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Xiaomi’s $281 Portable Projector is effectively cheaper than paying for Netflix for a year

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Here is what $281 buys you in an American projector aisle right now: TCL’s C1 at $250 with 230 ISO lumens, or XGIMI’s Vibe One at $269 with 250 ANSI lumens and zero HDR support. Both are decent little machines. Both also demand a room dark enough that you stub your toe finding the sofa. The sub-$300 bracket in the West has genuinely improved, but it improved into “acceptable,” which is a low ceiling for a category promising a 120-inch screen. Xiaomi’s newest budget projector landed in China this week and makes that ceiling look even lower.

The Redmi Projector 5 Pro sells for 1,899 yuan, roughly $281, against a 1,999 yuan list price. That buys native 1080p at up to 120 inches, 1,000 CVIA lumens, HDR10, a 120Hz refresh rate with 5ms latency, dual HDMI, Wi-Fi 6, and a metal gimbal arm that swings the body through 150 degrees. A year of Netflix Premium now runs $323.88 after March’s price hike, so the hardware costs less than the subscription. What holds my attention is that the industrial design survived the price target intact, which almost never happens down here.

Designer: Xiaomi

The body is a soft white wedge with a fabric-wrapped front panel, cradled in a U-arm carrying the REDMI wordmark along its cross-member. That arm is structural rather than a bracket bolted on afterward, so the silhouette holds together from every angle instead of looking like a box propped on a stand. Budget projectors usually betray themselves at the seams, with plastic that doesn’t look premium or boast of a perfect surface finish. Here the perforated grille wraps one flank as deliberate texture, and the white-and-grey split keeps the mass visually light. The posture borrows from a studio monitor on a yoke, a smarter reference than the black plastic router look most of this segment settles for.

A ToF sensor, an HD camera and Xiaomi’s algorithms handle focus, keystone, obstacle avoidance and screen alignment without you opening a menu, and wall colour adaptation reads your paint job to adjust the image. The 150-degree tilt lets you aim at the ceiling by nudging the body rather than stacking books under one end. Thirty degrees of side projection correction covers the reality that nobody’s coffee table sits square to the wall. Sealing the optical engine behind an all-glass lens keeps dust off the internals and, Xiaomi claims, sharpens the picture 10% over last year’s model. Both features used to be premium-tier boasts.

Temper expectations on brightness before you get excited. 1,000 CVIA lumens converts to roughly 700 ISO lumens, which puts this firmly in dim-room territory rather than sunlit-living-room territory. CVIA is a stricter Chinese standard than the fantasy figures printed on Amazon listings, where anonymous brands promise 10,000 lumens and deliver maybe 150. So the number is honest, and the honest number is modest. You will still be drawing the curtains.

The catch arrives at the end, as it always does with Redmi hardware. Xiaomi has said nothing about a global release, and Redmi projectors historically stay inside China while the Xiaomi-branded models travel. It runs HyperConnect and the XiaoAI assistant, meaning no Google TV, no Play Store, and no Netflix app. A projector that costs less than a year of Netflix and cannot run Netflix is the funniest possible ending to this story, and also the most frustrating one, because the rest of us are still shopping in a bracket that peaked at 250 lumens.

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Xiaomi’s SkyNomad Brings Living Space Thinking to the Family SUV

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Xiaomi is broadening its automotive ambitions with the SkyNomad series, a new SUV line built around space, flexibility, safety, and family-focused practicality. The range launches with two models, the SkyNomad N90 and the SkyNomad N70, giving Xiaomi a wider reach beyond the more driver-oriented SU7 and YU7 lineup.

Both models are built on Xiaomi’s newly designed Kunlun platform, which underpins the brand’s push into large, versatile SUVs. One of the platform’s defining features is a completely flat floor. That packaging decision supports easier movement through the cabin and gives Xiaomi more freedom to shape the interior around comfort, modularity, and open space.

Designer: Xiaomi

Two SUVs with different seating priorities

The SkyNomad N90 Max is positioned as the larger and more versatile of the two. It uses a 2+2+3 seating layout, giving it seven seats and a configuration aimed at larger families, multi-generational travel, and mixed personal and business use. Measuring 5,285 mm long with a 3,080 mm wheelbase, it sits firmly in full-size SUV territory.

Alongside it, the SkyNomad N70 Max takes a sportier approach with a confirmed 2+3 seating layout. That five-seat format makes it the more straightforward option for buyers who want the SkyNomad concept in a two-row package, while still benefiting from the same emphasis on cabin openness and flexibility enabled by the Kunlun platform. At 4,960 mm long with a 2,950 mm wheelbase, it is the more compact of the pair, though it still feels substantial in person.

SkyNomad N70 Max

Flat-floor platform defines the cabin

The completely flat floor is more than a technical detail. It is central to how Xiaomi wants SkyNomad to feel and function. By removing the usual floor intrusion, the platform helps create a more lounge-like interior, improves second-row and third-row usability, and makes it easier to reconfigure the cabin for different scenarios.

In the N90 Max, Xiaomi pushes that idea further with six sliding rails and a center console that can move 650 mm back and forth. The setup allows the cabin to be used with tables, bed arrangements, and other furniture-style layouts, giving the vehicle a more modular character than a conventional family SUV. Features such as a roughly 9-liter fridge and a 21.4-inch rear display with Xiaomi TV and remote control further underline the living-space concept.

The N70 Max carries the same thinking into a sportier two-row package. It supports face-to-face seating and a full bed mode, while Xiaomi claims up to 1,400 mm of maximum rear legroom and around 1,002 liters of rear cargo space. Even without the third row, it is clearly designed to prioritize comfort and usability over a traditional SUV layout.

Safety is a major part of the pitch

Xiaomi is also using the SkyNomad launch to underline the safety credentials of the new Kunlun Technology Architecture. The company says it has been carrying out real-life road load testing since 2024. As of June 30, 2026, more than 500 test vehicles had accumulated 4.28 million kilometers over 628 days.

The body structure makes extensive use of 2200 MPa Xiaomi Hyper Strength Steel across 16 key areas. According to Xiaomi, that includes a 13-in-1 integrated design spanning the A, B, C, and D pillars, a layout intended to improve lateral body load capacity and strengthen the passenger cell. The N90 Max also comes equipped with 12 airbags, reinforcing its positioning as a large family SUV where occupant protection is expected to be a central selling point.

Xiaomi also highlighted battery durability and protection as part of the Kunlun platform package. The company claims a cell lifecycle of more than 2,000 charge cycles, which it says is roughly double the national standard. It also says the battery unit is protected by an 18-layer safety structure, while the floor has been reinforced to improve fire resistance, impact protection, and overall structural security around the pack.

Performance and range round out the package

Both the N90 Max and N70 Max use dual-motor all-wheel drive and a 76 kWh battery. Xiaomi quotes a 0 to 100 km/h time of 5.9 seconds for the N90 Max and 5.5 seconds for the N70 Max, while both models have a top speed of 190 km/h.

Range figures are also notable. Xiaomi lists the N90 Max with a CLTC combined range of 1,705 km and a CLTC pure electric range of 464 km. The N70 Max is rated for a CLTC pure electric range of 505 km.

First-hand impressions from the briefing

During a media briefing and hands-on session, both the N70 Max and N90 Max stood out for their reconfigurable seating and spacious cabins. Even in a short test, both SUVs felt notably roomy, and the seats themselves came across as comfortable and well suited to the space-first character Xiaomi is trying to establish for the series.

The N90 Max in particular showed how far Xiaomi is pushing the concept. One of the most striking demonstrations was its face-to-face seating reconfiguration, which transformed the cabin into something closer to a lounge than a traditional SUV interior. That setup reinforced Xiaomi’s broader pitch that SkyNomad is meant to function as more than transport, serving as a flexible living space for travel, rest, and family use.

Cargo capacity was another standout. In its maximum rear trunk space configuration, the N90 Max was loaded with six 20-liter carry-on cases, a foldable bicycle, a folded baby stroller, and additional camping gear, while still leaving plenty of room in the back. The demonstration underlined the SUV’s family and lifestyle focus, especially for buyers who need genuine carrying ability rather than just a large exterior footprint.

Xiaomi also showed the N90 Max in a more leisure-oriented setup with an air mattress laid out in the cabin. Lying down inside, the space felt comfortable, and the panoramic sky roof gave a clear view upward. That added to the sense that the vehicle is being designed as a place to spend time, not just a machine for getting from one point to another.

