Xiaomi 17 & Redmi K90 Series: The Next Step in Performance and Innovation

Xiaomi has officially unveiled its 2025 flagship lineup, and it’s a powerful one. The Xiaomi 17 series redefines premium smartphone craftsmanship, while the Redmi K90 series pushes the boundaries of performance and battery life in the mid-to-high range. Let’s see what’s new, what’s improved, and how both compare to their predecessors.

Xiaomi 17 Series — Refined Power and Elegance

The Xiaomi 17 family continues Xiaomi’s tradition of high-end performance combined with sophisticated design. Available in three versions — Xiaomi 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max — these phones mark another step toward perfection for power users and mobile photographers alike.

Highlights

• Performance: Equipped with the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor built on a 3 nm process, the Xiaomi 17 series delivers record-breaking performance with better efficiency and lower heat output.

• Display: A new “M10” OLED panel with ultra-thin 1.18 mm bezels and industry-leading brightness gives a truly borderless feel.

• Battery & Charging: Pro models use advanced silicon-carbon (Si/C) batteries that reach up to 100 W fast charging with PPS protocol, ensuring a full day of power in just minutes.

• Cameras: Co-engineered with Leica, the 17 Pro Max introduces a refined triple-lens setup with an upgraded telephoto sensor offering up to 5× optical zoom.

• Design: The Pro Max model debuts the unique “Magic Back Screen” — a small secondary display near the cameras for selfies, notifications, and widgets.

Weak Points

Despite its impressive specs, the Xiaomi 17 lineup makes mostly evolutionary improvements rather than radical changes. The overall design philosophy stays similar to the Xiaomi 15, and the camera upgrades, while real, may not feel revolutionary for everyday users. Also, global availability might take a few months after the Chinese release, and prices will be firmly in the premium range.

Compared to Xiaomi 15

The Xiaomi 15 series already offered top-tier performance, but the new 17 brings efficiency and refinement. Expect smoother performance, better display brightness, and a slight edge in photography — though battery life remains in the same range. In essence, the 17 series is about polish, not revolution.

Redmi K90 Series — The Flagship Killer Strikes Again

While Xiaomi aims for the high end, its sub-brand Redmi continues to conquer the value-performance segment. The Redmi K90, K90 Pro, and K90 Pro Max deliver premium specifications without the luxury-tier price tag.

Highlights

• Processor: The Redmi K90 Pro Max shares the same Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 as Xiaomi’s flagship — an enormous leap over the previous K80 generation.

• Display: A vibrant 6.9-inch OLED screen with up to 3,500 nits peak brightness and 120 Hz refresh rate ensures one of the best visual experiences in its class.

• Battery & Charging: A huge 7,560 mAh battery paired with 100 W wired and 50 W wireless charging sets new standards for endurance and convenience.

• Audio & Design: The partnership with Bose brings a new 2.1-channel audio setup with a dedicated woofer — a first for the Redmi line.

• Cameras: Triple 50 MP sensors with a large Light Fusion 950 main sensor and a periscope telephoto lens deliver true flagship photography capabilities.

Weak Points

The K90 series pushes close to flagship territory, but it’s still built with cost balance in mind. Expect fewer premium materials compared to the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max and slightly lower zoom or night-photography quality. Some features, such as Bose audio tuning, may remain China-exclusive depending on variant.

Compared to Redmi K80

The K90 is a clear upgrade over the K80: bigger battery, faster charging, brighter screen, and far more capable cameras. It’s still a flagship killer — offering performance close to Xiaomi’s elite models but at a fraction of their price. The K80 was a strong performer; the K90 makes it look like a mid-ranger by comparison.

Xiaomi 17 vs. Redmi K90 — Which One to Choose?

If you want the best of the best, the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max stands out with its Leica camera system, luxurious design, and cutting-edge display. It’s aimed at users who want both technology and prestige.

If you prefer maximum performance per dollar, the Redmi K90 Pro Max delivers 90% of the Xiaomi 17’s capabilities — plus a larger battery — at a much lower price point. It’s a no-brainer for gamers, travelers, and enthusiasts who prioritize efficiency and endurance.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Xiaomi lineup shows two sides of the same coin. The Xiaomi 17 series represents pure refinement — a carefully tuned evolution of perfection — while the Redmi K90 series brings those premium features to a broader audience.

For those who already own a Xiaomi 15 or Redmi K80, the upgrade is worth considering if you value display quality, charging speed, and next-gen performance. For everyone else, 2025 is shaping up to be a great year to join the Xiaomi ecosystem.