Xiaomi has officially unveiled the Redmi Note 17, and while the company is fine-tuning its new HyperOS 4 shell for its smartphones, the new device itself turned out to be controversial. The screen has grown to an enormous size, the battery too, but the processor and camera look suspiciously modest for the price. If you’re looking for an affordable smartphone and out of habit have your sights set on the latest Redmi, hold on: at the same price point, there are at least five devices you can buy instead of the Redmi Note 17.
Let’s see which smartphone to choose instead of the controversial Redmi Note 17
What’s Wrong with Redmi Note 17
Let’s break down the specs that raise so many questions about the new device. The phone has two main selling points, and they’re genuinely strong. First is the 7-inch OLED screen at 120 Hz with up to 1800 nits brightness — the largest in the entire Note lineup history. Second is the 8000 mAh battery, which comfortably lasts a day and a half to two days.
The new device was long-awaited, but it disappointed more than anything
But then the cost-cutting begins. Inside sits an entry-level Snapdragon 4 Gen 4, which is enough for messengers, YouTube, and light games, but struggles with heavy titles like Genshin Impact. The camera is also basic: a single 50 MP main sensor with video recording only in 1080p, no 4K.
| Specification | Redmi Note 17 |
|---|---|
| Screen | 7 inches, OLED, Full HD+, 120 Hz, up to 1800 nits |
| Processor | Snapdragon 4 Gen 4 |
| Memory | up to 8/256 GB |
| Main Camera | 50 MP |
| Video Recording | 1080p |
| Front Camera | 8 MP |
| Battery | 8000 mAh |
| Charging | fast wired |
| OS | Android 16, HyperOS |
| Price in Russia | approximately 18,000 to 22,000 rubles (parallel import) |
We don’t know about you, but to us the smartphone seems quite mediocre on all fronts.
POCO X7 Pro — A Powerful Smartphone Under 20,000 Rubles
If the only thing bothering you about the Redmi Note 17 is the processor, here’s a direct solution. POCO X7 Pro recently dropped to 15,000 rubles, and for that money it offers the Dimensity 8400 Ultra, one of the most powerful chips in the budget segment. It’s solid gaming hardware: many titles run on high settings without frame drops.
An already proven smartphone woven from solid specs
Everything else is in order too. A 6.67-inch AMOLED screen with a 120 Hz refresh rate, blazing-fast 90W charging that fills the battery in half an hour, and IP68 water protection. Yes, the diagonal is smaller than the seven-inch Redmi, and the battery is more modest. But if you need a truly fast smartphone rather than just a big one, the POCO X7 Pro looks like a better deal for the same or less money. It’s the best choice for gaming and multitasking.
Redmi Note 15 Pro — A Smartphone with a 200 MP Camera
For those who buy a smartphone primarily for photos, the latest Redmi is the worst fit: 50 MP and 1080p video is already too little for 2026. The previous generation looks much more interesting. The Redmi Note 15 Pro is equipped with a 200 MP main sensor that produces detailed shots and allows you to crop photos without losing quality.
There’s really no reason not to look at the previous generation
At the same time, it barely falls short of the new model in battery life: inside is a 6500 mAh battery and a bright 120 Hz AMOLED screen. Right now on AliExpress, the previous series is being actively sold at a discount, so the question “Redmi Note 17 or Redmi Note 15” often resolves in favor of the fifteenth. You get a noticeably better camera and almost the same battery, only cheaper. An excellent option for those who shoot every day.
Samsung Galaxy A26 — An Affordable Smartphone with AI Features
The main drawback of any Redmi is the number of updates. Here Samsung is unrivaled. The new Galaxy A26 received AI features from flagships and, more importantly, up to six years of system and security updates. Almost no one offers such a long support period at this price.
Another new release this year that deserves attention
The device is built around a Super AMOLED screen with a 120 Hz refresh rate, runs smoothly, and is officially sold in Russia with a warranty. Yes, the battery here is a standard 5000 mAh compared to eight thousand in the Redmi, and in terms of raw power the A26 doesn’t exactly shine. But you know for sure that the smartphone will receive fresh Android updates for several more years. An ideal choice for those who change phones once every four to five years and don’t want to worry about firmware.
realme 15 5G — A Reliable Smartphone with IP69 Protection
The newer realme beats the Redmi on several fronts at once. Let’s start with protection: the body is certified with IP69, which means it can withstand not only submersion but also high-pressure hot water jets — something very few budget phones can boast about.
