In 2025, mobile phones serve many purposes, so naturally, it’s important to find a suitable model. The Xiaomi 17 Pro, with its differentiated positioning as a “small-screen flagship,” has gained the favor of more consumers. With a starting price of 4,999 yuan and a comprehensive experience comparable to high-end models, it has become one of the most eye-catching models in the 5,000-yuan price range. This phone not only continues Xiaomi’s digital series tradition as a “hardware-stacking maniac” but also achieves breakthroughs in imaging, battery life, and display—making it a benchmark for “beyond-class experience.”

I. The Golden Balance of the Small-Screen Flagship: Perfect Fusion of Lightness and Performance

Xiaomi 17 Pro Review

The most striking feature of the Xiaomi 17 Pro is its 6.3-inch ultra-narrow, four-sided equal-width flat display. In this era of “7-inch-or-bigger” screens, this size is the “golden balance point”—ensuring one-handed comfort while delivering delicate and smooth visuals through its 1.5K resolution and 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. Tests show a peak brightness of 3,500 nits, allowing clear visibility even under strong outdoor light; the full-brightness DC dimming technology effectively alleviates eye strain from prolonged use.

In terms of body design, the combination of a four-curved wrap-around middle frame and frosted glass back improves grip comfort while achieving IP68 dust and water resistance. Its 192g weight and 8mm thickness are remarkable, considering it packs a 6,300mAh large battery. Compared with competitors at the same price point, the Xiaomi 17 Pro finds the perfect balance between portability and functionality.

II. Imaging System: All-Round Performance under Leica Tuning

Xiaomi 17 Pro Review

The imaging system of the Xiaomi 17 Pro is undoubtedly its core competitiveness. The rear Leica triple-camera setup (50MP main + 50MP ultra-wide + 50MP floating periscope telephoto) covers the full focal range from wide to telephoto. In testing, the Light Hunter 950L sensor used in the main camera shows amazing dynamic range in backlit scenes—retaining shadow details, avoiding highlight overexposure, and reproducing colors naturally.

The telephoto lens is the key upgrade this time. The 5x optical zoom, combined with an inverted sensor design, achieves longer shooting distance and more stable image quality. When photographing architecture details or distant landscapes, image sharpness and resolution far surpass 3x optical zoom models at the same price. In addition, the 20cm minimum focusing distance enables creative macro photography possibilities.

Portrait mode continues Leica’s classic “German style” color tuning, with soft and natural skin tones and smooth background blur transitions—ready for social sharing straight out of the camera. In night shooting, the system’s AI algorithm intelligently balances brightness and noise control, avoiding distortion from overexposure.

III. Performance and Battery Life: Continuous Power of Flagship-Level Configuration

Xiaomi 17 Pro Review

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Elite Edition processor, the Xiaomi 17 Pro delivers “brute-force” performance. In a 30-minute test running around Sumeru City in Genshin Impact, the average frame rate remained steady at 60FPS, with body temperature around 39°C—thanks to its massive 4,637mm² cooling area and copper foil vapor cooling system. Even for heavy-load games like Honkai: Star Rail, performance remains stable.

As for endurance, the 6,300mAh battery paired with 100W wired charging and 50W wireless charging eliminates users’ power anxiety. Tests show it takes only 35 minutes to charge from 20% to full, and a full charge supports 11.5 hours of continuous video playback—easily lasting a full day of heavy use.

IV. Innovative Functionality: Practicality of the Smart Rear Display

Xiaomi 17 Pro Review

The Xiaomi 17 Pro is equipped with a 2.66-inch Smart Rear Display, which is far from a mere “decoration.” Through system-level optimization, the rear screen supports message previews, selfie assistance, and vehicle control. For instance, when shooting vlogs, users can adjust framing in real time through the rear screen, eliminating the hassle of handheld stabilizers; as a smart car key, it can display vehicle status, enhancing interaction efficiency.

Although some users consider the rear screen “redundant,” in actual use, it proves valuable for video creators and tech enthusiasts alike. This kind of innovation—“what others lack, Xiaomi has”—is the key to breaking through market homogenization.

V. Comparison at the Same Price: Crushing Value Advantage

At the 5,000-yuan price level, the Xiaomi 17 Pro’s main competitors are the Huawei Mate70 Pro and iPhone 17. In comparison, Xiaomi’s advantages are clear:

  • Display: The 6.3-inch flat screen offers better portability than Huawei’s 6.9-inch curved screen, and its peak brightness is higher.

  • Imaging: The Leica triple camera outperforms Huawei’s XMAGE algorithm in telephoto and macro photography.

  • Battery Life: The 6,300mAh battery capacity far exceeds Huawei’s 5,500mAh, and its charging speed is faster.

  • Price: The starting price is 1,000 yuan lower than Huawei and 4,000 yuan lower than iPhone, making its cost-performance advantage significant.

VI. Conclusion: Democratizing the Flagship Experience

The success of the Xiaomi 17 Pro lies in its precise understanding of small-screen users’ desire for a “flagship experience.” From display to imaging, from performance to endurance, this phone, as an “all-rounder,” delivers flagship-level experience at a 5,000-yuan price. Although its rear screen functionality and heat control still have room for optimization, the strengths far outweigh the flaws—for users seeking ultimate value and versatile experience, the Xiaomi 17 Pro is undoubtedly one of the most worthwhile flagship smartphones to buy in 2025.