Xiaomi Launches New Redmi 17 5G With a 3.5mm Headphone Jack for Around $162
Xiaomi Just Gave Budget Phone Buyers Something They Thought Was Gone
The smartphone market has been moving in one direction for years: bigger displays, faster charging, wireless earbuds and fewer physical ports. But Xiaomi is taking a slightly different approach with its latest affordable phone.
The company has officially launched the Redmi 17 5G in China, and one of its most interesting features is something that has quietly disappeared from many modern smartphones — the 3.5mm headphone jack.
Along with wired headphone support, the Redmi 17 5G brings 5G connectivity, a large 6,300mAh battery, a 120Hz display and expandable storage. The phone starts at 999 yuan in China, while the 6GB RAM and 128GB storage version costs 1,199 yuan, which works out to roughly $165 and around $162–$165 depending on the exchange rate.
That combination makes the Redmi 17 5G an interesting option for people who don't want to spend a lot of money on a smartphone but still want some features that are increasingly difficult to find.
The 3.5mm Headphone Jack Is Back in the Spotlight
Let's start with the feature that is likely to get the most attention.
The Redmi 17 5G includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
For some smartphone buyers, this may seem like a small detail. For others, it can be a deciding factor.
Wired headphones don't need to be charged, don't have to be paired over Bluetooth and don't require a USB-C adapter. If you already own a good pair of wired earphones, you can simply plug them into the phone and start listening.
It's also convenient for people who use their headphones with multiple devices throughout the day.
Xiaomi has previously kept the headphone jack alive on several affordable Redmi models, and the Redmi 17 5G continues that approach. For a budget 5G phone, keeping the port could help the device stand out in a crowded market.
Redmi 17 5G Gets a Large 6.9-Inch Display
The Redmi 17 5G features a large 6.9-inch LCD display with an HD+ resolution of 1600 × 720 pixels.
The screen also supports a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. That means scrolling through websites, social media feeds and menus can look smoother than on traditional 60Hz displays.
Xiaomi has also included DC dimming and TÜV Rheinland eye-care certifications, according to the launch information.
The display supports Wet Touch 2.0, which is designed to improve touchscreen responsiveness when your fingers or the screen are wet.
For a phone in this price range, a 120Hz panel is a welcome addition. The resolution isn't particularly high for such a large screen, but buyers who prioritize smooth scrolling and a big display may still find the combination appealing.
5G Connectivity Without the Premium Price
The Redmi 17 5G is designed to bring next-generation mobile connectivity to a lower price point.
The phone supports 5G, along with Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.4. It also includes a USB Type-C port and a side-mounted fingerprint scanner.
For buyers upgrading from an older 4G smartphone, 5G support could be one of the biggest reasons to consider the new Redmi model.
Of course, actual 5G speeds will depend on the network available in the user's area and the carrier's coverage. The phone's 5G capability doesn't automatically guarantee faster speeds everywhere.
A 6,300mAh Battery Is Another Big Highlight
Battery life is becoming increasingly important as smartphone users spend more time watching videos, browsing social media and using demanding applications.
The Redmi 17 5G comes with a 6,300mAh battery, giving it a larger capacity than many conventional smartphones.
Xiaomi has paired the battery with 15W wired charging. The phone also supports 7.5W reverse wired charging, allowing it to provide power to another compatible device in certain situations.
The charging speed isn't particularly impressive compared with some modern phones that offer 45W, 67W or even faster charging. However, the larger battery could help compensate for that by reducing how frequently the phone needs to be charged.
For someone who cares more about endurance than charging speed, that could be a reasonable trade-off.
Redmi 17 5G Uses a Unisoc Processor
Under the hood, the Redmi 17 5G is powered by the Unisoc T8300 octa-core processor.
The phone is available with either 4GB or 6GB of RAM, along with 128GB of internal storage.
There is also support for microSD expansion, which is another feature that is becoming less common on higher-end smartphones.
The processor is aimed at everyday use rather than flagship performance. Users should be able to handle normal activities such as messaging, browsing, social media, streaming and casual gaming.
However, anyone buying the Redmi 17 5G specifically for demanding games should keep expectations realistic. This is an affordable 5G smartphone, not a gaming flagship.
Cameras Are Focused on the Basics
Xiaomi has equipped the Redmi 17 5G with a 13-megapixel rear camera and an 8-megapixel front camera.
On paper, those numbers aren't designed to compete with camera-focused smartphones.
