Xiaomi 17 Review: A Real Galaxy S26 and iPhone 17 Rival

In the premium segment, buyers expect nothing but the best from their smartphones. This would include excellent displays, crazy-good cameras and phenomenal battery life. But come 2025, we witnessed the reemergence of compact flagships. Devices that claimed to offer Pro-grade hardware (including cameras) in a compact form factor, minus the Pro price tag. A segment once dominated by Samsungs Galaxy S series, now has competition from a bunch of manufacturers like Vivo, Oppo and Xiaomi that launched a series of compact and premium devices. 2026 is no different. Rising prices (due to the RAM crisis) have forced manufacturers to add more variety, with handsets like Vivos V series entering the fray, starting at as low as Rs. 51,999. With so much competition, it does seem a bit odd that Xiaomi decided to raise the price of its latest compact flagship tag to a new high.

The Xiaomi 17 is the brands latest compact flagship. It packs a few notable upgrades and a few downgrades over its predecessor, the Xiaomi 15. But it shows up with a new and expensive Rs. 89,999 asking price. With its ideal competitors priced far below, around Rs. 75,000, can the Xiaomi 17 offer enough value? And does it offer anything special at this new and higher price point?

Xiaomi 17 Design: A premium compact
Dimensions - 151.1 x 71.8 x 8.06mm
Weight - 191g
Durability - IP68


The Xiaomi 17 has a simple yet elegant design that feels quite premium in the Venture Green unit we received for this review. Theres really nothing special on the front as it looks similar to the Vivo X300 and the Oppo Find X9. Samsungs Galaxy S26 is both slimmer and lighter than the other compacts. The Xiaomi 17s aluminium frame has rounded corners and flat sides, but with rounded and smoothened edges on the front and rear sides that make it comfortable to hold. The rear glass panel has a smoky finish that is smooth to the touch and does not pick up fingerprints because of its matte nature. The buttons are placed on the right side only and have good travel and feedback.

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