While a Xiaomi 17 Max with a huge battery was being prepared for the Chinese market, something more interesting was brought to Russia. Starting May 27, DNS opened pre-orders for the Xiaomi 17T and Xiaomi 17T Pro — the first official Xiaomi sub-flagships of 2026. Sales and pre-order deliveries begin on June 14. But the main intrigue isn’t the date — it’s the prices. I’ll break it all down, and by the end, it will be clear why I called them better than expensive flagships.

Xiaomi’s sub-flagship camera phones have already appeared in Russia. Image: Xiaomi

When Can You Buy Xiaomi 17T in Russia

The Xiaomi 17T release date in Russia is June 14, 2026. That’s when sales and pre-order deliveries will begin. Pre-orders are already open on the DNS website starting today, May 27 — you can lock in your purchase right now.

The Xiaomi 17T launch in May is an unusual story. The T-series traditionally came out in September, but this time Xiaomi moved the release four months earlier. This means the smartphones are coming out before the summer season is even over, and for those who have been waiting a long time for an official Xiaomi with a DNS warranty, this is a good moment.

How Xiaomi 17T Differs from the Regular Xiaomi 17

The regular Xiaomi 17 is more compact but more expensive even when ordered from China. Image: Xiaomi

Xiaomi 17T vs Xiaomi 17 — the first and most important comparison for those choosing between models:

  • Processor: Dimensity 8500 in the 17T versus Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 in the Xiaomi 17 — the chip is weaker but has a fresher architecture;
  • Battery: 6500 mAh in the 17T versus 6330 mAh in the Xiaomi 17 (a modest difference);
  • Display: 6.59 inches 120 Hz in the 17T versus a compact 6.3 inches in the Xiaomi 17;
  • Camera: triple Leica system with 5x periscope zoom in the Xiaomi 17T and a weaker 3.2x zoom in the Xiaomi 17;
  • Charging: 67W in the 17T, no wireless charging.

If your main priority is battery life and a larger screen, the Xiaomi 17T smartphone wins. If maximum performance and compactness matter more — Xiaomi 17.

How Xiaomi 17T Pro Is Better Than Xiaomi 17 Ultra

Xiaomi 17T Pro vs Xiaomi 17 Ultra — a non-obvious comparison that deserves a separate discussion. The Xiaomi 17T Pro smartphone uses the Dimensity 9500 — the same chip that’s in my vivo X300 smartphone. In terms of performance, it comes very close to the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 from the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. The 7000 mAh battery with 100W charging and 50W wireless — that’s more capacity and more power than the Xiaomi 17 Ultra with its 6530 mAh.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra is a top Android camera phone. Image: Xiaomi

Where the 17T Pro falls short: the camera system. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra has more advanced Leica sensors and a 5x periscope with better optics. If the camera is your main criterion, the Ultra wins. If battery and price matter more, the 17T Pro looks more compelling.

Xiaomi 17T and 17T Pro Prices in Russia

Now let’s get to the most important part. Official Xiaomi 17T prices at DNS:

  • 12/256 GB — 49,999 rubles;
  • 12/512 GB — 54,999 rubles.

Xiaomi 17T Pro price:

  • 12/256 GB — 67,999 rubles;
  • 12/512 GB — 72,999 rubles;
  • 16/1024 GB — 82,999 rubles.

Now compare with AliExpress. The Xiaomi 17 costs 58,000 rubles there — meaning buying the Xiaomi 17T in Russia officially is cheaper than getting a Xiaomi 17 from AliExpress. For 49,999 rubles, you get an official DNS warranty, a more powerful battery, and a current Leica telephoto lens.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra on AliExpress costs 84,000 rubles. Buying the Xiaomi 17T Pro in the base configuration for 67,999 rubles is 16,000 cheaper with comparable processor specs and a better battery.

Xiaomi 17T on AliExpress — When and How Much

The Xiaomi 17T in Russia through DNS is the official route with warranty and support. However, both smartphones will appear on AliExpress, where they will traditionally be noticeably cheaper. Approximately 5,000-10,000 rubles lower than DNS prices depending on the configuration and the dollar exchange rate at the time of availability.

The smartphones will also be available on AliExpress. Image: gizmochina.com

When to expect them on AliExpress — most likely in 2-4 weeks. Global versions typically start appearing on the platform during this period.

Should You Buy the Xiaomi 17T or Wait

Buying the Xiaomi 17T in Russia right now makes sense if:

  • you need an official warranty and DNS support (this is a real advantage if problems arise);
  • you don’t want to wait for it to appear on AliExpress and deal with shipping;
  • 49,999 rubles is a comfortable price, and you were already looking at the Xiaomi 17 for 58,000 from AliExpress.

Wait for AliExpress if:

  • you want to save an additional 5,000-10,000 rubles and are willing to wait a couple of weeks;
  • manufacturer warranty through a service center is fine for you.

And one more thing: the next generation will soon appear on the horizon. But until it comes out, the Xiaomi 17T at 49,999 rubles with an official warranty looks like one of the best deals on the Russian market right now.