This post is brought to you by Xiaomi.
Finding a smartphone that doesn’t feel like a tablet in your pocket but still packs the power of one is a rare find. The upcoming Xiaomi 17 is designed for exactly that, giving you a compact 6.3-inch flagship experience that punches above its weight with a pro-level configuration.
If you have been looking for a phone that is easy to use with one hand but doesn’t compromise on the essentials, here is what you can expect from Xiaomi’s latest entry into the Malaysian market.
Leica Optics for Street Photography
The collaboration with Leica continues here, focusing on bringing a professional imaging experience to a pocket-sized frame.
The Xiaomi 17 features the Leica Summilux optical system, which is anchored by the upgraded Light Fusion 950 main sensor. This 50MP camera is a technical powerhouse, boasting a large 1/1.31” size sensor and a wide f/1.67 aperture to ensure you get the best lighting possible when capturing street photography at night.
This high-resolution standard is maintained across the entire triple camera system. For expansive landscapes or tight interior spaces, you have a 50MP ultra-wide lens at a 17mm focal length.
Meanwhile, the 50MP telephoto lens provides a 60mm focal length with 2.6x optical zoom, whichpresents the reach needed to isolate subjects or compress a scene from a distance. For extra reach, you can utilise the in-sensor optical-quality zoom, covering the 60mm to 120mm range to provide up to a 5x zoom.
For street photography, this configuration is particularly effective. The 6.3-inch form factor makes the device discreet and easy to handle one-handed, allowing you to blend into urban environments and capture candid moments without the intrusion of a larger camera.
Crucially, the system features an ultra-fast shutter speed, allowing for rapid successive captures. In the fast-moving environment of the street, where the perfect shot can disappear in the blink of an eye, this responsiveness ensures you can anchor the decisive moment with precision.
Expressive Portrait Modes
If you love taking portraits of friends or family, the Xiaomi 17 offers two distinct creative directions.
Leica Portrait is for those who want a classic, analogue aesthetic. It emulates the specific look of legendary Leica lenses, focusing on high contrast, artistic bokeh, and an unmistakable cinematic mood.
On the other hand, Master Portrait, powered by a new computational engine, focuses on a modern, high-fidelity feel. It prioritises natural skin tones and realistic detail, ensuring subjects look sharp and authentic across a variety of lighting scenarios.
Shift the Character of Your Shot
Beyond the hardware, the available filters allow for immediate shifts in the mood and character of a shot.
The Leica set, including VIV (Vivid), NAT (Natural), and specialised monochrome options like BW HC (High Contrast), Sepia, and Blue, taps into a timeless, documentary aesthetic. These are designed to give photos a weighted, permanent message, whether through the punch of deep colour or the stark emotion of high-contrast black and white.
In contrast, the Xiaomi filters offer a more contemporary, atmospheric palette. Options like Cinematic, Teal Mist, and Monsoon introduce specific colour grades that alter the narrative of the environment, while Gold Vibes and Scarlet can drastically change the warmth and energy of a scene.
Whether you want the gritty realism of a rainy street or the heightened vibrance of a golden hour portrait, these filters act as a digital darkroom, allowing the character of the photo to be defined at the moment of capture.
A New Standard for Selfies and Video
For the first time in a Xiaomi series phone, the front camera has received a major upgrade. You are getting a 50MP front camera with autofocus, ensuring your selfies and video calls stay sharp regardless of your distance from the lens.
If you are into content creation, the device also supports 8K at 30FPS or 4K at 60FPS Log video, giving you much more flexibility when you want to colour-grade your footage later.
Clarity Powered by HyperOS 3
Powering the experience is the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset running on the all-new HyperOS 3. But what you will likely notice first is the display. The 6.3-inch screen is framed by 1.18mm ultra-thin bezels, maximising your viewing area, with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate.
With a peak brightness of 3,500 nits, the screen remains perfectly legible even under the harsh Malaysian midday sun. To protect against daily wear and tear, the front is covered with Xiaomi Shield Glass.
Big Battery Life in a Compact Frame
Perhaps the most impressive engineering feat here is the battery. Despite its compact size, the Xiaomi 17 houses a massive 6,330mAh silicon-carbon battery. This high-density technology allows the phone to last longer than previous generations while maintaining its pocketable form factor.
When you do need a top-up, you have high-speed options:
- 100W Wired HyperCharge: PD-PPS compatible for versatile fast charging.
- 50W Wireless Charging: For cable-free convenience.
- 22.5W Reverse Charging: Allowing you to share power with your other accessories.
A Long-Term Tech Companion
The Xiaomi 17 is rated for IP68 water and dust resistance. On the software side, Xiaomi has committed to 5 years of OS updates and 6 years of security updates, ensuring the device remains secure and functional for the long term.
How to Get Your Hands on One
The Xiaomi 17 Series officially launches in Malaysia with a range of configurations and early-bird incentives. Below is the breakdown of the local pricing and the promotional bundles available during the initial launch phases.
Xiaomi 17
You can get the Xiaomi 17 in Alpine Pink, Ice Blue, Venture Green, and Black.
- 12GB+512GB: RM 3,799
- 12GB+256GB: RM 3,499 (Online Exclusive)
Pre-order (1 – 5 March 2026): For the 512GB variant, a free Smart Tower Fan 2 (worth RM359) and a Xiaomi Sound Party (worth RM349) are included. The 256GB online exclusive receives an early bird RM200 discount and free Xiaomi Sound Party.
Xiaomi 17 Ultra
If you want the absolute pinnacle of the series, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is available in White, Black, and Starlit Green.
- 16GB+1TB: RM 5,999
- 16GB+512GB: RM 5,499
Pre-order (1 – 5 March 2026): Includes a free Xiaomi 17 Ultra Photography Kit Pro (worth RM1,099) and a Xiaomi Sound Party (worth RM349).
Digital Benefits and Warranty
All purchases of the Xiaomi 17 Series include a suite of digital benefits:
- GrabGifts Voucher: RM50
- Google AI Pro: 3-month free trial
- YouTube Premium: 3-month free trial (New users only)
- Spotify Premium: 4-month free trial (New users only)
- 1-to-1 Exchange Warranty: 2 years for the Ultra model and 180 days for the standard Xiaomi 17.
You can find the Xiaomi 17 series at the Xiaomi Store, mi.com, Shopee, and Lazada.
