The Xiaomi 17T series is coming to the Czech Republic: For the first time ever, we have a smaller model, and the prices are guaranteed to shock you!

Thanks to leaks, we knew practically everything about the Xiaomi 17T series weeks in advance. Today, May 28, however, the company officially lifted the veil of secrecy and showed both models in Vienna, revealing how they truly look and how much they cost. And the price tag is a surprise — instead of earlier circulating estimates around eighteen thousand, the base Xiaomi 17T starts at 12,999 CZK and the higher 17T Pro at 16,999 CZK. Both phones will also arrive in the Czech Republic practically immediately, and Xiaomi is accompanying them with a package of introductory bonuses.

Two phones, one telephoto lens for all

The biggest change compared to previous generations is not so much the hardware as the strategy itself. The T-series previously existed in a single size; this year, Xiaomi divided it into a more compact 17T and a larger 17T Pro. The base model measures 157.6 × 75.2 × 8.17 mm and weighs 200 grams, targeting those who appreciate one-handed operation. The Pro is a significantly larger device — 162.2 × 77.5 × 8.25 mm and 219 grams.

The common denominator, which Xiaomi places at the center of its entire campaign, is the telephoto lens. The company immediately named the new feature “Telephoto Master” and for the first time is putting a 5× optical Leica telephoto lens with a 115mm focal length into both models, including the cheaper one. This is unusual in this price category; periscopic optics are usually reserved for higher-end series. The sensor has a resolution of 50 Mpx, optical stabilization, and according to the manufacturer, can also handle macro photography from a distance of 30 centimeters. Digitally, it can zoom up to 120× using AI Ultra Zoom algorithms, although it’s good to take marketing numbers with a grain of salt here — the quality of 100x zoom will be a topic for a review.

The main camera in both cases has 50 Mpx and Leica Summilux optics, but they differ in sensor. The Pro opts for the larger Light Fusion 950 with an aperture of f/1.67, while the base model received the smaller Light Fusion 800 with an aperture of f/1.7. The trio is complemented by a 12Mpx ultrawide lens and a 32Mpx selfie camera. A new feature across the series is Leica Live Moment, which, in addition to the photo itself, captures a short movement and the atmosphere of the moment before pressing the shutter — similar to live photos, this time with Leica aesthetics.

Pro supports 8K and film, the base model stays at 4K

In terms of video, the two versions diverge more significantly. The 17T Pro offers 8K recording at 30 frames per second, 4K at 120 fps, and especially a cinematic mode in 4K/60 fps with real-time background blur. The base 17T sticks to 4K at 60 fps with HDR10+ and a logarithmic profile. For creators who seriously experiment with their phones, the difference between the models is most noticeable here.

Display with eye protection and quadruple certification

Both phones feature a 1.5K AMOLED display with a maximum brightness of 3500 nits. The Pro has a 6.83″ diagonal and a refresh rate of up to 144 Hz, while the base model has 6.59″ and 120 Hz. Xiaomi has built an entire narrative around eye protection for the display, under the name Vision Care, boasting that the 17T series is the first with quadruple TÜV Rheinland certification — for low blue light, flicker elimination, circadian rhythm friendliness, and intelligent eye protection. In practice, this involves a combination of DC dimming, high-frequency PWM at low brightness, and two light sensors that measure ambient light from both the front and back.

Large batteries and differing performance

This is where the line between the two models is sharpest. The 17T Pro is powered by the flagship MediaTek Dimensity 9500, manufactured with a 3nm process, while the 17T received the less powerful Dimensity 8500-Ultra on a 4nm architecture. The Pro is therefore a true flagship, while the base model falls into the upper mid-range and will not compete with the most powerful phones. Both are accompanied by 12 GB of RAM and UFS 4.1 storage.

The batteries deserve praise. Xiaomi has implemented silicon-carbon technology, allowing for an above-average capacity to fit into the body. The 17T Pro has 7000 mAh and, according to the manufacturer, is the largest battery in the history of international Xiaomi models. It charges with a 100W cable and 50W wirelessly. The more compact 17T has 6500 mAh and 67W wired charging, but lacks wireless charging. Both models support PPS standard charging and can use third-party adapters, have IP68 rating, and stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos.

System-wise, the series runs on HyperOS 3 with the HyperAI overlay and integrated Google features like Gemini or Circle to Search. Cooling is handled by a 3D IceLoop system with a vapor chamber.

Czech prices and introductory bonuses

And now for the main part. The base Xiaomi 17T starts at 12,999 CZK and will be available in four colors — Violet, Opal White, Blue, and Black. The Xiaomi 17T Pro starts at 16,999 CZK in Deep Blue, Deep Violet, and Black variants. Compared to earlier leak estimates, which spoke of prices around eighteen to twenty-four thousand, these are pleasantly lower starting amounts — although for the Pro, the final price will vary depending on the chosen memory configuration.

With the purchase, Xiaomi includes a set of digital subscriptions: a three-month trial of Google AI Pro with 5TB storage, three months of YouTube Premium, and four months of Spotify Premium. More interesting, however, are two domestic promotions. As part of the “Gift for Review” campaign, after registering the phone and publishing your own review, you can receive a tangible bonus — for the 17T Pro model, an electric scooter Xiaomi Electric Scooter 4 Lite (2nd Gen) worth 6,999 CZK, and for the base 17T, a tablet Redmi Pad 2 9.7″ with 128 GB for 4,499 CZK. Owners of the 17T Pro can also take advantage of a trade-in program, which adds an extra bonus to the standard value of an old phone. Both promotions run from today until June 28 and can be registered on the xiaomipromo.cz website.

The 17T series is thus on shelves considerably earlier this year than last year’s generation — instead of the usual autumn, it’s going on sale before summer. Whether Xiaomi has bet correctly on the telephoto lens as the main attraction will only be revealed by detailed testing. We are preparing a full review for you.

Are you tempted by the 5× Leica telephoto lens even in the base model, or will you wait for a review?

Source: Xiaomi (press release)