XIAOMI 17: COPYCAT OR GAMECHANGING? Xiaomi’s Dual Screens Steal the Spotlight!

On 25 September 2025, Xiaomi’s visionary CEO Lei Jun unleashed a seismic shockwave from Beijing, unveiling the highly anticipated Xiaomi 17 series comprising the sleek 17, the powerhouse 17 Pro, and the jaw-dropping 17 Pro Max daring to skip the entire 16 lineup to throw down the gauntlet against the mighty iPhone 17. The Xiaomi 17 series made its debut in Beijing, marking a significant milestone for the brand. This isn’t just a launch; it’s a bold declaration of war in the tech arena, promising a smartphone revolution that could redefine how Malaysians experience innovation. Picture this: a device boasting a mesmerizing Dynamic Back Display (妙享背屏) that transforms into a retro gaming haven with the help of a £40 Retro Handheld Gamer Case, fueled by the blisteringly fast Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset 20% faster than its predecessors and backed by a monstrous 7,500mAh battery that keeps the party going for 6-8 hours of play. And the pièce de résistance? A rakyat-friendly price tag of approximately RM3,551 for the Pro Max, undercutting iPhone’s premium pricing with a value proposition that’s turning heads across the nation! From the initial tease of cutting-edge specs to the official Beijing reveal, netizens have been swept up in a whirlwind of excitement praising the phone’s innovative design and affordability while others raise their eyebrows at the “copycat”. Stay updated with the latest trends and insights on our News Page. Dive into our coverage of the Xiaomi 17 dual-screen innovation and learn more about Malaysia’s BUDI:95 fuel subsidy programme to see how technology and policy shape the region’s future.  

Timeline of Public Reactions

 

17 September 2025:

A massive spike to 29,508 engagements erupted, just three days after the 15 September announcement, fueled by Malaysian netizen excitement over Xiaomi’s bold claim of the 17 series as the first smartphone to feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and the innovative Dynamic Back Display (妙享背屏). Heated debates ignited on Facebook over the “copycat” naming and titanium frame similarities to iPhone

25 September 2025:

The official Beijing launch, led by CEO Lei Jun, propelled engagements to 4,253, unveiling the Wonderful Back Screen (妙享背屏) with dynamic wallpapers, time styles, cartoons, notifications, and the thrilling “Handheld Console Mode” for retro gaming. Online Media and Facebook posts drove the buzz, with fans celebrating its gaming potential and value-for-money appeal.    

Where Did the Conversation Happen?

  The Xiaomi 17 craze exploded on TikTok, stealing the show with the highest engagement with viral unboxings, flashy gaming demos, and rakyat reactions to the Dynamic Back Display driving the bulk of the 42,999 total engagements. Facebook and Instagram followed strongly, hosting lively debates on “copycat” claims and value.    

Key Themes That Drove the Conversation

 

1. Dynamic Back Display Innovation (33%)

The Dynamic Back Display (妙享背屏) emerged s the dominant theme, lauded for enabling selfies with main cameras, notifications, and retro gaming via a £40 Retro Case. Early buzz tied it to Mi 11 Ultra’s legacy, with Malaysians praising its bold evolution as a game-changer for photography and entertainment. Some questioned its durability, but most viewed it as a strategic leap in premium functionality.  

2. Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Performance (25%)

A significant portion of discussions centred on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (20% faster), celebrated for its AI and gaming prowess. Netizens praised about its superiority over the iPhone’s A19 chip, with expectations of seamless performance for games like Genshin Impact, positioning it as a flagship benchmark.  

3. Design &“Copycat” Controversy (20%)

Discussions focused on the iPhone-like titanium frames and naming, sparking debates about imitation versus innovation. Critics viewed the design as derivative, while supporters argued that Xiaomi had enhanced past concepts, such as the Mi 11 Ultra’s rear screen. Many Malaysians commended Xiaomi’s premium aesthetic as a bold challenge to Apple.  

4. Affordability & Value Proposition (14%)

The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max, priced around ~RM3551, which is RMB5,999, was widely praised as a cost-effective alternative to the iPhone’s ~RM4,000+ price tag. Netizens lauded its value for delivering flagship specs, driven by excitement over affordability. Some raised concerns about potential global price hikes, but the consensus highlighted its appeal for Malaysia’s budget-conscious market.  

