Just weeks after the global debut of the Xiaomi 15T and 15T Pro, new leaks suggest that the Chinese smartphone giant is already gearing up for their successors — and it might skip the Xiaomi 16T series entirely.
According to information spotted on the GSMA IMEI database, Xiaomi appears to be preparing for the Xiaomi 17T and 17T Pro, with an expected launch in February 2026, right before the Mobile World Congress (MWC) event in March.
If accurate, this move could represent a major shift in Xiaomi’s release cycle, putting the upcoming 17T lineup in direct competition with mid-range flagships like the OnePlus 15 and HMD Ace 5G.
Xiaomi Skips the 16T: Early Launch Hints From IMEI Database
As per the leak shared by XiaomiTime, four new IMEI model listings have been identified:
- 2602DPT53G and 2602DPT53I — believed to correspond to the Xiaomi 17T
- 2602EPTC0G and 2602EPTC0R — likely referring to the Xiaomi 17T Pro
These model numbers reportedly suggest a Q1 2026 launch window, which is significantly earlier than Xiaomi’s usual September–October timeline for its T-series phones.
This timing aligns with Xiaomi’s recent strategy of refreshing its global T-series line faster while creating a clearer distinction from its China-exclusive Redmi K Ultra series.
Design Evolution and Internal Codenames
According to sources, the Xiaomi 17T and 17T Pro are internally codenamed “chargall” and “warhol”, respectively. The phones will reportedly be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8500 (for the 17T) and Dimensity 9500 (for the 17T Pro) processors.
Both devices are said to run on Xiaomi HyperOS 3, the latest iteration of the company’s in-house operating system. This update will likely offer improved multitasking, battery optimization, and integration across Xiaomi’s expanding ecosystem of devices.
XiaomiTime had previously claimed that the internal project number “P21A” referred to the Xiaomi 17T, reinforcing these latest IMEI database leaks.
Strategic Decoupling From Redmi Lineup
The report also points to a growing separation between Xiaomi’s global T-series and its Redmi K Ultra series, which is typically reserved for the Chinese market.
The Xiaomi 15T and Redmi K80 Ultra, for example, already showcase distinct design languages and feature sets, hinting that the company intends to position these two lines independently going forward.
If this strategy continues, the Xiaomi 17T could take on a more premium, global design direction — while the Redmi K series continues to target performance-focused users in China.
Xiaomi’s Accelerated Launch Cycle
Releasing the Xiaomi 17T series just four months after the 15T lineup would be unusually fast even by Xiaomi’s standards. However, the company has been known to skip numerical series in the past — most notably bypassing the “Mi 6” successor years ago.
The decision to jump straight to the 17T series could be driven by internal branding choices, marketing synergy with its flagship lineup, or efforts to better align with 2026’s chipset releases from MediaTek and Qualcomm.
What to Expect
If current rumors hold true, the Xiaomi 17T Pro could debut as one of the first devices powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9500, paired with Xiaomi’s HyperOS 3. Users can expect major improvements in AI image processing, camera performance, and power efficiency.
Xiaomi will likely continue its focus on flagship-level cameras, following the impressive setup seen on the Xiaomi 15T Pro, which featured a Leica-tuned primary sensor and advanced computational photography features.
Launch Timeline and Market Positioning
Based on the IMEI listings, the Xiaomi 17T and 17T Pro are likely to be announced in February 2026, shortly before MWC 2026. If so, pre-orders could open soon after the reveal, with global availability expected in March.
This timeline would give Xiaomi an early advantage in the competitive mid-range flagship segment, positioning it directly against the OnePlus 15, Samsung Galaxy A77, and HMD Ace 5G.
Final Thoughts
The early appearance of Xiaomi 17T and 17T Pro on the IMEI database has already generated excitement among fans. If the leaks are accurate, Xiaomi seems poised to skip the 16T series entirely, pushing forward with faster hardware cycles and bolder performance upgrades.
With MediaTek’s Dimensity 9000 series successors, HyperOS 3, and Leica-level imaging, the Xiaomi 17T lineup could easily set new standards for mid-range performance in 2026.