That impression carried across both models. Even with limited time behind the scenes, the N70 Max and N90 Max both felt impressively roomy, and Xiaomi’s emphasis on reconfigurable seating did not come across as a gimmick. Instead, it felt like a practical extension of the Kunlun platform’s flat-floor packaging and the brand’s attempt to create SUVs that are genuinely adaptable to modern family life.

A broader move into family SUVs

With SkyNomad, Xiaomi is moving beyond the more driver-focused identity of its earlier vehicles and into a segment where comfort, flexibility, safety, and interior usability matter just as much as technology. The N90 and N70 are not just larger additions to the lineup, but a clear signal that Xiaomi sees family-oriented, space-led SUVs as an important part of its next phase in the auto market.

On first impression, that strategy looks thoughtful. Between the flat-floor Kunlun platform, the emphasis on reconfigurable interiors, and the effort to pair lifestyle versatility with serious safety messaging, SkyNomad gives Xiaomi a distinctive angle in an increasingly crowded field of large electrified SUVs.

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Xiaomi launched a $107 compact photo printer while all other tech is becoming expensive

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Xiaomi picked a strange moment to launch cheap hardware, because the global gadget market spent 2024 and early 2025 conditioning buyers to accept higher prices. Phones, laptops, tablets, and wearables all saw price increases between 15 and 30 percent compared to 2022 models, and most brands blamed supply chain costs, component shortages, and inflation without offering much evidence that those factors still applied by mid-2025. Even Apple, which held iPhone pricing relatively steady for years, finally bumped the base iPhone 16 Pro up by $100 in late 2024. The price hikes stuck anyway, largely because competitors moved in unison and consumers had few alternatives. Xiaomi clearly saw an opening in categories where pricing had stagnated rather than spiked, and photo printers fit that description almost perfectly.

The Mijia Desktop Photo Printer 2 launched this week at 699 yuan (about $107) through Xiaomi’s Youpin crowdfunding platform, with a retail price of 799 yuan ($122) planned after the campaign closes. The device uses 4-color dye sublimation printing, supports 4 inch and 6 inch photo sizes, and connects via Bluetooth to phones, tablets, and computers without needing a Wi-Fi network. Xiaomi claims the per-print cost can drop to 0.99 yuan (roughly 14 cents) when using the 4 inch dual-print paper packs in higher-volume bundles, which would make it one of the cheapest per-print options in the compact photo printer category. The Mi Home app adds templates, AR photo playback, ID photo generation, and LUT color filters, leaning into the same app-native feature strategy Xiaomi uses across its smart home lineup.

Designer: Xiaomi

Canon’s Selphy CP1500 typically retails between $140 and $160 depending on region and sales cycles, and HP’s Sprocket models sit in a similar range. Fujifilm’s Instax Share SP-3 launched at $199 and has stayed there for years. None of those companies aggressively cut hardware prices, because photo printer economics depend heavily on consumables revenue. The paper and ribbon cartridges generate steady income long after the hardware sale, so keeping hardware prices high protects the perceived value of those refills. Xiaomi is attacking both sides of that model by undercutting the upfront hardware cost and claiming a per-print expense well below what competitors charge for equivalent output.

The per-print math is where Xiaomi’s really squeezing out the competition. Canon’s RP-108 paper and ink set costs around $40 for 108 4×6 prints, which works out to roughly 37 cents per photo. HP’s Zink paper for the Sprocket runs about 50 cents per 2×3 print, though the smaller format makes direct comparison tricky. Xiaomi’s claimed 14 cent per-print cost assumes you buy the dual-print 4 inch paper packs in bulk, but even the 6 inch professional paper is listed at 2.48 yuan (about 35 cents) per sheet during the crowdfunding campaign. That pricing could shift after launch, but the gap between Xiaomi and the incumbents is wide enough that even a modest increase would still leave Xiaomi ahead.

The Mijia Desktop Photo Printer 2 ships in China first, with no confirmed timeline for international availability. Xiaomi typically tests hardware on the domestic market before deciding whether to expand regionally, so this could stay China-only for months or longer. The bigger question is whether Canon, HP, and Fujifilm respond by cutting prices or whether they hold steady and bet that brand loyalty and distribution advantages keep Xiaomi contained to its home market.

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Xiaomi Watch S5 46mm Review: Looking Good, Lasting Longer

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PROS:


  • Stylish and premium design

  • Bright, vibrant display

  • Excellent battery life

CONS:


  • Limited app ecosystem compared with Wear OS

  • Sleep tracking can miss naps

RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

The Xiaomi Watch S5 46mm feels well judged. It is stylish, comfortable, and impressively long-lasting, even if the software still leaves some room to grow.

The Xiaomi Watch S5 46mm looks less like a gadget trying to pass as a watch and more like a watch that happens to be smart. That distinction matters because design still shapes how often a wearable actually ends up on your wrist. Xiaomi seems to understand that, and the Watch S5 leans hard into premium materials, a traditional silhouette, and a feature set built around daily usability.

Beyond the styling, there is a solid hardware pitch here, too. Xiaomi is promising a bright 1.48-inch AMOLED display, updated health tracking, new cycling features, and battery life of up to 21 days under light use. If those claims hold up, the Watch S5 could be appealing for people who want a smartwatch that feels less demanding and more natural to wear. I spent some time with the Watch S5 to see whether that mix of style and practicality actually comes through in daily use.

Designer: Xiaomi

Aesthetics

That design-first approach is obvious the moment you see the Watch S5. It sticks with a classic round shape, but the detailing keeps it from blending into the crowd. The slim bezel and minute markings make it feel closer to a proper wristwatch than a lot of smartwatches that still come off as generic or overly sporty. Combined with the forged stainless steel frame, the design has a solid sense of polish without trying too hard.

The lineup itself is well judged, too. The black and silver versions are the standard models, both using the stainless steel frame and a cleaner, more understated finish. The Ceramic Blue version is clearly the dressier option, with a zirconia ceramic bezel, enamel-filled markings, and a leather strap that gives it a more tailored look. The Jungle Green model I received takes a sportier approach, swapping in a forged carbon bezel and a hybrid strap that make it feel more rugged and outdoorsy. It is a smart spread of styles, and it gives the Watch S5 range more character than a simple color refresh would have.

Ergonomics

At 46mm, the Xiaomi Watch S5 is not a small watch, but it wears better than that number suggests. I used the Jungle Green version, and even on my small wrist, it never felt bulky or awkward. Xiaomi lists it at 46 x 46 x 10.99mm and 46g without the strap, so it is still very much a full-size smartwatch, but in day-to-day use, it comes across as lighter and easier to wear than I expected.

A lot of that comes down to how the watch sits on the wrist. It has enough presence to feel substantial, but it never feels clunky or uncomfortable. The hybrid strap on the green model helps, too, since it feels secure and practical for longer wear. That sense of ease carries over to the controls. The rotating crown and side button are both responsive, which makes the watch straightforward to use, though I would have liked slightly stronger haptic feedback from the crown.

Performance

A lot of the Watch S5’s appeal comes down to how easy it is to use, and the display does a lot of the heavy lifting there. It uses a 1.48-inch AMOLED panel with a 480 x 480 resolution and up to 2500 nits of peak brightness. The bezel is slimmer too. Xiaomi says it measures 2.6mm, which is 40 percent narrower than the previous generation, and that helps the screen feel more open and modern. In use, it looks sharp, vibrant, and bright enough to stay readable outdoors without much effort. That alone goes a long way on a smartwatch, since a dim screen can get annoying very quickly when you are checking the time or glancing at notifications on the move.

Fitness and health tracking are a big part of the Watch S5, even if I am not really the target user for the more training-heavy side of it. I am not someone who works out intensely or spends much time digging through performance metrics during exercise, which happens less often than I would like to admit. That is partly why I found the Watch S5 surprisingly approachable. It gives you some flexibility over what data shows up on the watch, so it does not have to feel like a wall of numbers every time you start moving.

Most of my time with it was spent on walks and a light hike rather than anything especially demanding, but I still found the tracking useful. Being able to glance down and see things like heart rate, distance, and workload made the experience feel a bit more engaging, especially during the hike when I was already feeling tired. I would not suddenly pretend this turned me into a training-focused person, but it did make the data feel more motivating than I expected.

