Xiaomi 17T Pro review: It may not be Ultra, but I found it hard to set aside.

      **Xiaomi 17T Pro**

      **MSRP:** $1,020.00

      “A powerhouse tuned by Leica that makes battery anxiety feel like a distant concern.”

      **Pros**

      - Stunning Deep Blue finish

      - Bright and captivating OLED display

      - Exceptional flagship-level performance

      - Outstanding battery life with impressive fast charging

      - Leica-tuned cameras offer distinct character

      - 5x telephoto lens is genuinely enjoyable to use

      **Cons**

      - Optical fingerprint scanner seems subpar for this price range

      - HyperOS feels cumbersome at times

      - Ultrawide and selfie cameras aren't as impressive

      - Stability during stress tests could be improved

      - Telephoto struggles in low-light conditions

      Xiaomi initially gained a reputation as a keen admirer of Apple. However, over the years, the company has established a strong identity that prioritizes value, maintains competitive pricing, and often incorporates true flagship-grade hardware into devices that fall below the most expensive Ultra models. In recent times, I have grown to appreciate many of Xiaomi's products, particularly its smartphones.

      Upon receiving the Xiaomi 17T Pro, I had an idea of what to expect: a sleek design, a solid AMOLED display, and an excellent photographic experience owing to Leica’s tuning. Priced around $1,000 (€899), it’s not exactly an impulse purchase amidst rising prices. Nonetheless, Xiaomi has aimed to deliver a well-rounded experience that neatly fits below its flagship model, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra.

      After using this phone for almost a month, I’ve realized it could potentially replace my daily device.

      Collaboration between Chinese brands and camera manufacturers has become a trend, and I’ve found it quite enjoyable. Companies like Leica, Hasselblad, and Zeiss have infused smartphone cameras with more personality compared to the traditional approach of merely enhancing sharpness or vibrancy. However, having a good set of cameras alone does not guarantee an exceptional phone.

      **Design**

      **Quick Take:** The Xiaomi 17T Pro doesn’t revolutionize premium phone design, but it looks and feels premium.

      The Xiaomi 17T Pro follows the design trend seen in many recent high-end phones, featuring rounded corners, flat edges, and a silhouette reminiscent of modern iPhones. However, the camera module is distinct and feels more like Xiaomi's original design rather than a copy.

      The design language is polished and premium without being overly dramatic. As a flagship model, it includes an aluminum frame and a glass back, making protection crucial. Thankfully, Xiaomi meets this need adequately.

      Both the front and rear glass panels are made of Corning Gorilla Glass 7i. Its IP68 rating provides dust resistance and allows for water immersion up to 1.5 meters. Additionally, Xiaomi includes a soft case in the package so you don't have to buy one immediately. A screen protector comes pre-applied as well.

      Nevertheless, I often found myself using the Xiaomi 17T Pro without a cover during the review period. This was partly because it felt great in hand, but mainly due to its stunning appearance. Xiaomi’s Deep Blue color is exceptionally beautiful, adding an elegant touch without being overly flashy, reminiscent of tasteful deep-blue finishes on devices like the Galaxy S26 series.

      However, it remains a large, slippery glass phone, so if you prefer going caseless, be prepared to adjust your grip frequently. Xiaomi includes a case for a reason.

      **Design score:** 8/10

      **Display**

      **Quick Take:** The Xiaomi 17T Pro boasts an impressive OLED screen.

      As the part of the smartphone you engage with the most, the display is critical, and compromises here can be noticeable quickly. The Xiaomi 17T Pro doesn’t take any major shortcuts in this regard. You get a tall 6.83-inch OLED display with flagship-level specifications and useful eye-protection features.

      Before discussing refresh rates and brightness, it's important to note the bezels. Xiaomi has opted for ultra-slim 1.29mm bezels around the display, giving the phone a refined and upscale appearance, which enhances the overall premium feel every time the screen illuminates.

      The panel is vibrant right out of the box, although users can switch to a more realistic color profile if Xiaomi’s default tuning feels overly vibrant. With a peak brightness of 3,500 nits and 2,000 nits in high-brightness mode, visibility outdoors was never an issue during my usage, and bright sunlight didn’t render the screen reflective, which is a relief.

      The Xiaomi 17T Pro features a 144Hz refresh rate. In practice, you're mostly experiencing 120Hz in daily tasks, which remains very smooth. The full 144Hz mode is restricted to select system apps and games, which may seem disappointing, but I didn’t find myself missing it in regular use. Scrolling, animations, and navigation felt fluid.

      I’m not particularly a fan of large screens; however, I cannot deny the advantages they provide. Videos look