Xiaomi has launched its new REDMI 17 series, introducing two budget smartphones with large batteries, AI-powered cameras and large 120Hz displays.
The new range consists of the REDMI 17 and REDMI 17 5G. Both models come with a 7,500mAh battery, while the 5G version adds support for faster mobile networks.
Here is what you need to know about the two phones.
Price
The REDMI 17 starts at $179 (about Shs700,000), while the REDMI 17 5G starts at $249 (about Shs980,000).
Xiaomi says prices, colours and storage options may vary depending on the market.
Big 7,500mAh battery
Battery life is one of the main features of the new REDMI 17 series.
Both phones have a 7,500mAh battery and support 45W fast charging through a USB Type-C port.
They also support 22.5W wired reverse charging, allowing users to use the phone to charge other compatible devices.
Xiaomi says the REDMI 17 can provide up to 28 hours of video playback, 91 hours of music, 46 hours of calls or 12 hours of video recording.
The REDMI 17 5G offers up to 28 hours of 1080p video playback, 109 hours of music through Bluetooth earphones, 53 hours of calls or 10 hours of 1080p video recording.
50MP AI camera
Both phones feature a 50MP AI dual-camera system on the rear.
The main camera has a five-element f/1.8 lens, while an additional lens supports the camera system.
Xiaomi says the setup is designed to produce clear and natural-looking images in everyday conditions.
On the front is an 8MP camera with an f/2.05 lens.
The phones also feature a dual-view mode, which allows users to record using the front and rear cameras at the same time.
Large 6.9-inch display
The REDMI 17 series comes with a 6.9-inch display that can automatically switch between 60Hz, 90Hz and 120Hz refresh rates.
The higher refresh rate is designed to make scrolling and animations smoother, while automatic switching helps manage battery consumption.
The display has a typical brightness of 675 nits and can reach up to 825 nits in high-brightness mode.
It also supports a touch sampling rate of up to 240Hz and displays 16.7 million colours.
For eye comfort, the phones have three TÜV Rheinland certifications covering low blue light, flicker-free viewing and circadian-friendly performance.
The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 7i and both phones have an IP64 rating for protection against dust and water splashes.
The phones also use Wet Touch Technology, which allows the screen to remain responsive when operated with wet fingers.
Different processors
The standard REDMI 17 is powered by the MediaTek Helio G91-Ultra, an octa-core processor with speeds of up to 2.0GHz.
The REDMI 17 5G uses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 4 Gen 5, an octa-core processor with speeds of up to 2.4GHz and support for 5G connectivity.
Both models support up to 12GB of RAM through Xiaomi’s Memory Extension feature.
Storage can also be expanded by up to 2TB using a microSD card.
The phones run on Xiaomi HyperOS 3, which the company says improves animations and system responsiveness.
Sound and connectivity
Both phones come with dual stereo speakers, with Xiaomi claiming up to a 300 per cent volume boost.
They also retain a 3.5mm headphone jack and support FM radio.
Wireless connectivity includes dual-band Wi-Fi, while the phones have a hybrid SIM tray that can accommodate two SIM cards and a microSD card.
NFC is available in selected markets.
The REDMI 17 supports Bluetooth 5.4, while the REDMI 17 5G comes with Bluetooth 5.1.
Design
The two phones measure 170.12mm by 78.42mm by 8.8mm and weigh 232g.
Xiaomi has given them a flat display, matte frame, metal accents and rounded corners.
They also have a centre-mounted punch-hole selfie camera and slimmer bezels.
Another addition is the Dynamic RGB Light system, which can light up for incoming calls, notifications, charging, gaming and camera use.
Colours and storage
The REDMI 17 comes in Black, Deep Blue, Oak Green and Lotus Purple.
It is available in 4GB+128GB, 4GB+256GB, 6GB+128GB and 6GB+256GB configurations.
The REDMI 17 5G comes in Black, Deep Blue and Vivid Orange. The Vivid Orange version has a PU leather finish.
It is available in 4GB+128GB, 4GB+256GB and 6GB+256GB configurations.
Xiaomi says availability of colours and configurations will depend on the market.
Xiaomi was founded in 2010 and has grown into a major consumer technology company, selling smartphones and other connected devices in more than 100 countries and regions.
The company said it had 754.1 million monthly active smartphone and tablet users globally in December 2025, while more than 1.07 billion devices were connected to its Internet of Things platform by the end of 2025.
Beyond smartphones, Xiaomi has expanded into smart home products and electric vehicles under its “Human × Car × Home” strategy.
The company said its electric vehicle business became profitable within six quarters of starting deliveries and that it had delivered more than 600,000 vehicles by February 2026.
In July 2026, Xiaomi was named on the Fortune Global 500 list for the eighth consecutive year, ranking 232nd.