The Watch S5 uses the same heart-rate sensor setup found in the flagship Xiaomi Watch 5, with 4 LEDs and 4 PD, alongside L1 plus L5 five-system GNSS and 5ATM water resistance. There are also more than 150 sports modes, so the watch clearly has a much broader fitness toolkit than the small slice of it I used. Sleep tracking is a bit more mixed. Xiaomi claims its updated sleep algorithms improve fall-asleep and wake-up detection by 11 percent, with sleep-stage tracking improved by 14 percent. In my use, though, it still had a tendency to miss naps. That does not make the feature useless, but it is a reminder that health tracking claims on paper do not always translate perfectly in everyday use.

Beyond health and fitness, the software experience is mostly straightforward, too. The Watch S5 runs Xiaomi HyperOS 3, and for the most part, it is easy enough to get around. The interface is straightforward, and it does not take long to figure out where everything is. Swiping down brings up notifications, though your options are fairly limited once you are there. You can dismiss them, but you cannot quickly reply to messages, which makes the experience feel a bit more passive than on some rival smartwatches.

The rest of the navigation is a little uneven. Swiping up opens widget cards, while swiping right lets you cycle through the watch faces stored on the device. Swiping left, though, does nothing at all. I found that a bit frustrating, especially since I do not change watch faces very often. It feels like Xiaomi could have made better use of the side gestures here, or at least given users the option to customize them.

Pressing the rotating crown opens the app list, while the side button brings up the control center. That all works as expected, but the software does feel more limited once you look beyond the basics. Since the Watch S5 does not run Wear OS, there is no access to the Google Play Store, and Xiaomi’s own app selection for HyperOS 3 is still quite limited. On the phone side, the Mi Fitness companion app covers the essentials and also gives you access to plenty of free watch faces, which is a nice way to add some variety even if the wider software ecosystem remains fairly basic.

Battery life may be the Watch S5’s most practical strength. Xiaomi rates it for up to 21 days of light use from the 815mAh battery, which it says is a 68 percent jump over the previous generation. In my case, with Always On Display turned on and all the health tracking features enabled, it lasted about six days. That is genuinely impressive, and it makes the Watch S5 feel far less needy than many smartwatches. Charging happens through the included proprietary magnetic pogo-pin charger, which works fine, though it does mean dealing with yet another device-specific cable.

Sustainability

Sustainability is not a major part of Xiaomi’s pitch for the Watch S5, though to be fair, that is true of most smartwatches. There is no clear emphasis here on recycled materials or repairability, so it is hard to give the watch much credit on environmental grounds alone. What it does offer, though, are a few practical touches that could help with longevity.

The 5ATM water resistance also helps on the longevity front, especially for a watch that is meant to handle swimming as well as everyday wear. The use of standard 22mm quick-release straps is another plus, since it makes the watch easier to refresh over time without being locked into one specific band. That may sound like a small thing, but replaceable straps can help a device stay in use longer, especially when comfort or style preferences change. The stainless steel frame and the more premium material options should also hold up well over time. For now, the Watch S5 feels built to last, even if it does not make much of a sustainability case.

Value

The Xiaomi Watch S5 makes a pretty strong case for itself on value. At £149.99, or about $205, for the black and silver versions, and £169.99, or roughly $232, for the Blue and Green models, it sits in a price range that feels competitive for what you are getting. The stainless steel frame, bright AMOLED display, strong battery life, and broad fitness feature set already give it a solid hardware foundation, and the more premium Blue and Green finishes do at least look like they justify the small step up in price.

That pricing also helps make some of the watch’s limitations easier to accept. The software is straightforward but not especially deep, and the app ecosystem is still quite limited compared with Wear OS alternatives. Even so, the Watch S5 is not really trying to compete as the most app-rich smartwatch in its class. It feels more like a well-rounded option for people who care about design, comfort, battery life, and fitness basics, and at these prices, that balance is easier to appreciate. For the money, Xiaomi is offering a lot of watches.

Verdict

The Xiaomi Watch S5 succeeds by focusing on the right things. It puts design, comfort, battery life, and the kind of fitness features that are useful without becoming overwhelming at the center of the experience. That makes it easy to recommend, especially for people who want something that looks more like a proper watch and less like a tiny gadget strapped to the wrist.

The trade-off is that Xiaomi HyperOS 3 still feels fairly limited once you look past the basics. You are not getting the depth or flexibility of a Wear OS device, and that will matter to some buyers. Even so, the Watch S5 gets enough right to stand out where it counts. At £149.99, or about $205, for the standard versions and £169.99, or roughly $232, for the Blue and Green models, it offers a lot without asking too much in return.

The post Xiaomi Watch S5 46mm Review: Looking Good, Lasting Longer first appeared on Yanko Design.

Xiaomi 17 Pro Review: Refined in All the Right Places

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PROS:


  • Capable camera setup with excellent 5x telephoto camera

  • Great battery life from the big 7,000mAh battery

  • Refined, premium design with rich color options

  • Bright, smooth display with strong eye-care features

CONS:


  • Telemacro mode is not especially sharp

  • Fingerprint sensor sits too close to the bottom edge of the display

RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

The Xiaomi 17T Pro is a confident refinement of an already strong formula, pairing elegant design with excellent battery life and one of the best telephoto cameras in its class.

Xiaomi is bringing back its T series with the Xiaomi 17T and Xiaomi 17T Pro, but this time the schedule feels unusually aggressive. Instead of the typical September-style annual launch, the new models arrive only about six months after the 15T series. That shorter gap also brings the T series closer to the Xiaomi 17 and 17 Ultra launch window, which usually falls between late February and early March, making the company’s flagship lineup feel more cohesive across the year.

The Xiaomi 15T Pro was one of my favorite affordable flagships of the past year, particularly for its design and camera performance. So I was pleased to see that Xiaomi has not abandoned that formula. The design language remains largely the same, and so does the familiar triple camera setup.

Designer: Xiaomi

On paper, the Xiaomi 17T Pro still makes a strong case for itself. It features a 6.83-inch 144Hz display with peak brightness of up to 3,500 nits, a triple camera system with a 5x periscope telephoto camera, and a larger 7,000mAh battery with 100W wired charging. Continuing a partnership with Leica that is now in its fifth year, Xiaomi also introduces Leica Live Moment with the 17T series, adding a new layer of visual storytelling shaped by Leica’s photographic look.

I have been testing the Xiaomi 17T Pro for about a week to get an early sense of how this year’s T series performs. Even at this stage, it already feels like a phone that knows exactly what made its predecessor appealing. The question is not whether Xiaomi changed everything, but whether it refined the right things.

Aesthetics

At first glance, the Xiaomi 17T Pro looks almost identical to its predecessor, and that is not a bad thing at all. When a design language already works, refinement can be more valuable than reinvention. Rather than chasing a dramatic visual reset, Xiaomi builds on a form that already felt resolved, keeping the same restrained character while sharpening the details that made the earlier model appealing.

What continues to make this T series design stand out is the way restraint is paired with color. The silhouette remains minimalistic, but it is lifted by finishes that feel subtle yet premium. Instead of relying on loud textures or flashy accents, the phone creates presence through tone, depth, and gentle shifts in light, giving it a more personal quality.

Compared to the 15T Pro, there is also a clear shift in the finish itself. The older model had more of a shimmer, while the 17T Pro moves toward a sheen finish instead. Both have their appeal. The shimmer of the 15T Pro feels lively and expressive, while the sheen of the 17T Pro feels smoother and more understated.

The Xiaomi 17T Pro comes in Deep Blue, Deep Purple, and Black. I received the Deep Blue variant, and it made the strongest first impression with its deep purple undertone, which adds richness and subtle variation depending on the light. Deep Purple feels a little warmer and more expressive, while Black is the most understated of the three, though it still has a deep navy undertone that keeps it from looking flat.

Another key part of the visual identity is the square camera housing, which is color-matched to the rest of the body. The continuous side frame and matching buttons also help the device feel more unified and architectural. The only minor distraction is the regulatory markings on the lower right of the back panel, which are a bit more noticeable than I would like on an otherwise very clean design.

Ergonomics

The Xiaomi 17T Pro remains close to its predecessor in both size and weight, measuring 162.2 x 77.5 x 8.25mm and weighing 219g. Those numbers are substantial, but they make sense for a phone with a 6.82-inch display, 7,000mAh battery, and a capable camera system. Given the hardware it packs in, Xiaomi has done a good job balancing flagship ambition with everyday usability.

