Why Cancelled Xiaomi 17 Air Would’ve Been Best Ultra-Slim Phone
In 2025, I had the opportunity to test three ultra-slim phones: the iPhone Air, Galaxy S25 Edge, and Motorola Edge 70. Unfortunately, all three devices fell short of expectations, leaving much to be desired in terms of performance and user experience. Both Apple and Samsung’s offerings seemed to come with a hefty price tag for subpar features, while the Honor Magic 8 Pro Air was an outlier in the market.
Recent reports suggest that there may not be an Edge phone in the upcoming Galaxy S26 series, and poor sales of the iPhone Air have led other major manufacturers like Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo to halt production of their own ultra-slim phones. As someone who was disappointed by ultra-slim phones in the past, these developments were initially promising until rumors of the Xiaomi 17 Air surfaced.
According to leaks from Weibo leaker Bold Panda, the Xiaomi 17 Air was rumored to be an ultra-slim phone measuring just 5.5mm thick with a 6.59-inch display. The device was expected to weigh between 160g and 169g, featuring a dual rear camera setup with a 200Mp lens that could rival the best camera phones on the market. Additionally, the Xiaomi 17 Air was rumored to come with a battery capacity of under 6000mAh, a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, making it the most powerful ultra-slim Android phone to date.
Despite internal assessments suggesting a lack of market demand for ultra-thin phones, the Xiaomi 17 Air had the potential to change the game in this category. It’s unfortunate that the device may never see the light of day, as it could have been a game-changer for those looking for a sleek and powerful smartphone. As we wait to see if the Honor Magic 8 Pro Air will make it to international markets, there are still plenty of excellent options available for those who prefer a slightly thicker device.
In conclusion, while the ultra-slim phone market may have its pitfalls, there is still hope for innovative devices that can deliver both style and performance. If you’re in the market for a new phone, be sure to explore all your options before making a decision.
