After it became known why the Redmi Note 16 won’t be released, China hosted the premiere of a new pair of mid-range smartphones from Xiaomi — Redmi Note 17 and 17 Pro. The new devices received noticeably larger batteries, but in exchange lost some features: the chips became slower, and cameras were replaced with placeholders in some areas. Let’s break down who this pair is suited for and whether it’s worth waiting for a global release.
Xiaomi added a big battery but ruined everything else
What Changed in Redmi Note 17 Compared to the Previous Generation
The base model immediately catches the eye with its size. The screen grew from 6.77″ to 7 inches, and together with the enlarged “chin” (the bottom bezel below the display), this made the smartphone large and heavy — nearly 170 millimeters in height and 225 grams in weight. For comparison: this is on par with many large flagships like the expensive OPPO Find X9 Ultra with a top-tier camera, only in a budget body with corresponding internals.
The main trump card is the battery. The battery was increased from 5800 to 8000 mAh, which for everyday use means a confident two-day charge without needing a power outlet. The device charges via cable at 45W and can share power with other gadgets in reverse charging mode at 22.5W.
The base model got just one camera
But then the compromises begin. The processor was changed to a weaker Snapdragon 4 Gen 4 instead of the previous Snapdragon 6 Gen 3. Additionally, the smartphone lost its stereo speakers (only one speaker remains), water resistance was downgraded from IP66 to IP65, and the second placeholder camera was removed. Essentially, for the sake of a massive battery, they had to sacrifice part of what was already present in the predecessor.
How Much Does Redmi Note 17 Cost in China
The pricing situation is ambiguous. Redmi Note 17 starts at 1299 yuan for the 6/128 GB version — that’s roughly a third more expensive than last year’s base model. So for a weaker chip and reduced sound, they’re asking more money, compensating with the battery and larger screen. Converted to approximate figures, that’s about $180 based on the Chinese price.
The official price of Redmi Note 17 for other markets will likely be even higher, and all of this is a consequence of the memory shortage on the market, which has caused almost all new smartphones to end up worse than their predecessors.
How Redmi Note 17 Pro Differs from Redmi Note 17
The senior version is more interesting in terms of specs. The display here is better quality: 6.83″, higher resolution, peak brightness up to 3500 nits, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support, as well as more durable Gorilla Glass Victus 2. For watching videos and reading in sunlight, this is a noticeable advantage over the base model.
The Pro’s battery is even larger — 9000 mAh with 67W charging. Plus, it has full water and dust protection rated IP68/69 and stereo speakers, which were removed from the base model. If sound and battery life matter to you, the difference between the versions is significant.
The Pro version was simplified across all parameters but got a large battery
But the Pro didn’t escape downgrades either. The chip was changed from MediaTek Dimensity 7400 Ultra to the slower Snapdragon 6s Gen 4. Additionally, the 8MP wide-angle camera disappeared — replaced by a 2MP placeholder (a depth sensor that has almost no impact on photo quality). The front camera was also simplified from a 20MP to an 8MP sensor.
Redmi Note 17 Pro Prices and Where the Catch Is
Pro version price tags are 300 yuan higher, but the starting bar remained the same — 1599 yuan (approximately $220). This was achieved through a new entry-level version with 8/128 GB.
The catch is that the growth in battery and price of the Redmi Note 17 Pro is accompanied by decreased performance and simplified cameras. Xiaomi clearly bet on battery life here rather than speed and photography capabilities. Those who need a more powerful device with a large battery should look at other smartphones.
Is It Worth Buying the Redmi Note 17
Sales in China have already started, and the series will receive a global release in the near future. Exact dates and prices for other markets are not yet available, so information about launches outside China should be taken as an expected but not yet confirmed step.
Redmi Note 17 and 17 Pro are smartphones focused on battery life, not maximum performance. Batteries of 8000 and 9000 mAh look impressive and will suit those who are tired of charging their phone every day. But if a powerful chip, a good front camera, or an additional camera matter to you, the spec reductions compared to the previous generation may disappoint. It’s wiser to wait for the global version with final prices and first reviews to understand whether the compromise is justified.