This is not really a one-handed phone unless you have large hands, but it avoids feeling awkward. The smooth pebble-like texture of the back panel helps here, making the phone feel softer and more natural in the hand. Combined with the frame and the gentle transitions from the back panel, the edges do not dig into the palm even when you are using it a little awkwardly with one hand. The weight is also well balanced, which makes the phone feel more controlled than its size might suggest.

One detail that could be improved is the fingerprint sensor placement. It sits quite close to the bottom edge of the display, which makes unlocking the phone feel a bit awkward at times. It is something you can get used to, but a slightly higher position would have felt more natural.

Performance

The Xiaomi 17T Pro feels fast and responsive in everyday use, which is exactly what you would hope for from a flagship built around the MediaTek Dimensity 9500. Paired with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 storage, the phone has more than enough headroom for smooth navigation, quick app launches, and fluid multitasking. The phone runs Xiaomi HyperOS 3 based on Android 16 out of the box, and so far, the overall experience feels snappy and polished rather than overly busy.

A big part of that impression comes from the display. The 6.83-inch AMOLED panel has a 1.5K resolution of 2772 x 1280, a refresh rate of up to 144Hz, and peak brightness of up to 3,500 nits. It also supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, which helps content look vivid and high contrast when the source material allows. Xiaomi includes both DC dimming and PWM dimming and introduces Xiaomi Vision Care with the 17T Pro. The 17T series is also the first in the industry to receive TÜV Rheinland quadruple eye care certification, including Low Blue Light, Circadian Friendly, Flicker Free, and Intelligent Eye Care, with the display designed to deliver a more comfortable viewing experience over longer sessions.

The camera system builds on what already worked well on the 15T Pro rather than trying to reinvent the formula. On the back, you get a 50MP main camera, a 50MP telephoto camera, and a 12MP ultra-wide camera, while the front houses a 32MP selfie camera. All three rear cameras carry Leica branding, and as usual, Xiaomi lets you choose between Leica Vibrant and Leica Authentic color profiles. I usually prefer Leica Authentic because it delivers that signature Leica look, though Leica Vibrant tends to work better for food photography, where a little extra punch can be welcome.

1x Main, Leica Authentic

1x Main, Leica Authentic

5x Telephoto, Leica Vibrant

The 23mm-equivalent main camera with its f/1.67 aperture takes great photos with a pleasing level of detail, good exposure, and a wide dynamic range in good lighting. Colors look realistic rather than overly processed, which gives the images a more natural feel. Low-light performance is also strong overall, with good detail retention and very little visible noise. It feels like a dependable main camera that can handle a wide range of situations without much fuss.

5x Telephoto

10x Telephoto

The 115mm-equivalent telephoto camera with its f/3.0 aperture is really the star of the show. It delivers shots with strong detail, good exposure, and a wide dynamic range, while color stays fairly consistent with the main camera. Even in low light or more difficult lighting conditions, it manages to hold onto detail impressively well. The telemacro mode is less convincing, though. It is not especially sharp, and with a minimum focus distance of 30cm, it does not let you get quite as close to the subject as I would have liked.

0.6x Ultra-wide, Leica Vibrant with Film Positive filter

5x Telephoto, Leica Authentic

5x Telephoto, Leica Authentic

The 15mm-equivalent ultra-wide camera with its f/2.2 aperture and 120-degree field of view is the weakest of the three rear cameras, but it still delivers solid results. Detail can look a bit softer compared to the main and telephoto cameras, though dynamic range remains good, and the overall output is still perfectly usable. It may not be the standout lens in the system, but it does its job well enough for most casual wide shots.

Portrait mode is another strong point. You can choose between Master Portrait and Leica Portrait, and both styles deliver attractive results with natural-looking background blur. Subject isolation is consistently well judged, which helps portraits look polished without feeling overly artificial.

2x Main, Master Portrait

5x Telephoto, Master Portrait

5x Telephoto, Master Portrait

One of the more playful additions is Leica Live Moment, which lets you capture live motion photos with Leica color tone. I usually turn off live motion photos on most phones because the still image quality often takes a hit, and the moving portion can end up looking blurry. With the 17T Pro, though, I could clearly see the appeal.

It adds a little more story and spontaneity to the image, and the fact that it is available even in Portrait mode makes it more versatile than I expected. I tried it with kids, pets, a couple dancing, and an approaching train, all of which felt like good examples of where the feature makes sense. In those moments, it preserved a bit of movement and atmosphere that a still image alone would not fully capture. You do need to keep the phone fairly still; the motion portion can end up showing too much camera movement. Even so, when it works, it is a genuinely fun feature.

2x Main, Leica Vibrant with B&W Filter

Video is another area where the 17T Pro feels well-equipped. The main camera can record up to 8K at 30fps or 4K at 120fps. The telephoto and ultra-wide cameras are capped at 4K at 60fps, while the front camera tops out at 4K at 30fps. Xiaomi also lets you shoot in Log with all rear cameras, and there is a Movie mode that adds cinematic background blur for a more stylized look. Video quality has been very good across different lighting conditions on both the main and telephoto cameras, with wide dynamic range, solid exposure, and a generally polished result.

Battery size is one of the biggest improvements over the previous model. With its 7,000mAh silicon-carbon battery, the 17T Pro gives a reassuring sense of stamina that matches its large size, and it has felt great in day-to-day use. Even with a full day of heavy camera use, the phone was able to last the entire day, and with lighter use, it can easily stretch beyond that. It supports 100W wired charge, 55W wireless HyperCharge, and 22.5W wired reverse charge.

Sustainability

The Xiaomi 17T Pro makes a reasonable case for longevity through both durability and software support. It comes with an IP68 rating, Corning Gorilla Glass 7i on both the display and back panel, and a high-strength aluminum frame. Those details may not define sustainability on their own, but they do suggest a phone built to hold up well over time.

Xiaomi is also promising 5 generations of Android upgrades and 6 years of security patches, which gives the 17T Pro a longer life beyond the hardware itself. That matters because one of the most practical forms of sustainability is simply keeping a phone useful for longer. The 17T Pro may not radically change the sustainability conversation, but it does feel like a device designed with longevity in mind.

Value

The Xiaomi 17T Pro comes in three configurations: 12GB + 256GB, 12GB + 512GB, and 12GB + 1TB, with prices starting at 899 euros. That is 100 euros more than the 15T Pro, which is a noticeable jump for the series. It does make the 17T Pro feel a little less aggressively priced than its predecessor.

Still, the increase does not feel entirely surprising given the recent rise in memory prices. Xiaomi is also unlikely to be the only brand adjusting prices in 2026. With its larger 7,000mAh battery, refined design, strong telephoto camera, and solid software support, the 17T Pro still feels like a well-rounded flagship that offers good value overall.

Verdict

The Xiaomi 17T Pro does not try to reinvent what made the T series appealing, and that is exactly why it works. Instead, it takes the core strengths of the 15T Pro, including the restrained design, strong camera system, and flagship-like everyday performance, and refines them in ways that feel practical rather than flashy. The result is a phone that feels more mature than dramatic, but also more complete.

What stands out most is how balanced the overall package feels. The telephoto camera is genuinely excellent, the battery life is a major step up, and the design still has a quiet confidence that helps the phone stand out without trying too hard. There are a few compromises, of course. The ultra-wide camera is merely good rather than great, the fingerprint sensor sits lower than it should, and the higher starting price means the 17T Pro no longer feels quite as aggressively positioned as earlier T Pro devices.

Even so, Xiaomi has refined the right things. The 17T Pro feels like a phone that understands its own appeal and leans into it with confidence. It is not chasing attention with gimmicks or trying to prove itself through excess. Instead, it delivers the kind of thoughtful, well-rounded flagship experience that becomes more convincing the longer you use it, and that is what makes it easy to recommend.

The post Xiaomi 17 Pro Review: Refined in All the Right Places first appeared on Yanko Design.

Xiaomi’s $80 Air Fryer Can Steam, Sous Vide, and Air Fry, Giving You A Crisp Outside and Juicy Inside

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There is a reason professional bakers spray water into their ovens right before a loaf goes in. Steam in the early stages of baking keeps the crust elastic long enough for the bread to fully rise before it sets, and then as the moisture burns off, the outside crisps up hard and crackly while the inside stays open and soft. Xiaomi applied that same principle to an air fryer, which sounds obvious in hindsight but somehow took the entire appliance industry a decade to get around to trying. The result is the Mijia Smart Air Fryer Pro Steam and Bake Edition, a 6.5-liter machine that launched on Youpin in March for around $80.

