Xiaomi 17T smartphone gets £200 discount with Leica camera and massive battery
Overview of the Xiaomi 17T price cut
The Xiaomi 17T, released at the end of May, is now listed on Amazon for just £499. This price matches the lowest historic record and represents a £200 saving off the recommended retail price of £699. The discount puts the device in direct competition with the Google Pixel 7a and the Samsung Galaxy S24 entry models.
Key specifications at a glance
The phone sports a 6.59‑inch AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering smooth scrolling and fluid animations. Xiaomi adds a Super Sunlight Display and Wet Touch Technology 2.0, which keep the screen readable in bright daylight and responsive to wet fingers.
Power comes from a 6500mAh silicon‑carbon battery that Xiaomi claims can last up to 17.2 hours of continuous use, covering gaming, streaming and everyday tasks. A 67W HyperCharge system can fill the battery in under an hour, while 50W PD/PPS fast charging and 22.5W reverse wired charging add flexibility.
Leica telephoto camera performance
The standout feature is the Leica‑branded telephoto lens offering 5x optical zoom, 10x hybrid zoom and up to 120x AI Ultra Zoom. This makes the Xiaomi 17T a solid choice for users who need quality distant shots, rivaling the camera setups on the OnePlus 12 and the Apple iPhone 15 Pro.
In real‑world tests the main sensor captures detailed daylight images, and the telephoto module retains clarity at medium zoom distances. Low‑light selfies still lag behind flagship competitors, a point noted by several reviewers.
Software experience with HyperOS
Running Xiaomi’s HyperOS, the 17T delivers a snappy user interface and a feature‑rich experience. However, some owners report intrusive advertisements within the OS and a pre‑installed app bundle that can feel cluttered. Navigation is generally intuitive, though a few users find the menu hierarchy slightly cumbersome.
Comparison with other mid‑range devices
When stacked against the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE and the Google Pixel 7a, the Xiaomi 17T offers a larger battery, higher refresh rate display and a unique Leica telephoto lens. The trade‑offs include the lack of wireless charging and a plastic frame, which are standard on many competing models.
Customer feedback and ratings
On Amazon the Xiaomi 17T holds a 4.5‑star rating from just under 150 reviews. Buyers praise the smooth performance, impressive battery life and versatile camera system. Criticisms focus on the absence of inductive charging, the modest selfie camera and occasional software ads.
Why the current deal matters
The £200 discount brings the Xiaomi 17T into the same price bracket as the Pixel 7a, making it an attractive option for shoppers seeking premium camera features without a flagship price tag. The limited‑time offer runs until 5 October, so interested buyers should act quickly.
Final verdict
Overall the Xiaomi 17T scores a solid 4 out of 5 in our review. Its strengths are the Leica telephoto camera, robust battery, high‑refresh display and competitive pricing. Drawbacks include the missing wireless charging, a plastic rear frame and a software experience that could be cleaner. For most users the device delivers more than enough performance for everyday tasks and casual gaming, while photography enthusiasts will appreciate the added zoom capability.
