Compact smartphones have always been a niche category. They’re designed for portability but often compromise on performance, battery life, or camera quality. In 2025, Xiaomi has rewritten the rules with its latest release. The Xiaomi 17 is not just another small device — it’s a compact powerhouse that challenges and outperforms rivals like the iPhone 17 and Pixel 10 Pro. With a sleek design, massive battery, and Leica‑tuned cameras, it has set a new benchmark for what a compact flagship can achieve.
Design & Display: Premium in a Small Frame
The Xiaomi 17 measures just 151mm in height and weighs 191g, making it comfortable for one‑handed use. Despite its compact size, it features a 6.3‑inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of 3500 nits. The ultra‑slim 1.18mm bezels create an almost borderless look, giving users an immersive experience without the bulk of oversized phones. Unlike many compact models that feel like “lite” versions of larger flagships, this one delivers a premium design with IP68 water and dust resistance.
Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Power
Under the hood, the Xiaomi 17 runs on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, paired with up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage. HyperOS 3, based on Android 16, ensures smooth animations and AI‑driven optimizations. In benchmarks and real‑world use, the device handles gaming, multitasking, and heavy apps effortlessly. This is not a phone that feels “small” in performance — it rivals the biggest flagships on the market.
Also Read: Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
Battery & Charging: A Compact Revolution
Battery life has always been the Achilles’ heel of compact phones. Xiaomi has solved that problem with a 7000mAh battery — a record for this size category. Add 100W wired charging and 50W wireless charging, and you get a device that lasts up to two days and refuels in under 30 minutes. Compared to the iPhone 17’s modest battery and Pixel 10 Pro’s average endurance, the Xiaomi 17 is in a league of its own.
Camera: Leica Partnership Delivers
The Xiaomi 17 features a triple 50MP Leica‑tuned rear camera system and a 50MP front camera. Photos are sharp, vibrant, and natural, while low‑light performance rivals the Pixel 10 Pro’s computational photography. The front camera upgrade is a huge win for creators, offering detailed selfies and high‑quality video calls. With 8K video recording and advanced night mode, this compact device doubles as a professional‑grade camera.
Xiaomi 17 vs iPhone 17 vs Pixel 10 Pro
| Feature | Xiaomi 17 | iPhone 17 | Pixel 10 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.3″ AMOLED, 3500 nits | 6.3″ Super Retina XDR | 6.3″ OLED, 3000 nits |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 | Apple A19 | Google Tensor G5 |
| RAM | Up to 16GB | Up to 8GB | Up to 12GB |
| Battery | 7000mAh, 100W | 3692mAh, 30W | 4970mAh, 30W |
| Cameras | Triple 50MP Leica | Dual 48MP | Dual 50MP |
| Weight | 191g | 176g | 198g |
Verdict: Xiaomi 17 dominates in battery, performance, and camera hardware. iPhone 17 wins in ecosystem integration, while Pixel 10 Pro shines in AI‑driven photography. But as a compact flagship, Xiaomi 17 is unmatched.
Verdict Box
The Xiaomi 17 isn’t just another compact phone — it’s the device that makes every rival look outdated. With unmatched battery life, blazing performance, and Leica cameras, it’s the ultimate compact flagship of 2025.
Also Read: Xiaomi 17 Pro Max Review 2025
FAQ
Q: How long does the Xiaomi 17 battery last?
Up to two days with heavy use.
Q: Does it support wireless charging?
Yes, 50W wireless charging plus 100W wired charging.
Q: Is it the best compact phone of 2025?
For performance, battery, and design — absolutely.
Final Thoughts
The Xiaomi 17 has set a new standard for compact smartphones. It proves that small doesn’t have to mean weak — in fact, it shows that compact can be better. For anyone looking for a phone that balances portability with raw power, the Xiaomi 17 is the ultimate choice in 2025.