We covered Smeg’s steam-equipped air fryer concept out of Milan Design Week back in April, and the reaction told us something useful: people are genuinely ready for this idea. The hardware behind Xiaomi’s take is straightforward but well thought out. A 1.5-liter water tank sits on top of the unit and feeds a 900W steam generator capable of reaching 130 degrees Celsius, with enough output to run seven continuous dishes before needing a refill. Combined with a conventional 1,850W heating element and a 360-degree hot air circulation system, you get a machine that can switch between dry heat and humid heat within the same cooking cycle. The 304 stainless steel interior handles the moisture without corroding, and the fluorine-free non-stick basket makes cleanup considerably less painful than you might expect from something that gets regularly steamed.

Designer: Xiaomi

Steam-fry and sous vide are the two modes that actually push past what any conventional air fryer can do, rather than just relabeling the same hot-air cycle with a fancier name. Steam-fry layers humid and dry heat in sequence, holding just enough moisture in the chamber to slow surface dehydration while the heat pushes deeper into the food, which is exactly how you get chicken wings that crack rather than just brown. The sous vide mode holds a low, stable temperature over a long period using the water tank as its medium, something a dry-heat machine physically cannot fake its way through. The full temperature range runs from 30 to 230 degrees Celsius with NTC precise control, which in practice means the same machine handles yogurt fermentation at the low end and a proper sear at the high end, a spread that no single-mode appliance on its own can match.

A 234mm horizontal interior sounds like a spec sheet abstraction until you realize it fits a whole chicken, 24 wings, or nine steamed buns in a single load, and the dual-layer rack splits that cavity between two dishes cooking simultaneously at different heights without either one stealing heat from the other. The 1,850W heating element drives the hot air side of things hard enough to cut sausage cooking time to eight minutes versus the twenty-odd you’d wait in a conventional oven, and the 360-degree circulation keeps that heat moving evenly rather than pooling at one side of the basket. Scheduling a cook 24 hours out through Mi Home, or pulling from a library of over 100 cloud recipes, means dinner can be running before you’ve even thought about what you want to eat. The OLED interactive knob handles everything manually for anyone who’d rather just twist a dial than pull out a phone, which is the kind of small considered detail that keeps a smart appliance from feeling like a chore.

The Mijia Pro is crowdfunding in China at 559 yuan, around $81, with a planned retail price of 749 yuan, roughly $109. Smeg’s steam air fryer, by contrast, is a concept with no confirmed price and a launch window no earlier than late 2026. Dreame’s Feast DS50, which takes a different approach to the same problem through dual-zone independent airflow rather than steam, is priced at $229 for its North American launch. Xiaomi is delivering a technically comparable answer to the same cooking challenge at a fraction of that price, in a machine that is already shipping in China and building toward a global rollout. The steam air fryer category is real, it has momentum, and the most affordable entry point currently has a Xiaomi logo on it

The post Xiaomi’s $80 Air Fryer Can Steam, Sous Vide, and Air Fry, Giving You A Crisp Outside and Juicy Inside first appeared on Yanko Design.

A Burned-Out Xiaomi Phone Now Runs Gemini AI Inside a Retro TV Case

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The smart home speaker market has settled into a familiar aesthetic. Smooth cylinders, matte finishes, and understated designs meant to disappear into a room are the default for most voice assistants. It’s a reasonable approach, but it also means most of them look exactly the same, and the hardware driving them tends to get replaced every couple of years, whether it actually needs to be or not.

HANDMAX Workshop took a different approach entirely. Rather than buying new hardware, the build starts with a Xiaomi Mi 8 already well past its prime, complete with a burned-in display, degraded speakers, and a failing battery. The processor and software capabilities were still perfectly usable, though, and that turned out to be all this kind of project actually needs.

Designer: HANDMAX Workshop

The case is where things get interesting. Instead of a sleek enclosure meant to blend in, the HANDMAX design goes full retro television, with a front grille, physical control buttons, and decorative legs completing the picture. Carefully modeled 3D-printed parts handle the practical side of things, accommodating the phone’s sensors and camera while keeping the vintage illusion intact from every angle you look at it.

Put it on a desk, and you have a smart speaker that looks like something rescued from a garage sale, in the best possible way. Ask it a question, and Google Gemini handles the conversational side, pulling in responses without needing a dedicated microprocessor or a new development board. It’s the same AI model powering higher-end commercial devices, running on hardware that would otherwise be sitting in a drawer.

The smart home integration is what makes it genuinely useful beyond being a conversation piece. Through Google Home, the device can control smart home accessories directly, and custom routines let voice commands trigger specific actions around the house. Turning lights on, adjusting a thermostat, or running a sequence of automations becomes a spoken instruction directed at what looks like a miniature television set.

Getting there wasn’t entirely straightforward. The phone’s Bluetooth module had a habit of shutting itself down after 20 minutes of silence, which would quietly cripple the whole setup. The fix was characteristically clever, though; an inaudible 6 Hz tone runs constantly in the background, imperceptible to human ears but enough to convince the firmware that the system is still in use and shouldn’t shut down.

Beyond voice interaction, the finished device also functions as a wireless charger and a desktop display, which means it earns its counter space even when no one is talking to it. The final hardware list doesn’t include a single new component, just old parts that most people would have discarded without a second thought. That’s the more interesting design challenge of the two.

There’s an argument to be made that the best AI hardware isn’t always the most expensive, and this project makes it quietly. Commercial smart speakers are bought, used for a few years, and eventually replaced. A device built from broken hardware doesn’t follow that lifecycle, and the retro TV case that holds it together makes sure it doesn’t look like it’s trying to.

The post A Burned-Out Xiaomi Phone Now Runs Gemini AI Inside a Retro TV Case first appeared on Yanko Design.

POCO X8 Pro Iron Man Review: Hero-Level Performance for only $399

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PROS:


  • Tasteful and elegant Iron Man-themed design

  • Surprisingly powerful for its class and price tier

  • Large 6,500mAh battery with 100W HyperCharge

  • Bright and vivid 6.59-inch 1.5K 120Hz AMOLED display

CONS:


  • Inconsistent thermal management

  • Basic 8MP ultra-wide and no telephoto camera

  • No wireless charging

RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

Just like Tony Stark, the POCO X8 Pro Iron Man Edition is classy, powerful, and pushes the boundaries of what you can achieve with less.

Interests and fandoms number in the hundreds, and when you take into account the number of smartphone brands and models, it’s statistically impossible for manufacturers to cater to everyone’s tastes. That’s why when smartphone makers come out with devices especially designed to appeal to fans of certain characters or brands, there’s no small amount of excitement over a collab that finally feels like rewarding their brand loyalty. After all, you won’t need to dress your phone up in a thick case just to show off your style.

For the second time, POCO is releasing an Iron Man-themed version of one of its flagships, the POCO X8 Pro. While last year’s POCO X7 Pro Iron Man edition brought the flashy, head-turning red and gold motif that has become synonymous with the superhero, the latest iteration brings maturity and elegance while still maintaining that hi-tech character. Best of all, it’s still a device that Tony Stark himself would probably give his seal of approval. Read on to find out why.

Designer: POCO

Aesthetics

Tony Stark is more than just Iron Man, symbolized by the heroic and explosive colors of red and gold. As the famous movie quote goes, he’s also a genius, billionaire, and philanthropist (let’s ignore that other part of that phrase for now). The POCO X8 Pro Iron Man Edition seems to represent that other side of the coin, displaying an often-forgotten aspect of Tony Stark’s identity, without losing what makes Iron Man Iron Man: the fearless and relentless drive to push boundaries.

This year’s color scheme revolves around a black and gold combination, which rarely makes an appearance in both comics and film, that carries a sense of class and style befitting one of the richest people in the Marvel universe. The phone itself embraces the modern design language of sides sandwiched by a flat screen and a flat back panel. There’s almost an Art Deco vibe to the aesthetic, a design language that is immediately associated with opulence and luxury.

Of course, the most attention-grabbing part of the POCO X8 Pro Iron Man Edition’s design is its rear. The back panel has a matte black surface with holographic gold accents detailing a circuit diagram of Iron Man’s armor. Smack in the middle is a full-body armor decal of the titular superhero, complete with his name in case you couldn’t identify him from appearance alone. The decal has a glossy material that contrasts with the smooth matte texture of the rest of the phone’s back.

