First official Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 phones

Xiaomi has given the world its first look at Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 smartphones. The company unveiled a teaser of the Xiaomi 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max, confirming their design and features ahead of launch later this month.

Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 leads the charge

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 powers the new Xiaomi flagships. The processor should deliver faster speeds, advanced AI capabilities, and better energy efficiency. Since it will drive most premium phones in 2026, the chipset sets the tone for the year’s flagship devices. Xiaomi takes the lead by becoming the first brand to ship it.

Magic Back Screen makes headlines

Xiaomi pairs the chipset with an innovative design. The “Magic Back Screen” sits on the rear panel and adds a second display to the phone. It shows app details, displays clock faces, and even works as a selfie viewfinder for the rear cameras. Moreover, users can add colorful designs for extra personalization.

Setting the stage for 2026 smartphones

With this combination, Xiaomi positions the 17 Pro series as pioneers. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 drives performance, while the Magic Back Screen drives uniqueness. Together, they highlight how 2026 flagships may evolve with both hardware and design breakthroughs.

Launch details

Xiaomi plans to launch the 17 Pro and Pro Max later in September. The official event should reveal full specifications, pricing, and global availability. Until then, the teaser offers a strong glimpse of what to expect.