Xiaomi has released the "Xiaomi 17T," equipped with a 5x telephoto lens and up to 120x zoom, in the Korean market. The Xiaomi T series is a semi-premium lineup that lowers the price while maintaining the key specifications of existing flagship smartphones. The price is 799,800 won for the 256-gigabyte (GB) model and 879,800 won for the 512GB model. That is about 43% to 44% of the launch price of Samsung Electronics' flagship smartphone Galaxy S26 Ultra (256GB at 1,797,400 won, 512GB at 2,005,400 won). In Europe, it is sold for 649 euros (1.13 million won).
Summer Feng, head of Xiaomi Korea, said at a press briefing on the 29th that the relatively low price of the 17T in Korea was set "because although Xiaomi is the No. 3 brand in the global market, its share is low in Korea, so we set a sincere price," adding, "Xiaomi is elevating Korea to a core strategic market and wants to begin a new second act in Korea." Feng was appointed on the 13th of this month.
Xiaomi Korea will take preorders for the Xiaomi 17T from today through the 4th of next month. Official sales start on the 5th of next month. The Xiaomi 17T comes with OIS (optical image stabilization), a Leica 5x telephoto camera, and the "Leica Live Moment" feature that captures movement and emotion. The company described it as "a flagship smartphone that combines artificial intelligence (AI) imaging technology, a high-capacity silicon-carbon battery, and a high-refresh-rate AMOLED display."
◇ 17T 5x telephoto camera with up to 120x AI ultra zoom
The 17T's standout feature is its camera. It is equipped with a Leica Summilux optical lens and a triple-camera system. With a large-aperture diaphragm and a 1G+6P hybrid lens structure, it supports a wide range of focal lengths from 23 mm to 115 mm. Notably, with a Leica 5x telephoto camera, it supports up to 10x optical-grade zoom and up to 120x AI ultra zoom based on a 50-megapixel telephoto camera. It also supports telephoto macro shooting at a minimum distance of 30 cm. It supports the "Leica Live Moment" feature that records movement and emotion just before and after the shutter is pressed. The company also said the "Leica Live Portrait," applied for the first time in the T series, renders natural background blur and motion expression in portrait shots.
The display emphasizes eye health. The 17T features a 6.59-inch 1.5K AMOLED display. It supports a maximum 120Hz refresh rate, peak brightness of 3,500 nits, and 100% DCI-P3 color reproduction. With Xiaomi Vision Care technology, it automatically adjusts screen brightness according to ambient light and reduces blue light and flicker to lessen eye fatigue during extended use. Xiaomi said it also supports 3,840Hz high-frequency PWM dimming, dual light sensors, and blue light reduction technology, and is the first in the world to earn four TÜV Rheinland eye protection certifications and the "Intelligent Eye Care" certification.
The 17T has a 6,500mAh silicon-carbon battery for up to about 17.2 hours of use. It supports 67W fast charging and 22.5W wired reverse charging. The processor is the MediaTek Dimensity 8500 Ultra built on a 4nm process. It controls heat with Xiaomi's 3D IceLoop cooling system, and supports a HyperOS-based user environment and NFC mobile Tmoney Co. features.
The 17T comes in three colors: violet, blue and black. Xiaomi offers buyers one free display replacement within two years, valued at 160,000 won. The warranty covers the device for two years and the battery for one year from the date of purchase. In particular, customers who purchase the 17T during the preorder period will receive Redmi Headphones Neo (obsidian black) and a dual-port charger as gifts. Customers who purchase the 17T by the 30th of next month will also receive Neo headphones. Buyers can also get three months of YouTube Premium, four months of Spotify Premium, and three months of Google AI Pro.
Xiaomi Korea also unveiled the Redmi Headphones Neo, Xiaomi Smart Camera C201, and Xiaomi Rainbow Batteries AA/AAA alongside the 17T. The Headphones Neo are wireless headphones that support up to 72 hours of battery life. They feature 40 mm titanium-coated drivers and AI-based noise reduction and are priced at 72,800 won. The Smart Camera C201 is a smart home camera with 1080p full HD. It supports Wi-Fi connectivity and AI-based human detection and motion tracking, and it also has two-way voice communication and privacy protection features. The price is 34,800 won. The Rainbow Batteries AA/AAA are alkaline batteries featuring a rainbow-colored design and a transparent case. They support up to five years of storage life, and a pack of 10 AA costs 5,000 won, while a pack of 10 AAA costs 4,500 won.
◇ "Xiaomi expects a new second act in Korea"
Regarding her appointment, Feng said, "In Korea, Xiaomi can be seen as a new brand," adding, "It may not be easy to become a top-three brand in the Korean smartphone market in a short period, but we are focusing on expanding consumer touchpoints due to our low awareness."
Feng emphasized that Korea is not just one of many overseas markets for Xiaomi. She said including Korea among the first countries to launch the 17 Ultra and 17T globally reflects that. Feng said, "The Korean market is establishing itself as a very important market within Xiaomi's global strategy," adding, "We want to begin a new second act by providing broader product experiences and ecosystem value in the Korean market."
She also signaled an expanded product lineup. Feng said, "In Korea, we are reviewing the future release of large home appliances such as air conditioners, refrigerators and washing machines," adding, "We are also closely reviewing the potential domestic rollout of an electric vehicle business, given the growth potential of the Korean EV market and strong consumer interest."
Feng cited after-sales service as one of Xiaomi Korea's priorities. Xiaomi Korea operates eight offline stores, its own after-sales service center, and 12 authorized service partner centers. She said, "Xiaomi Korea provides free nationwide courier repair service within the warranty period, and consumers who purchased products through official sales channels in Korea can use the service," adding, "Xiaomi bears the shipping cost for courier repair service within the warranty period."