Unlike other smartphones of this era, the POCO X8 Pro’s two cameras stand on their own, with the lenses also accented with a gold ring. These cameras have a special power, displaying different RGB colors depending on the situation and enhancing that sci-fi aesthetic. The LED flash stands beside them, positioned in such a way that it is reminiscent of the Arc Reactor in the center of Iron Man’s chest. In reality, the flash is actually off-center, though the design easily fools the eye into believing that’s not the case.

Special mention needs to be made to the packaging for this year’s Iron Man edition. Though not as elaborate as the realme 15 Pro Game of Thrones Edition, the POCO X8 Pro Iron Man edition comes in a box that instantly identifies the theme of its contents. Specifically, it emulates Iron Man’s armor in the form of a briefcase, yet another nod to the comics, and comes with a MARVEL-branded SIM ejector pin and a red charging cable with Tony Stark’s signature on it.

Ergonomics

At only 201.47g and with a 6.59-inch screen, the POCO X8 Pro Iron Man Edition is surprisingly light and comfortable to hold in the hand, despite the large 6,500mAh battery sitting inside. The 8.38mm chamfered edges add to the grip without biting into your skin, which would normally result in a confident and secure hold, if not for the rather slippery matte surface of both the aluminum frame and most of the phone’s back.

Almost ironically, the glossy Iron Man decal in the middle adds a bit of stickiness to prevent slipping. Thankfully, it isn’t much of a smudge magnet, so you can rest your fingers on it without much worry. If you’re still unsure, however, the POCO X8 Pro Iron Man Edition comes with a matching protective case that doesn’t add much bulk or heft to the phone. Given how the case is designed like Iron Man’s torso, it’s almost like literally putting armor on your phone.

Sadly, there is no such relief for the under-screen fingerprint sensor, which is positioned quite close to the lower edge of the phone. This might require shifting your hand down a bit to unlock the phone with one hand, which carries the risk of the phone slipping from your grasp. Fortunately, the sensor is accurate enough to allow you to partially place your thumb above the ring indicator to successfully unlock it.

Performance

An Iron Man-themed smartphone that only looks good on the outside but falls flat on its face in actual use would be a terrible insult to the tech genius that is Tony Stark. Thankfully, that isn’t the case, and the POCO X8 Pro performs as you would expect from a superhero-branded piece of technology. Running on a MediaTek Dimensity 8500 Ultra with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, the POCO X8 Pro has enough muscle to help you triumph over life’s daily battles.

The user interface is fluid and responsive, and there are no issues with multitasking and switching between running apps. Gaming is also no problem, though with some caveats. This is definitely no Pro Max, but the POCO X8 Pro can definitely handle titles like Genshin Impact or Warframe, even at high settings. It does get warm quickly, and it doesn’t cool down as fast, but it never gets unbearably hot. You’ll have to play around to find the sweet spot between performance and comfort, especially with POCO WildBoost Optimization and Game Turbo feature at play. Pun totally intended.

The POCO X8 Pro Iron Man Edition’s bright and vivid 6.59-inch screen perfectly complements the phone’s power. With a 1.5K resolution of 2756×1268 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate, the screen delivers sharp and crisp visuals whether you’re gaming or binging videos. One detail worth noting, however, is the curved corners of the screen, which could make some parts of a game’s interface difficult to access with a simple tap.

While the POCO X8 Pro checks a lot of boxes in terms of performance, its photography game leaves a bit to be desired. Make no mistake, the 50MP Sony IMX882 main camera takes great photos, especially with its 6P f/1.5 lens. Colors are rich, and details are accurate, whether in perfect lighting conditions, overcast skies, or at night. The camera app lets you pick between 26mm or everyone’s favorite 35mm as the default focal distance, as well as offering pro controls that will delight more seasoned shutterbugs.

The 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide camera, however, is a bit of a let-down in this day and age. It’s serviceable, yes, but nothing to write home about if you’re trying to survey the site for a new Avengers tower. There is no telephoto camera either, which truly earmarks the phone for the mid-tier segment. The front 20MP camera maxes out at 1080p 60fps, so your superhero conferences will be pretty basic.

The large 6,500mAh battery provides enough juice for the Poco X8 Pro Iron Man Edition to last the whole day with still plenty to spare before you need to plug it in. With 100W HyperCharge technology, it takes less than 50 minutes to get it from empty to fully charged for battle. The catch is that, like any other proprietary charging technology, you’ll need the official POCO/Xiaomi charger and cables to pull off this feat.

Sustainability

POCO doesn’t say a lot about the materials it uses for its phone, especially special editions like this Iron Man-themed POCO X8 Pro. The focus, instead, is on reliability, durability, and longevity. With IP68 dust and water-resistance, the phone can survive more than a few mishaps. Corning Gorilla Glass 7i protects the screen, the most critical part of the phone that’s always exposed to danger, from scratches and cracks, at least under normal circumstances.

Beyond the physical device itself, the POCO X8 Pro is also being promised six years of security updates, though major Android updates are limited to four years. Given how it’s running HyperOS 3 based on Android 16 out of the box, this theoretically guarantees it will remain fresh until Android 20. This is a major improvement to Xiaomi’s product family, which includes Redmi and POCO, though it remains to be seen how well it will be able to keep its promises.

Value

Overall, the POCO X8 Pro Iron Man Edition is a beautiful smartphone, inside and out. It is surprisingly powerful and capable for what is labeled as a mid-tier phone, especially when you consider the $399 price tag. And if you’re an Iron Man or Marvel fan, this combination of impressive performance and elegant fan service is definitely a tempting option for an everyday partner.

It is by no means perfect, as can be seen in its camera selection or inconsistent thermals, but it gets the job done without much fuss. Even the vanilla POCO X8 Pro makes for an excellent choice, especially as the Pro Max offers only a few advantages, like processor and battery size, but with a $130 premium. The lines between smartphone tiers continue to blur, and the Poco X8 Pro Iron Man Edition is testament to that.

Verdict

Iron Man stands out among superheroes because, like Batman, his strength lies not in any supernatural power or even his exorbitant wealth (though that definitely helps). His power is in pushing himself, his mind, and his technology beyond the limits to achieve victory. That’s the association that POCO is trying to push with the X8 Pro Iron Man Edition, and it works!

More than just the tasteful and elegant design, the POCO X8 Pro Iron Man Edition also embodies one of Tony Stark’s less-cited traits: his practicality. He doesn’t always aim for the most advanced and most expensive technologies but uses what’s available and pushes them to the limit to achieve amazing feats without too much cost. Just like the POCO X8 Pro Iron Man Edition, a mid-range phone that punches above its weight.

The post POCO X8 Pro Iron Man Review: Hero-Level Performance for only $399 first appeared on Yanko Design.

Xiaomi Pad 8 Review: The $310 Tablet That Feels More Expensive

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PROS:


  • Bright and smooth 11.2-inch display

  • Solid accessory ecosystem

  • Long battery life

CONS:


  • No microSD card slot

  • No official IP rating

RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

Xiaomi Pad 8 gives you a premium tablet experience without the premium price tag. If entertainment and everyday use are your priorities, this is one of the smartest buys in the mid-range.

Xiaomi Pad 8 is built for casual buyers who want a fast, good-looking tablet without paying flagship prices. It keeps the familiar Pad design, but pairs it with a sharp 11.2-inch 3.2K class 144 Hz display, strong quad speakers, and a noticeably more powerful Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset. The result is a device that feels premium for streaming, browsing, and gaming, even if it is not trying to reinvent what a Xiaomi tablet looks like.

What matters is how complete the package feels in daily use. HyperOS 3 keeps the interface smooth and adds useful multitasking tools like split screen and desktop mode for light productivity. Xiaomi also supports the tablet with practical accessories, including two keyboard options, a cover that doubles as a stand, and the Focus Pen Pro for notes and sketches. If you want one tablet that can handle entertainment and occasional work, Pad 8 is designed to fit that role.

Designer: Xiaomi

Aesthetics

From the outside, the Xiaomi Pad 8 looks almost identical to its predecessor, the Xiaomi Pad 7. The design follows a flat edge language with soft rounded corners that soften the overall silhouette and keep it friendly in the hand. The rear panel is simple and uncluttered, with a single camera island and a centered Xiaomi logo that does not shout for attention. This minimal approach gives the Pad 8 a calm and almost understated personality that feels more premium than its price suggests.

