Following the launch of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, new leaks suggest Xiaomi is preparing to expand the series with a larger 'Max' variant and a companion tablet, potentially addressing market demand for bigger screens.
It has been only a few months since Xiaomi unleashed the Xiaomi 17 series globally, and already the rumor mill is churning out fresh hardware. According to known leaker Smart Pikachu, Xiaomi is currently developing a device dubbed the Xiaomi 17 Max. This isn't just a minor refresh; it appears to be a calculated response to the sales performance of the standard model.
What's New: The Xiaomi 17 Max
The rumor suggests the Xiaomi 17 Max will serve as a larger iteration of the base Xiaomi 17. While the standard model features a 6.3-inch display, the Max is expected to push those dimensions significantly, likely aligning closer to the 6.7-inch or 6.8-inch footprint seen in the Pro Max variant. However, the differentiation strategy seems to hinge on what is removed rather than added.
Leakers indicate the Xiaomi 17 Max will launch without the secondary rear display found on the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max. This is a deliberate choice. By omitting the rear screen, Xiaomi creates a clear hierarchy: the Pro Max gets the flashy, unique features, while the Max serves as a straightforward, large-screen performance machine. This prevents internal cannibalization of sales.
The Context: Why a "Max" Now?
The existence of this device raises questions about the lineup's initial strategy. Chinese netizens speculate that the standard Xiaomi 17 suffered from lukewarm sales relative to its larger siblings. Compact flagships, while beloved by enthusiasts, often struggle in mass markets that prioritize media consumption and battery life—things that larger chassis facilitate better.
If the standard 17 is perceived as "too small," the Max fills a gap for users who want the core flagship experience without paying for the Pro Max's experimental rear screen. It is a classic segmentation move: capture the users who were on the fence because of size, but didn't care for the premium add-ons.
The Companion: Xiaomi Pad 8 Max
Smart Pikachu also dropped a second bombshell: a new tablet is in the works. While details are scarce, the timing is the key takeaway. The tablet is rumored to launch alongside the Xiaomi 17 Max, potentially at the same event in Q2 of this year.
If the branding follows suit, we could see a "Xiaomi Pad 8 Max." This would likely be a large-form-factor tablet, perhaps featuring a 12.x-inch or 13-inch display, designed to compete with the likes of the iPad Pro or Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. Pairing a large phone launch with a large tablet launch makes sense for ecosystem marketing—users invested in a large screen phone are often receptive to a large screen tablet.
Market Positioning and Trade-offs
By stripping the rear display from the Max, Xiaomi is likely focusing budget allocation toward the core experience: the processor, battery, and charging speeds. We can expect the Xiaomi 17 Max to feature the same Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (or equivalent top-tier chipset) as the rest of the series, ensuring it doesn't feel like a downgrade in performance.
However, the trade-off is clear: you lose the utility of a rear display (which can act as a viewfinder for selfies, a notification center, or a mini-clock) in exchange for a potentially lower price point or a larger battery capacity within the same volume.
Availability
The leak places the launch window in the second quarter of the year. This aligns with Xiaomi's historical cadence for its T-series or mid-year refreshes, though the branding is shifting toward a more distinct segmentation.
For consumers, this signals a more flexible lineup. If you found the Xiaomi 17 too cramped but the Pro Max too gimmicky or expensive, the Max might just be the Goldilocks device the market has been waiting for. Keep an eye on official channels for the formal announcement.
Source: Smart Pikachu on Weibo
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