Xiaomi 17 and 17 Pro confirmed for India launch in early 2026.
Redmi Note series to get a major reboot with two new models filling key portfolio gaps.
Brand shifts from “volume to value” with premium design, service, and ecosystem focus.
After a turbulent year in India, marked by shifting market positions, Xiaomi is gearing up for a major comeback in 2026. The smartphone maker hopes to find its mojo back with the Xiaomi 17 series and new Redmi Note line-up. The former has already been launched in China and will soon come to India along with other global markets, Xiaomi’s India leadership confirmed in an exclusive interview with Digit and Times Now.
SurveyXiaomi India’s Chief Business Officer Sandeep Singh Arora and Chief Marketing Officer Anuj Sharma revealed that the company’s focus will remain to be on premiumisation, a cleaner portfolio, and expansion of ecosystem devices.
Xiaomi has been trying to reposition itself as a premium smartphone maker for a while and believes that its new phones can help fill gaps in the current smartphone market.
“The Xiaomi 17 series is definitely coming to India,” confirmed Anuj. “We are currently evaluating the lineup and testing products. The final launch timeline will depend on global rollout readiness, but yes, it’s coming soon,” he added.
Xiaomi 17 series: Flagship focus returns
Xiaomi has launched the 17 series in its home market and showcased it for the first time in India during a closed door event in New Delhi, earlier this week. At the same time, it confirmed that both Xiaomi 17 and Xiaomi 17 Pro will definitely come to the Indian market as well. While exact details remain under wraps, Sharma hinted that the devices will launch in Q1 2026, after the launch of next-generation Note 15 series.
He also hinted Xiaomi 17 Ultra could spearhead the flagship portfolio, powered by the company’s latest hardware and HyperOS 3, Xiaomi’s new-generation software platform.
“We’ve been testing HyperOS 3 for a few months, it’s more stable, more fluid, and better connected across Xiaomi devices,” Sharma said. “You’ll see it rolling out on the Xiaomi 15 and 15 Ultra first, followed by new flagships like the 17 series.”
The Xiaomi 17 series is expected to be Xiaomi’s most refined offerings in India yet with Leica partnership for cameras, improved AI driven imaging and enhanced connected ecosystem across phones, TVs, tablets and wearables.
Streamlining the Redmi lineup, rebooting the Note
Along with the flagships, Xiaomi will also recalibrate its Redmi and Note portfolios. Sharma acknowledged that in the past, the brand’s lineup had become “too crowded,” making it difficult for consumers to distinguish between models. However, Sharma also mentioned that the company will be introducing two new ‘interesting phones’ to fill the gaps.
“Over the last two to three years, we’ve simplified our range, no unnecessary overlap, just essential models that make sense,” he said. “Now that the ladder is clearer, we see a few missing rungs. Next year, you’ll see two very interesting phones that fill those gaps.”
The upcoming Redmi Note series is expected to carry forward Xiaomi’s value leadership but with a focus on better design, display, and performance, bridging the gap between mass-market and mid-premium segments.
From volume to value: Xiaomi’s new playbook
For years, Xiaomi dominated India’s smartphone charts with its Redmi lineup, offering unbeatable value. However, its market share has slipped in recent quarters, with rivals like Samsung, OnePlus, and iQOO capitalising on the premium mid-range and flagship segments. Arora acknowledged the transition but called 2025 a “year of progress and learning.”
“We’ve consciously shifted focus from volume to value,” he said. “Our journey now is about strengthening omni-channel presence, improving brand experience, and building a more premium, sustainable portfolio. We’re setting ourselves up for long-term success.”
The brand’s premiumisation strategy, he explained, is not just about launching expensive phones but upgrading the experience for existing consumers- better designs, enhanced retail presence, deeper service integration, and a stronger ecosystem play.
Follow Us
Ashish Singh
Ashish Singh is the Chief Copy Editor at Digit. He's been wrangling tech jargon since 2020 (Times Internet, Jagran English '22). When not policing commas, he's likely fueling his gadget habit with coffee, strategising his next virtual race, or plotting a road trip to test the latest in-car tech. He speaks fluent Geek. View Full Profile