The camera module itself is neatly integrated into the back design. It sits in a small rectangular island that reads more like a design accent than a visual interruption. Edges transition smoothly between the back and the frame, so the tablet looks like a single continuous piece rather than a stack of separate parts. Xiaomi offers the Pad 8 in three colors, Pine Green, Blue, and Gray, and all of these variants are tuned to look subtle and refined rather than loud. All of these add up to a device that feels stylish enough for a café table or a meeting room, without ever looking like a toy or a purely budget gadget.

Ergonomics

While the design focuses on clean lines and visual calm, the build of the Xiaomi Pad 8 focuses on comfort and practicality. Pad 8 measures 241.2 x 173.4 x 5.8 mm and weighs either 485g or 494g, depending on the variant, which makes it slightly slimmer and lighter than Xiaomi Pad 7. The difference on paper may look small, yet in the hand it translates into a tablet that feels more refined and easier to hold for long stretches. For casual users who spend evenings streaming or reading, this gentle reduction in bulk becomes a quiet but meaningful upgrade.

The metal frame feels sturdy in the hand and gives the tablet a reassuring sense of solidity. Button placement feels thoughtful as well, with the power and volume keys sitting where your fingers naturally land when you hold the tablet. You do not have to stretch awkwardly to adjust volume during a show, which keeps the experience relaxed and natural. The stereo speakers are positioned so that your hands are less likely to block them when you grip the device in landscape, which helps maintain clear sound without forcing you to change how you hold the tablet.

Performance

The display remains largely unchanged from Pad 7. You get an 11.2-inch IPS panel with a sharp 3.2K class resolution and a very fast 144 Hz refresh rate. Brightness peaks around 800 nits, which is strong for an LCD in this range and helps keep the screen readable near windows or outdoors on bright days. It supports DCI P3, HDR10, HDR10+, HDR Vivid, and Dolby Vision, so movies and shows benefit from richer colors and better contrast when the content is mastered for it.

Like most tablets with a glossy front glass, the Pad 8 screen is fairly reflective, so you will notice glare near bright windows or under strong indoor lighting. It is not worse than what you will see on most competing tablets. Xiaomi will also offer a Pad 8 Matte Glass version globally, and that option should be the better pick if reflections annoy you.

Audio quality keeps pace with the visuals. The Pad 8 uses a four-speaker setup that creates a satisfying level of volume and a well-balanced soundstage. Voices stay clear in dialogue-heavy scenes, while music and effects have enough presence to make games and films feel more immersive. This means you can comfortably watch or play without always reaching for headphones.

The biggest upgrade comes from the chipset. Xiaomi Pad 8 runs on the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 processor, and the GPU delivers plenty of power for modern titles and smooth animations across the interface. Even when you play graphically demanding games for long sessions, the device does not stutter, and it keeps its temperature under control, so performance remains stable, and the tablet stays comfortable to hold.

That performance is backed by a straightforward set of memory and storage options. You can choose between 8 GB and 128 GB, 8 GB and 256 GB, or 12 GB and 256 GB. The 8 GB model uses LPDDR5X memory, while the 12 GB model steps up to LPDDR5T, and storage is either 128 GB UFS 3.1 or 256 GB UFS 4.1, depending on the version you choose. There is no microSD card slot, so it is worth picking the capacity you will be happy with long term. The USB-C port also supports display output, so you can connect Pad 8 to an external monitor when you need a bigger screen for work or entertainment.

Xiaomi Pad 8 runs HyperOS 3 based on Android 16, and it feels quick and modern. The interface is clean, and it makes the large screen feel purposeful rather than like a stretched phone layout. It stays out of your way and keeps everyday tasks feeling smooth.

It supports split-screen multitasking, including a vertical split view that makes better use of the display. Xiaomi also keeps its desktop mode here, letting you open up to four floating, flexible windows at once for light productivity. This is handy when you want to browse, chat, and reference a document without constantly switching apps.

If you already own a Xiaomi phone, the ecosystem integration works very well. You can transfer calls and files between your phone and tablet seamlessly, and you can even mirror your phone screen directly on the Pad 8. For users who live in the Xiaomi ecosystem, this kind of connected experience makes the tablet feel like a natural extension of your phone rather than a separate device.

Cameras are not a headline feature on most tablets, and Xiaomi Pad 8 follows that familiar pattern. You get a 13 MP rear camera and an 8 MP front camera, which is enough for scanning documents, grabbing reference photos, and handling video calls without fuss. Image quality is best in good light, but for casual use, it is perfectly serviceable and convenient.

Battery size sees a modest upgrade, now with a 9200 mAh cell instead of the 8850 mAh unit in Pad 7, and it matches the capacity of the more expensive Pad 8 Pro. In real use, that means a full day of mixed activity is easy to achieve, even if you spend several hours streaming video and browsing. Light users who mostly read, check email, and watch a bit of content in the evening can often stretch the tablet across multiple days between charges.

Charging speed is unchanged from Pad 7 at 45W, so you still get reasonably quick top-ups when you plug in. Pad 8 now also supports 25W reverse charging, which lets you use the tablet as a power source for other devices when needed. This is especially handy for phones, earbuds, or accessories that are running low, and it adds a practical bonus to that large battery that casual users will appreciate on trips or long days out.

Xiaomi offers a solid accessory lineup for Pad 8, including the Xiaomi Pad 8 and Pad 8 Pro Focus Keyboard, the standard Keyboard, the Cover, and the Xiaomi Focus Pen Pro. Both keyboards are comfortable to type on, and the cover doubles as a stand for easy viewing. If you are coming from Pad 7, most of these accessories will feel familiar, since the Focus Keyboard, Keyboard, and Cover are largely unchanged from the previous generation.

The most interesting addition is the Xiaomi Focus Pen Pro. It goes button-free for a cleaner, simpler feel, and it adds pressure sensitivity with haptic feedback for more natural writing and sketching. Even if you are not an artist, pressure sensitivity makes note-taking feel smoother and more expressive than a basic stylus. You can squeeze to open a choice of three apps. In the drawing app, you can slide your finger through the Pen to change the brush size. It will take some time to get used to, and the sensitivity and responsiveness can be improved.

Sustainability

Xiaomi makes a solid commitment to longevity with Pad 8. The tablet is promised 4 years of OS updates and 6 years of security patches, which helps it stay secure and usable for much longer than many budget and mid-range Android tablets. For casual buyers, that means you can treat it as a long-term device rather than something you will quickly need to replace.

On the hardware side, the build feels solid and reassuring in the hand, but there is no official IP rating for dust or water resistance, so you still need to be careful around spills and rough environments. A decent case and perhaps a screen protector are sensible additions if you plan to carry it everywhere. In short, the software support looks built to last, the chassis feels robust, and the overall physical durability will still depend on how well you protect it.

Value

Xiaomi Pad 8 offers strong everyday value for casual buyers, with a sharp 11.2-inch 3.2K class 144 Hz display, quad speakers, Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 performance, and a large 9200 mAh battery. In China, pricing starts at CNY 2,199 for the 8 GB and 128 GB models, commonly quoted as about $310, with higher tiers at CNY 2,499, about $350, and CNY 2,799, about $390. US and EU pricing will differ, but the message is clear. Xiaomi is aiming for premium specs without a premium price.

The compromises are straightforward. There is no microSD card slot on the Pad 8, so you need to choose your storage tier carefully from the start. There is also no fingerprint sensor on Pad 8, so you need the Pad 8 Pro if you want that convenience. The standard screen is also reflective unless you opt for the Matte Glass version. If those points do not bother you, Pad 8 lands in a very appealing sweet spot for streaming, browsing, and gaming.

Verdict

Xiaomi Pad 8 is an easy tablet to like because it focuses on the basics and executes them well. The display is sharp and fluid, the speakers are loud and balanced, and performance stays stable even during longer gaming sessions. It also feels solid in the hand, and the slimmer, lighter body makes it comfortable for long reading or streaming sessions.

The downsides are straightforward, with no fingerprint sensor, no microSD card slot, and a glossy screen that can show reflections unless you choose the Matte Glass version. On the plus side, Xiaomi’s accessory lineup gives you room to grow, whether you want a keyboard setup for light work or a pressure-sensitive pen for note-taking. The overall package lands as a strong value, especially if your tablet time revolves around entertainment with occasional productivity.

The post Xiaomi Pad 8 Review: The $310 Tablet That Feels More Expensive first appeared on Yanko Design.

