Emir BardakçıWe thought the Xiaomi 17 lineup was fully settled after its massive debut last September, but it looks like the company has one more surprise up its sleeve. New leaks from China suggest a “Max” variant is currently in the works, designed to bridge the gap between flagship performance and massive screen real estate.
If you felt the standard models were just a bit too compact for your media consumption, this latest rumor is exactly what you’ve been waiting for. Reliable tipsters are now pointing toward a Q2 2026 release for what is tentatively being called the Xiaomi 17 Max, and the camera specifications are nothing short of aggressive.
TL;DR: What You Need to Know
- Massive Main Camera: The device is tipped to feature a 200MP 1/1.4-inch Samsung HPx sensor.
- Telephoto Power: A 50MP Sony IMX8XX periscope lens (1/1.95-inch) is expected for high-quality zoom.
- Release Window: The device is expected to arrive sometime in March or April 2026, along with other competitors like the Vivo X300s.
- Processor Mystery: While the other models will feature a Snapdragon 8 Elite, this device may feature a high-end Dimensity processor.
The Leak: 200MP Sensors and Super-Sized Screens
According to Digital Chat Station, a well-known tipster on Weibo, a particular company is working on a new flagship device featuring a large screen. Although the post didn’t reveal the device’s name, the comments section and other rumors indicate that this device is likely to be the Xiaomi 17 Max. The camera will be the major feature of this device. According to the leak, this device will feature a 200MP camera sensor featuring a 1/1.4-inch Samsung HPx sensor. Although this sensor is similar to those featured in other Xiaomi devices, it is expected to be a 200MP sensor.
This is a huge change from the 1-inch camera sensor featured on other Ultra models. It seems like Xiaomi wants to find a balance between camera performance and device size. The camera will be accompanied by a 50MP periscope camera featuring a 1/1.95-inch Sony IMX8XX sensor. Whether you are taking portraits or zooming in at concerts, this camera will perform well. There will also be a 50MP ultra-wide camera, ensuring consistent performance across all three cameras.
Is It a Snapdragon or Dimensity Device?
While the standard Xiaomi 17 series, released in late 2025, features a Snapdragon 8 Elite, this device may feature a Dimensity processor. Although this is just a rumor, Digital Chat Station replied to a user asking about a “Snapdragon version” with a comment about a “Large screen Dimensity version.” This could mean that the Xiaomi 17 Max may utilize MediaTek’s flagship Dimensity chipset to create a distinction or to cut costs and utilize the massive screen size.
Pricing and Availability
If the rumors are true, we expect the Xiaomi 17 Max to launch in Q2 (March or April) 2026.
The standard Xiaomi 17 device was priced at 4,499 CNY (approximately $625 USD). We expect the “Max” device to be in a higher segment, possibly exclusive to China before a Global launch.
