Last year the REDMI Note 15 series was released, and since then many have been waiting for the logical continuation in the form of the REDMI Note 16. However, in 2026, things didn’t go as planned: a memory market crisis and the manufacturer’s marketing tricks did their work. Let’s break down what happened with the REDMI Note 16 release and what it means for buyers.

Let’s figure out what’s happening with REDMI Note 16

Will the REDMI Note 16 Be Released?

No. The REDMI Note 16 smartphone will not be released. Xiaomi has officially announced the REDMI Note 17 lineup, skipping an entire generation. At launch, there will be two models:

  • REDMI Note 17;
  • REDMI Note 17 Pro.

They will replace not only the Note 15 but also the non-existent Note 16. The REDMI Note 16 phone will never be announced. If you were waiting specifically for this model, you’ll need to switch to the new numbering. The reason is a strategic decision to synchronize numbering with competitors, primarily Apple. The current iPhone is the iPhone 17. Selling a smartphone with the number 16 against the backdrop of the iPhone 17 looks like falling behind, even if it’s just marketing.

The parent brand has already taken this path: Xiaomi cancelled the Xiaomi 16 in late 2025 and released the Xiaomi 17 right away. Now the REDMI sub-brand follows the same logic. The REDMI Note 16 lineup became a victim of rebranding for the sake of psychological competitiveness on store shelves. Formally — a skipped generation. In reality — a marketing move. REDMI Note 16 will not be released, and this is final. Buyers who were waiting for the “sixteenth” can either grab the Note 15 while it’s still on sale or wait for the Note 17.

REDMI Note 17 and REDMI Note 17 Pro Specifications

The data was published by an insider on Weibo two days before the official presentation and matches what Xiaomi itself confirmed through teasers.

Two smartphones will be available at launch. Image: Xiaomi

REDMI Note 17 phone:

  • Snapdragon 4 Gen 4 processor;
  • 7-inch screen, 1080p, Samsung E4 Pro OLED, brightness 1200-1800 nits — the first REDMI smartphone with a 7-inch screen;
  • 8000 mAh battery, 45W wired charging + 22.5W reverse charging;
  • 50 MP main camera;
  • IP65 protection, plastic frame.

REDMI Note 17 Pro phone:

  • Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 processor — significantly more powerful than the base model;
  • 6.83-inch screen, 1.5K, peak brightness 3500 nits;
  • 9000 mAh battery, 67W wired charging + 22.5W reverse charging;
  • 50 MP main camera;
  • IP66/68/69/69K protection — full set of water resistance, plastic frame.

The REDMI Note 17 specifications are impressive in terms of battery: 8000 and 9000 mAh are record numbers for the Note lineup. Both models feature a new rectangular camera module in the upper left corner — the design has changed noticeably compared to the Note 15. The fingerprint scanner is built into the screen on both models.

When Will the REDMI Note 17 Be Released?

The REDMI Note 17 release date in China is July 14, 2026. The presentation has been officially confirmed by Xiaomi. The smartphones will arrive on the global market and in Russia later: usually with a delay of several months after the Chinese release.

REDMI Note 17 in Russia will be sold officially, as is usually the case with Xiaomi’s new products. The REDMI Note 17 price has not been announced yet, but the Note 15 serves as a reference point: after the dollar exchange rate crashed the REDMI Note 15 prices down to 10 thousand rubles, there’s no reason to expect the Note 17 at unreasonable prices — within a few months after release, prices traditionally settle at reasonable levels.