Recent leaks have provided a rare look at a cancelled project from Xiaomi known as the 17 Air. This device was developed to challenge the trend of ultra-thin smartphones but was reportedly shelved following a shift in market strategy among major Chinese manufacturers.
Design and Dimensions
The Xiaomi 17 Air prototype features a remarkably thin profile, measuring just 5.5mm in thickness. Video leaks show a chassis constructed with a matte glass back and a prominent horizontal camera visor. This decorative island houses two camera modules and features a polished metallic finish, providing a modern aesthetic for the slim frame.
Hardware and Performance
Under the hood, the device was designed to offer flagship-level performance. Sources suggest the 17 Air was built to include a 6.59-inch display and the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. For photography, it was equipped with a high-resolution 200MP main sensor. Due to its extreme thinness, the device was slated to carry a battery capacity just under 6,000mAh.
Project Cancellation
Reports indicate that Xiaomi, along with several other tech giants, decided to halt production of ultra-thin mobile projects. This decision appears to be driven by concerns regarding the commercial viability and consumer demand for extremely slim devices. While the 17 Air showcases impressive engineering, it is expected to remain a prototype and will not see a public release.