Xiaomi 17 Review: The Compact Flagship With a 6330mAh Battery

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PROS:


  • Compact flagship design

  • Bright 6.3-inch LTPO AMOLED display

  • Strong all-around camera system

  • Excellent battery capacity for its size

CONS:


  • Global version gets a smaller battery than the Chinese version

  • Haptic rattles a little in some apps and games

  • Camera is a slight step down compared to the Ultra, especially the telephoto

RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

The Xiaomi 17 gets a lot right by knowing exactly what it wants to be.

The Xiaomi 17 is a rare thing in 2026. It is a genuinely compact Android flagship that still throws around huge‑phone specs. You get a 6.3‑inch LTPO AMOLED display, a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, a Leica‑branded triple camera, and a battery that is bigger than many tablets at up to 7000 mAh in the Chinese version and 6330mAh in the global version.

Unlike its louder siblings, the Xiaomi 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, or 17 Ultra, the standard Xiaomi 17 skips the rear secondary screen and wild camera modules. That makes it the most understated member of the family, but also the one that will fit most hands and pockets, while still behaving like a no‑compromise flagship.

Designer: Xiaomi

Aesthetics

The Xiaomi 17 is the quietest looking member of the 17 family, yet it still feels unmistakably premium. Xiaomi leans into clean lines and soft geometry rather than aggressive angles, which gives the phone a calm, almost minimalist presence. The side frame is color-matched to the back, so the whole device reads as a single block, which gives it an almost monolith-like feel in the hand and on the desk. From the back, the design is deliberately restrained and avoids the visual noise you see on many flagships today.

The camera island is compact and neatly integrated, without the oversized rings or dramatic steps used on some rivals and on Xiaomi’s own Pro and Ultra models. The color-matched square camera bump has a reflective finish and houses three cameras and an LED flash, each framed by its own ring.

The Xiaomi logo is treated almost like a subtle cutout in the glass, using the same base color as the back but with a glossy finish, so it only really pops when light hits it at the right angle. Matte glass finishes soften reflections across the rest of the panel and help the phone catch light in a more diffuse, satin way rather than a mirror-like glare.

Color choices reinforce this subtle aesthetic. Global versions come in black, blue, pink, and green, which gives a mix of classic and slightly playful options without drifting into toy-like territory.

Overall, the Xiaomi 17’s aesthetic is about understatement and quiet confidence. It looks like a high-end object, but it doesn’t shout about it or demand attention. If you are tired of oversized camera bump theatrics or overly glossy finishes, this is a design that blends into your everyday environment in a very good way.

Ergonomics

The Xiaomi 17 sits in a sweet spot at about 151.1 × 71.8 × 8.1 mm and 191 g, which makes it noticeably more compact than the typical 6.7‑inch flagship while still feeling dense and substantial. In daily use, that translates into easier one‑hand reach, less finger gymnastics for the notification shade, and a more secure grip when you are walking or commuting.

Corner radius and gently curved edges help the phone nestle into the palm without sharp pressure points, so the 191 g weight feels planted rather than fatiguing. The matte glass back adds a touch of grip compared with glossy finishes, and the relatively modest camera bump means the phone rocks less on a table when you tap the upper corners.

The fingerprint scanner is positioned well enough that you can unlock the phone and continue using it in one smooth motion, which adds to the sense that the Xiaomi 17 was designed around everyday comfort rather than just visual appeal. At the same time, its compact proportions are what really make the phone stand out. It is easier to live with than most modern flagships, especially for users who still value one-handed usability.

Performance

The Xiaomi 17 features a 6.3-inch LTPO AMOLED panel that runs at up to 120 Hz. Resolution is around 2656 × 1220, which Xiaomi positions as a 1.5K-class display. That gives a high pixel density without the power draw of a full 4K panel. According to Xiaomi, it can reach around 3500 nits of peak brightness.

The display looks vibrant and gets bright enough to stay comfortable in most lighting conditions. Dual speakers deliver clear sound with enough volume for videos, games, and casual listening. The only drawback is the haptic feedback, which feels a little too strong and gives the phone a faint rattling sensation that I found slightly distracting during longer sessions.

Under the hood, the Xiaomi 17 debuts Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset in Xiaomi’s flagship line. Configurations start at 12 GB of LPDDR5X RAM with 256 GB of UFS 4.1 storage and go up to 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage for the global version.

On the software side, the phone ships with HyperOS 3 based on Android 16. HyperOS is Xiaomi’s unified platform that aims to tie together phones, tablets, TVs, smart home devices, and even vehicles under a single ecosystem. The Xiaomi 17 benefits from this through features like cross-device clipboard, multi-screen collaboration, and tighter integration with Xiaomi’s smart home products.

Xiaomi continues its partnership with Leica on the Xiaomi 17. The base model gets a triple rear camera setup, with all three modules using 50 MP sensors. The main camera is a 50 MP wide unit at about 23 mm equivalent, with an f/1.7 aperture, optical image stabilization, and a relatively large sensor around the 1/1.3 inch class. This is the primary workhorse for most shots, combining high resolution with good light-gathering ability. The telephoto camera is a 50 MP module around 60 mm equivalent with an f/2.0 aperture, OIS, and roughly 2.6× optical zoom. Xiaomi advertises close focus capability down to around 10 cm, which lets this lens double as a pseudo macro option.

The third camera is a 50 MP ultrawide unit at about 17 mm equivalent with an f/2.4 aperture and around a 102 degree field of view. This keeps detail relatively high for landscape and architecture shots compared to the 8 MP or 12 MP ultrawides found on many mid-range phones.

On the front, there is a 50 MP selfie camera with an f/2.2 lens around 21 mm equivalent and phase detect autofocus. That autofocus support is still not universal on front cameras, so it is a noteworthy inclusion for vloggers and selfie-heavy users.

Video capture on the rear camera supports up to 8K at 30 fps and 4K at up to 60 fps, with HDR10 plus and 10-bit recording modes including Dolby Vision and log profiles. Slow motion options go up to very high frame rates at 1080p and even 720p, assisted by gyro-based electronic stabilization.

For global markets, the Xiaomi 17 packs a 6330 mAh battery, which is roughly 10 percent smaller than the 7000 mAh pack in the Chinese version. Even so, it is still impressive to see such a large battery in a compact body, and that capacity can translate to multi-day light use or very comfortable single-day heavy use. The Xiaomi 17 supports 100 W wired charging, 50 W wireless charging, and 22.5 W reverse wireless charging.

Sustainability

The Xiaomi 17 does not make sustainability a headline feature, but it does include a few things that matter for long-term ownership. It carries an IP68 rating, meaning it is dust-tight and water-resistant for immersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. The display is also protected by Xiaomi Shield Glass, which should add another layer of durability against everyday wear. That kind of protection helps the phone better survive spills, rain, and minor accidents, which can reduce the risk of early replacement.

Xiaomi also promises five major Android upgrades and six years of security patches for the Xiaomi 17, which gives it a solid software support window for an Android flagship. That should help the device stay secure and usable for longer, even if Xiaomi still does not push sustainability as strongly as some rivals through repairability programs or detailed environmental claims.

Value

The Xiaomi 17 starts at €999 for the 12GB/256GB configuration, which works out to roughly $1,080 at current exchange rates. For that money, you are getting a compact flagship with a 6.3-inch LTPO AMOLED display, a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, a Leica-tuned triple camera system, and a battery that is unusually large for a phone of this size.

What makes the Xiaomi 17 feel competitive is how complete the package is. The hardware feels premium, the charging speeds are still among the best in the class, and Xiaomi’s promise of 5 major Android upgrades and 6 years of security patches adds more long-term value than older Xiaomi flagships offered. It is an expensive phone, but it still makes a strong case for buyers who want top-tier specs in a smaller body without stepping into Ultra-level pricing.

Verdict

The Xiaomi 17 gets a lot right by knowing exactly what it wants to be. Instead of chasing gimmicks or trying to outdo its siblings with louder hardware, it focuses on delivering a compact flagship experience that still feels complete. The understated design, comfortable in-hand feel, strong display, capable Leica camera system, and unusually large battery all come together in a package that feels thoughtfully balanced rather than compromised.

It is not perfect. The haptics can feel a little too aggressive, and at €999, it is clearly a premium purchase rather than an easy impulse buy. Still, the Xiaomi 17 makes a convincing case for itself by offering top-tier performance, long software support, and excellent battery life in a size that is becoming increasingly rare. For anyone who wants a flagship Android phone without moving up to a much larger Pro, Max, or Ultra device, the Xiaomi 17 is one of the most appealing options in its class.

The post Xiaomi 17 Review: The Compact Flagship With a 6330mAh Battery first appeared on Yanko Design.