5. Leica Cameras & Battery Life (8%)

The 25 September official launch of Xiaomi 17 series in Beijing unveiled the 50MP Leica cameras and 7,500mAh battery, sparking enthusiasm for superior photography and endurance. Netizens praised the rear camera’s selfie capability and all-day power, though some worried about battery drain under heavy use. This theme drove significant interest during the 4,213-engagement spike, reinforcing Xiaomi’s premium feature set.    

Word Cloud Analysis

 

Innovation Narrative Took Centre Stage

The word “Xiaomi” appeared prominently, reflecting that the conversation was firmly centred on the brand’s latest series and its bold challenge to competitors. Supporting terms like launch, series, and premium reinforce the focus on its flagship positioning. Positive words like inovasi (innovation), feature, and kemampuan (capability) show that the Dynamic Back Display and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 were widely recognised as groundbreaking, alleviating concerns over design similarities and boosting excitement for Malaysia’s tech market.  

Display & Selfie Emerged As Key Excitement Drivers

Terms like display, selfie, and upgrade surfaced frequently, indicating netizens’ enthusiasm for the Dynamic Back Display’s functionality. The Xiaomi 17 features a 6.3 inch display that utilizes independent pixel array technology, delivering sharper images and improved power efficiency compared to traditional screens. Additionally, the display offers high peak brightness, ensuring clear and readable visuals even in bright outdoor conditions. The frequent mentions of fotografi (photography), kamera (camera), and video suggest ongoing praise for enhanced selfie capabilities using rear cameras. While ai and sistem (system) imply interest in seamless integration, the overall discussion points to delight in these features’ practicality, especially for everyday use in Malaysia.  

iPhone Comparisons Were Central To Rivalry Debates

The word iPhone sparked intense discussions, with terms like apple, teaser, and china highlighting comparisons between Xiaomi 17 and iPhone 17. These words, paired with market and value, indicate that netizens were deeply engaged with Xiaomi’s competitive pricing and features like the battery and charge speed, questioning whether it could outperform Apple’s ecosystem in Malaysia.  

Pricing and Value Remained A Flashpoint For Affordability

Words like harga (price), value, and jualan (sales) revealed strong focus on Xiaomi’s affordability, especially the ~RM3,551 Pro Max undercutting rivals. Keywords such as malaysia, android, and aplikasi (application) reflect debates around local availability and app integration for features like gaming and events. Many discussions went further, raising excitement about premium specs at budget prices, ultimately positioning Xiaomi as a value champion for Malaysian consumers.    

Social Sentiment Breakdown

  Positive (60%): Enthusiasm for affordability and innovative features like the Dynamic Back Display. Neutral (15%): Tech queries on global launch timelines and Snapdragon specs, showing cautious interest. Negative (25%): Gripes over “copycat” design and software reliability concerns.    

What Netizens Were Saying

     

Final Takeaways

 

Leverage Dual-Screen Innovation for Marketing:

The Dynamic Back Display has captured significant attention, especially for gaming and selfies. Xiaomi should amplify this unique feature through targeted campaigns on TikTok and Instagram, where engagement is highest, showcasing creative uses like retro gaming with the Retro Handheld Gamer Case. Partnering with influencers to demonstrate its practical benefits could enhance its innovative image and counter “copycat” critiques.  

Address Design Perception with Original Branding:

The iPhone-like titanium frames and naming have sparked controversy. Xiaomi could differentiate itself by launching a bold rebranding campaign that highlights its heritage (e.g., Mi 11 Ultra’s rear screen legacy) and introduces a distinct design identity. Offering customisable back display themes or limited-edition colours could appeal to Malaysian consumers and reinforce originality.  

Capitalise on Affordability with a Clear Pricing Strategy:

The competitive pricing (e.g., RM3,551 for 17 Pro Max vs. iPhone’s RM4,000+) is a key strength. Xiaomi should maintain transparency on global pricing to build trust, especially in Malaysia, where affordability drives sentiment. Bundling the phone with gaming accessories or offering early-bird discounts could sustain hype and solidify its value-driven appeal ahead of the global launch.   Powered by DXT360 data, 15-30 September 2025. Email: info@dataxet.com.my LinkedIn: Dataxet Malaysia Facebook: Dataxet Malaysia