Instead, the setup appears to target basic everyday photography. Users can take photos, scan documents, make video calls and capture social-media content without paying extra for a more expensive camera system.
That approach also fits the overall philosophy of the phone: provide the features most people need while keeping the price under control.
HyperOS 3 Comes Preinstalled
The software side of the Redmi 17 5G is handled by Xiaomi HyperOS 3.
The phone runs on Xiaomi's newer software platform and is designed around the Android ecosystem.
The interface brings Xiaomi's familiar software experience along with the company's system-level features and customization options.
For buyers who already use other Xiaomi or Redmi devices, the software environment should feel familiar.
Redmi 17 5G Price and Availability
The Redmi 17 5G has been launched in China, where the starting price is 999 yuan for the 4GB RAM and 128GB storage version.
The 6GB RAM and 128GB storage model costs 1,199 yuan. That higher version is approximately $162–$165 depending on the exchange rate used.
The phone is available in three color options: Cold Mist Blue, Star Rock Black and Feather Mist White.
One important point for international buyers is that the Chinese price should not be treated as the final global price. Xiaomi has not announced a worldwide price in the information currently available, and international versions can have different specifications, taxes and pricing.
Is the Redmi 17 5G Worth Buying?
The Redmi 17 5G is not trying to compete with expensive flagship phones, and that is actually part of its appeal.
Instead, Xiaomi has focused on practical features.
You get 5G connectivity, a 120Hz display, a large 6,300mAh battery, microSD expansion and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Those are features that many budget buyers can appreciate.
The compromises are equally clear. The HD+ LCD panel isn't as sharp as an AMOLED display, the 15W charging is relatively slow, and the cameras are basic.
But that may not matter to someone who simply wants an affordable phone that lasts a long time and works with their existing wired headphones.
Final Verdict
The Redmi 17 5G is an interesting reminder that smartphone innovation isn't always about adding more expensive hardware.
At around $162 for the higher China configuration, Xiaomi is offering a phone that focuses on practical features that many users still want. The 3.5mm headphone jack is particularly notable because it eliminates the need for wireless headphones or a USB-C adapter.
Add 5G, a 120Hz screen, a 6,300mAh battery and microSD support, and the Redmi 17 5G becomes a compelling budget smartphone package.
The biggest question now is whether Xiaomi will bring the Redmi 17 5G to more international markets and, if it does, how much the phone will cost outside China.
For now, though, the Redmi 17 5G looks like one of those affordable phones that gets attention not because it tries to do everything, but because it keeps several features that smartphone buyers haven't stopped using.
Redmi 17 5G: Quick Specifications
| Feature | Redmi 17 5G |
|---|---|
| Network | 5G |
| Processor | Unisoc T8300 |
| Display | 6.9-inch LCD |
| Resolution | 1600 × 720 |
| Refresh Rate | Up to 120Hz |
| Rear Camera | 13MP |
| Front Camera | 8MP |
| Battery | 6,300mAh |
| Wired Charging | 15W |
| Reverse Charging | 7.5W |
| Operating System | HyperOS 3 |
| RAM | 4GB / 6GB |
| Storage | 128GB |
| Expandable Storage | Yes, microSD |
| Headphone Jack | 3.5mm |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted |
| Starting Price in China | 999 yuan |
| Higher Variant | 1,199 yuan |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Redmi 17 5G have a headphone jack?
Yes. The Redmi 17 5G includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing users to connect wired headphones without an adapter.
How much does the Redmi 17 5G cost?
The Redmi 17 5G starts at 999 yuan in China. The 6GB/128GB version costs 1,199 yuan, which is roughly around $162–$165 depending on currency conversion.
Does the Redmi 17 5G support 5G?
Yes. As its name suggests, the Redmi 17 5G supports 5G mobile connectivity.
What battery does the Redmi 17 5G have?
The phone comes with a 6,300mAh battery, along with 15W wired charging and 7.5W reverse wired charging.
Does Redmi 17 5G have a 120Hz display?
Yes. The 6.9-inch LCD display supports a refresh rate of up to 120Hz.
What processor does the Redmi 17 5G use?
The Redmi 17 5G uses the Unisoc T8300 octa-core processor.
Does the Redmi 17 5G support microSD?
Yes. The phone supports expandable storage through a microSD card.
When will the Redmi 17 5G launch globally?
The phone has been officially introduced in China. Xiaomi has not yet confirmed a global launch date in the information currently available
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