Xiaomi has introduced its new smartphone, the 17T, featuring a Leica camera and artificial intelligence (AI) photography capabilities, priced around 700,000 won (approximately $530). This launch is expected to intensify competition in the mid-range AI smartphone market, which has been dominated by premium devices in South Korea.
On May 29, Xiaomi Korea officially launched the flagship smartphone Xiaomi 17T and began pre-orders. Official sales will start on June 5 through Xiaomi Korea's official online and offline stores, as well as major retail channels like Coupang and Naver Brand Store.
The key feature of the new device is its camera system, developed in collaboration with Leica. The Xiaomi 17T is the first in the T series to include a Leica 5x telephoto camera, supporting up to 10x optical zoom and 120x AI ultra zoom, based on a 50-megapixel telephoto camera with optical image stabilization.
It is designed to capture clear images even in environments where subjects are far away, such as concert halls or sports stadiums. The device also includes features like 'Leica Live Moment' to record moments before and after a shot, and 'Leica Live Portrait' for enhanced portrait photography.
"The Xiaomi 17T inherits the Leica optical tuning and OIS technology from the Xiaomi 17 Ultra while providing a flagship smartphone experience at a price point of around 700,000 won," said Summer Fung, CEO of Xiaomi Korea. "It will offer a new option for domestic users who value both content consumption and photography experiences."
The performance and battery life have also been optimized to push the limits of mid-range smartphones. The Xiaomi 17T is equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 8500 Ultra chipset, a 6,500mAh silicon-carbon battery, and supports 67W fast charging, catering to long-duration photography and content consumption needs.
The display features a 6.59-inch 1.5K AMOLED panel with a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz and brightness of up to 3,500 nits. It also includes Xiaomi Vision Care technology, which has received TÜV Rheinland's quadruple eye protection certification, making it the first of its kind.
The pricing for the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage model is set at 799,800 won, while the 12GB RAM and 512GB model is priced at 879,800 won. Customers who pre-order will receive Redmi Headphones Neo and a 67W GaN dual-port charger, along with three months of YouTube Premium, four months of Spotify Premium, and three months of Google AI Pro benefits.
In addition to the smartphone, Xiaomi also unveiled three new AIoT products: the Redmi Headphones Neo with up to 42dB adaptive active noise cancellation, the entry-level Xiaomi Smart Camera C201, and the Xiaomi Rainbow Battery.
Industry analysts believe that Xiaomi is targeting the domestic mid-range smartphone demand by emphasizing camera, battery, and AI features. While the South Korean market is dominated by Samsung and Apple, there is a growing demand for high-performance smartphones at reasonable prices due to high inflation and extended replacement cycles. If the Xiaomi 17T achieves strong sales, it could further intensify competition in the mid-range smartphone market.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.