Xiaomi 17 Pro Max: Ultimate Flagship Review
The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max has arrived, and it’s making a bold statement. Stepping up to directly challenge the iPhone 17 series, Xiaomi’s newest flagship introduces a “Pro Max” variant, a spiritual successor to the beloved Xiaomi 15 Pro, but bigger and bolder. This comprehensive review dives deep into its features, performance, and overall value. Before we get started, keep in mind this review is based on the Chinese version of the device. The international model is yet to be announced, and there might be some subtle differences in hardware and software upon its global release.
We acquired our review unit directly from a Mi Store in China. However, even before an official global launch, many third-party resellers will likely offer gray imports of the device, making it an intriguing option for tech enthusiasts worldwide. So, is the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max worth considering? Let’s find out.
Design and Build Quality
The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max currently sits atop Xiaomi’s flagship lineup, at least until the anticipated arrival of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. The phone boasts a large 6.9-inch LTPO OLED display, a slight increase from the 6.73-inch screen found on its predecessor, the Xiaomi 15 Pro. This bigger display offers a more immersive viewing experience, making it ideal for media consumption and gaming.
However, the front display isn’t the only screen you get. Xiaomi has opted for a bold design choice by incorporating a secondary display on the back of the phone. This is also an LTPO OLED panel, boasting the same refresh rate and high-end features as the main display, but with a 2.9-inch diagonal. This secondary display is a major talking point and immediately sets the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max apart from its competitors.
A Blast from the Past?
The concept of a secondary display on a smartphone isn’t entirely new. In fact, it’s a feature that has been explored, albeit briefly, in the past. Even Xiaomi has previously experimented with this technology, most notably on the Xiaomi 11 Ultra. However, the implementation on the 11 Ultra was somewhat limited, with a smaller and less functional display. The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max takes this concept to the next level, offering a more refined design and a wider range of practical features, making the secondary display genuinely useful.
The device measures 162.9 x 77.6 x 8.0mm and weighs in at 219g. It feels substantial in hand, indicative of its premium build quality. The front is protected by Dragon Crystal Glass 3, offering excellent scratch resistance. The back is made of fiberglass, providing a comfortable and secure grip. An aluminum frame adds to the overall structural integrity and premium feel. The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max also comes with an IP68 rating, ensuring dust and water resistance, giving you peace of mind against accidental spills and environmental hazards.
Display Quality and Features
As mentioned, the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max boasts not one, but two LTPO OLED displays. The primary 6.9-inch display is a visual feast, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. The LTPO technology allows for a variable refresh rate, dynamically adjusting from 1Hz to 120Hz depending on the content being displayed. This helps conserve battery life without sacrificing smoothness. The display also supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, ensuring a cinematic viewing experience for compatible content. Peak brightness is incredibly high, making the display easily readable even in direct sunlight.
The Innovative Rear Display
The 2.9-inch secondary display on the back of the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max is more than just a gimmick. It serves a variety of useful purposes. You can use it to display notifications, check the time, control music playback, and even take selfies with the main rear cameras. The ability to use the superior rear camera system for selfies is a significant advantage, resulting in much higher quality self-portraits than what you’d typically get with a front-facing camera. The rear display can also be customized with different watch faces, widgets, and even animated GIFs, allowing you to personalize your device and add a touch of flair.
Performance and Software
Under the hood, the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max is powered by the latest Snapdragon processor, paired with ample RAM and storage. This combination delivers blazing-fast performance, handling even the most demanding tasks with ease. Whether you’re gaming, editing videos, or multitasking between multiple apps, the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max will keep up without breaking a sweat. The phone also features advanced cooling technology to prevent overheating during prolonged use.
Software Experience
The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max runs on Xiaomi’s custom MIUI skin, which is based on the latest version of Android. MIUI offers a wide range of customization options and features, allowing you to tailor the software experience to your liking. While MIUI has been criticized in the past for its bloatware and aggressive battery management, Xiaomi has made significant improvements in recent years. The latest version of MIUI is cleaner, more efficient, and offers a smoother overall experience. However, it’s still worth noting that some users may prefer a more stock Android experience.
Camera Performance
Xiaomi has consistently delivered impressive camera performance on its flagship devices, and the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max is no exception. The phone features a versatile triple-lens camera system on the rear, consisting of a primary wide-angle lens, an ultrawide lens, and a telephoto lens. The primary lens captures stunning detail and vibrant colors, even in challenging lighting conditions. The ultrawide lens allows you to capture expansive landscapes and group photos, while the telephoto lens provides excellent zoom capabilities.
Image Quality and Features
The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max also offers a wide range of camera features, including night mode, portrait mode, and video recording at up to 8K resolution. The night mode is particularly impressive, allowing you to capture bright and detailed photos in low-light environments. The portrait mode creates a beautiful bokeh effect, blurring the background and making your subject stand out. The video recording capabilities are also top-notch, with excellent stabilization and dynamic range.
Battery Life and Charging
The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max is equipped with a large battery that provides excellent battery life. You can easily get through a full day of moderate to heavy use on a single charge. The phone also supports fast charging, allowing you to quickly top up the battery when needed. Wireless charging is also supported, offering a convenient way to charge the device without having to plug it in.
Audio Quality
The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max features stereo speakers that deliver clear and balanced audio. The speakers are loud enough for comfortable listening in most environments. The phone also supports high-resolution audio, allowing you to enjoy your music in its full glory. A 3.5mm headphone jack is not included, but you can use a USB-C adapter or Bluetooth headphones to listen to audio.
Connectivity and Features
The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max supports a wide range of connectivity options, including 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC. The phone also features an IR blaster, allowing you to control your TV and other appliances. A fingerprint sensor is located under the display, providing a secure and convenient way to unlock the device.
Xiaomi 17 Pro Max: Key Specifications
Conclusion: Is the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max Worth It?
The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max is a top-tier flagship smartphone that offers a compelling combination of performance, features, and design. The dual LTPO OLED displays are a standout feature, providing a visually stunning experience and adding a unique touch of functionality. The powerful processor, versatile camera system, and long battery life make it a capable all-around device. While the MIUI software may not be for everyone, Xiaomi has made significant improvements in recent years, and it offers a wide range of customization options. If you’re looking for a premium smartphone that stands out from the crowd, the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max is definitely worth considering. However, keep in mind that the international version may have some differences compared to the Chinese model we reviewed.
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