According to a leak shared by kacskrz on X, Xiaomi will differentiate two closely related phones headed to different markets by changing secondary camera hardware. Both the POCO X8 and the global REDMI Note 17 Pro 5G are reported to use the same platform and a 50MP primary rear camera, but their auxiliary sensors will not be identical.
Different secondary cameras
The leak lists the POCO X8 as having a 50MP main camera plus a 2MP depth sensor. That matches the camera configuration previously seen on the Chinese REDMI Note 17 Pro. By contrast, the global REDMI Note 17 Pro 5G is said to replace the depth sensor with an 8MP ultra-wide lens, giving it a wider field of view for landscapes and group shots.
Shared hardware beyond cameras
Despite the camera divergence, the two phones are reported to share the same core platform elements. The leak indicates they will use the same processor, display, battery and charging technology, suggesting Xiaomi is keeping internal hardware consistent while offering different camera experiences by brand.
Key takeaway
A recent leak indicates the POCO X8 and the global REDMI Note 17 Pro 5G will use the same core platform and primary 50MP camera, but Xiaomi is configuring different secondary sensors: the POCO gets a 2MP depth unit while the global REDMI swaps that for an 8MP .
Why this matters
Choosing different secondary cameras illustrates a strategic move by Xiaomi to give each brand — POCO and REDMI — a distinct identity without redesigning the whole phone. An ultra-wide lens adds practical versatility for many users, while a depth sensor is a lower-cost option often used to support portrait effects. The change may affect how buyers perceive value and photographic capability between two otherwise near-identical devices.
PhonesGATE quick analysis
Xiaomi appears to be using hardware tweaks to position near-twin models for different audiences. The POCO X8’s 2MP depth sensor keeps the focus on core performance and cost-efficiency, which aligns with POCO’s value-oriented positioning. The global REDMI Note 17 Pro 5G’s 8MP ultra-wide lens offers more photographic flexibility and could appeal to users who prioritize wider framing without upgrading to a higher-tier camera system.
3 min read
Xiaomi coverage from PhonesGATE. Published Jul 16, 2026.
What this means for buyers
If the leak proves accurate, buyers deciding between the two should weigh camera priorities. Choose the global REDMI variant if an ultra-wide lens matters for travel, landscape or group photos. Opt for the POCO X8 if you prefer POCO’s typical value/performance balance and can do without the wider field of view. Since core hardware is reportedly the same otherwise, differences in real-world speed, battery life and basic camera quality from the 50MP main sensor should be minimal.
Related device context
Readers interested in comparing camera setups may want to look at recent POCO and REDMI models that prioritized either value or camera versatility to judge how an ultra-wide versus a depth sensor changes everyday shooting. This differentiation echoes past Xiaomi strategies where identical platforms were tuned differently across brands.
Sources and methodology
This article is based on reporting from XiaomiTime, with PhonesGATE editorial context and buyer-focused analysis.