Xiaomi’s Answer to Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro: An Innovative Camera Plateau
The recently unveiled iPhone 17 Pro has attracted widespread attention with its distinctive camera design. Barely days post-release, Xiaomi has introduced its own 17 Pro series, showcasing an ingenious twist on the concept. By transforming the previously vacant space into a versatile tool, Xiaomi has effectively posed a challenge to Apple’s traditional methodology.
The Chinese tech giant bypassed its 16 series, leaping directly to 17 in a strategic move to align with Apple’s iteration and timeline. Set to launch later this month in China, the Pro and Pro Max variants feature a rectangular camera configuration reminiscent of the iPhone’s innovative plateau.
While Apple focuses solely on the lenses, Xiaomi innovatively extends functionality by integrating an active display, termed the Magic Back Screen, into the entire section.
Early promotional materials demonstrate this rear display in action, showcasing its ability to present a simple clock or vibrant patterns effortlessly. A particularly engaging clip illustrates its utility as a viewfinder for selfies, allowing users to frame their shots without the need to flip the phone.
Notifications and app details are also poised to appear on this secondary screen, providing a convenient avenue for accessing critical information while the primary display remains inactive. This functionality introduces an everyday practicality that Apple’s static camera design lacks.
Building upon a previous concept from the Mi 11 Ultra, which featured a diminutive 1.1-inch rear panel back in 2021, Xiaomi has significantly enhanced this idea. The earlier model offered basic functionalities such as a clock and viewfinder; however, the new iteration envelops the twin main cameras within the plateau, culminating in an expansive and cohesive surface.
This design echoes the outer displays found on foldable devices from competitors like Motorola and Samsung, while still conforming to the standard slab format. In stark contrast, Apple’s approach concentrates on the lenses, with all three cameras now boasting 48 megapixels and a telephoto lens capable of 8x optical zoom.
The camera arrangement on the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max is particularly intriguing, housing two lenses within the display area—a primary sensor and a periscope telephoto for distant photography—while a third Leica-branded lens is positioned below, adjacent to the flash. While the potential appears promising, specifics regarding resolutions and features remain undisclosed.
Apple’s configuration consists of wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto cameras in a stable setup, emphasizing enhanced low-light capabilities and advanced video functions like ProRes RAW. Xiaomi’s inclusion of an interactive screen opens avenues for real-time adjustments and previews, thus elevating the intuitive aspects of photography.
The complete lineup will be underpinned by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, marking the latest entry in their premium processor series, anticipated for imminent release. This powerhouse is expected to proficiently manage demanding operations such as gaming and photo manipulation.
Furthermore, the battery capacities are impressive, featuring 7,000mAh for the standard model and a remarkable 7,500mAh for the Pro Max, facilitating extended usage on a single charge, surpassing what Apple currently offers.
In terms of aesthetics, the Xiaomi 17 Pro series features rounded corners, flat sides, and conveniently located buttons on the right edge. The rear display, while not extending entirely from edge to edge, offers sufficient space for widgets and images. Leaks indicate prominent Leica branding, cementing a partnership that rivals Apple’s internal optics enhancement.
Although the iPhone boasts a durable aluminum unibody and Ceramic Shield, Xiaomi’s strategy to render the camera region multifunctional may intrigue consumers seeking alternatives to conventional protrusions.
As the launch date approaches, further specifics will emerge detailing software features and precise pricing, which is expected to hover around the $700 mark, consistent with previous flagship releases.
Source link: Techeblog.com.
