It's official, folks: Xiaomi is entirely dropping the "16" in its T-series lineup. I’ve been tracking the leaks for months, and the
Xiaomi 17T Pro has
finally surfaced in the GSMA database. This confirms what many of us suspected—a generational jump designed to align Xiaomi’s branding directly with Apple’s current naming conventions. Honestly? It's a smart marketing move. It positions their latest mid-flagship right alongside the competition in search results and retail shelves. But beyond the name, this phone represents a significant shift in Xiaomi's release strategy, arriving much earlier than previous T-series devices.
Key Points:
- Xiaomi has officially registered the Xiaomi 17T Pro in the GSMA database, confirming they are skipping the 16T series.
- The T-series is expected to launch much earlier this year, likely around February or March.
- The Xiaomi 17T Pro will be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9500, while the 17T uses the Dimensity 8500.
- Camera specs remain largely unchanged from the 15T series, featuring 50MP main and telephoto sensors.
- A cooling fan feature found in the Chinese Redmi K90 Ultra will not be included in the global Xiaomi 17T Pro.
An Aggressive Timeline for a Mid-Flagship
Usually, we expect these T-series phones around September or October. Not this time. The model numbers actually point to a release early in the year. The early IMEI registration indicates that the
Xiaomi 17T Pro will hit the market very soon. It’s highly probable we will see this device alongside the global launch of the main Xiaomi 17 series. What does this mean for the current
Xiaomi 15T Pro? Well, it’s going to be one of the shortest-selling phones Xiaomi has ever produced, with a lifespan of only about six or seven months. For anyone who recently bought one, that’s got to sting a little.
Specs: Evolution, Not Revolution
So, what are we getting? Under the hood, the
Xiaomi 17T Pro will utilize the
MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset. It’s a powerhouse, promising near-flagship performance. However, if you are expecting a massive camera overhaul, you might be disappointed. According to code analysis, the camera specifications are almost identical to the 15T Pro. We’re still looking at a 50MP main sensor, specifically the
OVX9100 for the Pro model, alongside a 50MP telephoto lens. One major bright spot? The standard
Xiaomi 17T is rumored to feature a massive
6500mAh battery, a huge 1000mAh increase over its predecessor. While the Pro's capacity is still unconfirmed, it should also see a boost.
The Redmi K90 Ultra Connection
There is one crucial distinction to make between the global Xiaomi 17T Pro and its Chinese counterpart, the REDMI K90 Ultra. The Chinese version will feature a dedicated processor cooling FAN built right into the rear camera module. Based on the code I’ve reviewed, this active cooling feature will not be present in the global Xiaomi 17T series. It’s a shame, as that fan would be great for heavy gaming sessions. Regardless, the 17T Pro looks to be a formidable contender for the best value flagship of the early year, even if it feels more like an evolution than a total revolution.