smartphones

Xiaomi's $1,200 Flagship Problem for Samsung and Apple When Xiaomi announced the 17T Pro at €999 (roughly $1,170) with a Dimensity 9500, Leica triple-camera system, and 7,000mAh battery, the pricing calculus for premium Android flagships broke in real time. This isn't a mid-range phone masquerading as premium. This is a near-flagship at sub-flagship pricing that forces an uncomfortable question: what exactly are you paying for when you buy a Galaxy S26 Ultra or iPhone 17 Pro at $1,400+? The 17T Pro just made the $1,200 flagship look indefensible—and that matters because it's revealing where the actual buying power in the…