if Xiaomi nails the software integration.

As a Xiaomi follower, I love that this phone makes me excited to pick it up, not just for specs, but for how it looks and feels.

Final Thoughts: A Defining Moment for Xiaomi

The Xiaomi 17 Pro might be the boldest phone of the year. Some will call it risky, others gimmicky, but to me, it’s what keeps the smartphone market alive — innovation that challenges the safe, predictable designs of rivals like Apple.

Will it outshine the iPhone 17 Pro? That depends on what you value more: timeless minimalism or bold futurism. Personally, I think Xiaomi has nailed a design that feels pleasant, futuristic, and uniquely Xiaomi.

If Xiaomi delivers on durability, software polish, and camera performance, the 17 Pro could stand not just as a rival to Apple and Samsung, but as a design icon in its own right.