Xiaomi 17T Phones Pack 5x Telephoto Lenses for Midrange Price

Xiaomi is expanding its smartphone lineup with the introduction of the 17T series, bringing advanced camera technology typically found in flagship devices to more affordable models. The company announced the Xiaomi 17T Pro and the Xiaomi 17T, both equipped with 5x telephoto cameras, high-refresh-rate displays, and substantial silicon-carbon batteries, challenging conventional midrange specifications.

The Xiaomi 17T Pro features a 6.83-inch AMOLED display with a 1.5K resolution (2,772 x 1,280) and adaptive refresh rates up to 144Hz, capable of reaching a peak brightness of 3,500 nits. Its camera system is anchored by a 50-megapixel main sensor with a Leica-engineered lens and optical image stabilization (OIS). Complementing this is a 5x telephoto lens (f/3.0) with OIS, supporting up to 120x 'Ultra Zoom' and macro photography. A 12MP ultrawide camera completes the rear setup. The larger Xiaomi 17T, while slightly smaller with a 6.59-inch 1.5K AMOLED panel (also up to 3,500 nits peak brightness), matches the 17T Pro's 5x telephoto lens and 50MP main sensor specifications, though its main lens lacks the Leica branding and has an f/1.7 aperture. The ultrawide is also a 12MP sensor. Notably, achieving 5x optical zoom is a rarity even among high-end smartphones, with many requiring digital cropping to reach such magnification, unlike the iPhone 17 Pro which offers 4x optical zoom.

Leica Collaboration Continues on Midrange Devices

Under the hood, both phones are powered by MediaTek chipsets. The Xiaomi 17T Pro utilizes the advanced 3nm Dimensity 9500 processor, while the Xiaomi 17T is equipped with the 4nm Dimensity 8500-Ultra. These processors are designed to efficiently manage power from the new silicon-carbon batteries. The 17T Pro houses a massive 7,000mAh battery, and the 17T is not far behind with a 6,500mAh cell. Both devices support rapid 100W fast charging, provided a compatible charger is used.

The partnership between Xiaomi and Leica continues to influence the camera capabilities of even these more accessible devices. The 17T series introduces 'Leica Live Moment,' a feature analogous to Apple's Live Photos, which captures a short video clip alongside a still image across all rear sensors. This feature applies Leica's distinctive aesthetic, even working in tandem with portrait mode. Xiaomi has stated that these phones will be available through online channels and select retail stores in the UK and Europe.

Pricing for the Xiaomi 17T Pro is set at £799 (approximately $1,070 USD), with the Xiaomi 17T starting at £650 (approximately $871 USD). As is often the case with Xiaomi's global releases, there has been no official announcement regarding availability in the United States market.