Xiaomi 17 Pro Max: A Bold Entry into the Flagship Market
Introduction and Specs
This year, Xiaomi has made a significant leap in its flagship lineup, transitioning from the Xiaomi 15 series straight to the Xiaomi 17. This move not only aligns with Apple’s naming strategy but also reinforces Xiaomi’s intent to compete head-on with the iPhone 17 series. The introduction of a new Pro Max version serves as a spiritual successor to the Xiaomi 15 Pro, albeit with a larger footprint.
It’s essential to note that our review focuses on the Chinese variant of the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max, with the international version yet to be announced. This could result in varied hardware or software features when the phone eventually reaches global markets. Our review unit was procured from a Mi Store in China, but interested buyers should also consider gray market imports from trustworthy third-party resellers, as the device shows much promise.
The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max is the crown jewel of the lineup, at least until the anticipated Xiaomi 17 Ultra makes its debut, and is equipped with a 6.9-inch LTPO OLED display. This represents a slight increase from the 6.73-inch display found on its predecessor, the Xiaomi 15 Pro.
However, the standout feature is not the front display but the innovative secondary display located on the back. This 2.9-inch LTPO OLED display boasts the same refresh rate and advanced features, making the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max a unique contender in the flagship segment. While secondary displays are not a novel concept—having been seen in the Xiaomi 11 Ultra—the design and functionality enhancements in the 17 Pro Max elevate its user experience significantly.
Xiaomi 17 Pro Max Specs at a Glance:
- Body: 162.9×77.6×8.0mm, 219g; Glass front (Dragon Crystal Glass 3), aluminum frame; IP68 dust-tight and water-resistant (immersible up to 6m for 30 mins).
- Display: 6.90″ LTPO AMOLED, 68B colors, 2160Hz PWM, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR Vivid, HDR10+, 3500 nits (peak), 1200x2608px resolution, 19.56:9 aspect ratio, 416ppi; Secondary display (on the back): LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR Vivid, HDR10+, 3500 nits (peak), 2.9 inches, 596 x 976 pixels.
- Chipset: Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm): Octa-core (2×4.6 GHz Oryon V3 Phoenix L + 6×3.62 GHz Oryon V3 Phoenix M); Adreno 840.
- Memory: 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM; UFS 4.1.
- OS/Software: Android 16, HyperOS 3.
- Rear Camera: Wide (main): 50 MP, f/1.7, 23mm; Telephoto: 50 MP, f/2.6, 115mm; Ultra wide angle: 50 MP, f/2.4, 17mm.
- Front Camera: 50 MP, f/2.2.
- Video Capture: Rear: 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps; Front: 4K@30/60fps.
- Battery: 7500mAh; 100W wired, 50W wireless charging.
- Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, Infrared port.
- Misc: Fingerprint reader (under display), stereo speakers, Ultra Wideband support.
Another significant point of interest is the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. This innovation positions the Xiaomi 17 Series as one of the first smartphones to leverage Qualcomm’s top-performing silicon at launch, promising enhancements in both power and efficiency.
In terms of camera technology, camera performance has also seen thoughtful improvements. The main sensor adopts a smaller aperture but features a larger Light Fusion 950L sensor. Notably, the 5x telephoto camera has also undergone a strategic upgrade, incorporating a new prism layout to enhance performance.
Perhaps the most exciting update is the selfie unit, now a robust 50 MP with autofocus, addressing a long-standing demand for improved front camera capabilities.
Additionally, the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max boasts an impressive 7,500 mAh battery capacity. While we await confirmation regarding the capabilities of the international model, the fundamental charging protocols remain intact, with no compromises in fast charging support. Notably, the device facilitates 100W fast wired charging and 50W wireless charging, all adhering to Xiaomi’s HyperCharge standard.
Further features include Ultra Wideband (UWB) support and a standard equipped 512GB UFS 4.1 internal storage, ensuring a top-tier experience for users.
Unboxing the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max
Our review of the Chinese variant highlighted the generous retail packaging. Along with the smartphone, buyers receive not only the essential USB-A-to-USB-C cable but also Xiaomi’s powerful 100W HyperCharge charger. Moreover, a transparent, protective silicone case is included for added convenience.
However, it’s essential to remain cautious regarding the European market; the charger might be excluded from the final retail offering.
For an in-depth review of the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max, including further hands-on impressions and performance analyses, click Here.
Image Credit: www.gsmarena.com
