Xiaomi 17 Pro Max: A Vision of Mobile Innovation

Xiaomi 17 Pro Max: A Vision of Mobile Innovation

Xiaomi is making a bold statement by skipping the 16 series and jumping straight to the 17, signaling its intent to directly compete with the iPhone 17 lineup. The Xiaomi 17 Pro and, in particular, the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max, share design similarities with their Apple counterparts, but with a uniquely innovative twist. This hands-on review delves into the groundbreaking features and specifications that set the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max apart.

The most striking feature of the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max is undoubtedly its secondary OLED screen, strategically positioned next to the rear cameras. While not entirely unprecedented – the Xiaomi 11 Ultra featured a similar, albeit smaller, screen – this iteration is significantly improved. The secondary display is larger, brighter, and offers enhanced functionality, making it a true differentiator in the high-end smartphone market. The Xiaomi 15T, while impressive, lacks this innovative feature.

This secondary display measures 2.9 inches and boasts the same smooth 120Hz refresh rate as the primary screen, ensuring a consistent and fluid user experience. Both screens are reported to reach a peak brightness of 3,500 nits, according to Xiaomi, promising exceptional visibility even in direct sunlight. This makes the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max ideal for content creators and anyone who frequently uses their phone outdoors.

It’s important to note that this hands-on review is based on a device obtained from China. Xiaomi’s plans for global release are yet to be announced. If and when the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max becomes available in other markets, there may be variations in specifications or features. We will, of course, conduct a separate review to cover any such differences.

Key Specifications of the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max

Here’s a quick look at the key specifications of the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max:

• 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 min).
• 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, 1/1.28″, 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS; Telephoto: 50 MP, f/2.0, 75mm, 1/2.51″, 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS, 3.3x optical zoom; Ultrawide: 50 MP, f/2.2, 15mm, 120˚, 1/2.76″, 0.64µm, AF.
• Front camera: 32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm.
• Video capture: Rear camera: 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps, 720p@1920fps, HDR10+, 10-bit video, gyro-EIS; Front camera: 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps.
• Battery: 5500 mAh; 120W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 100% in 19 min (advertised), 80W wireless, 100% in 30 min (advertised).
• Connectivity: 5G; Dual SIM; Wi-Fi 7; BT 5.4, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LHDC; NFC; Infrared port.
• Misc: Fingerprint reader (under display, optical); stereo speakers.

Design and Build Quality of the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max

The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max feels incredibly premium in hand. The combination of Dragon Crystal Glass 3 on the front and an aluminum frame provides a robust and luxurious feel. The device is also IP68-certified, offering excellent dust and water resistance, capable of withstanding immersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes. This robust build quality makes the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max a durable choice for everyday use. While not quite as rugged as some specialized devices, it certainly holds its own. Consider comparing this with the durability of the Toyota RAV4, which is known for its reliability and build.

The phone’s dimensions (162.9×77.6×8.0mm) and weight (219g) make it a substantial device, but the weight is well-distributed, making it comfortable to hold for extended periods. The button placement is intuitive, and the overall ergonomics are well-considered. The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max is available in several colors, allowing users to choose a style that suits their preferences. The attention to detail in the design is evident, from the seamless integration of the secondary display to the precise cutouts for the ports and speakers. The Ford Mustang, with its iconic design, is a good analogy for the aesthetic appeal of the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max.

Display Technology: A Visual Feast

The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max boasts a stunning 6.90-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a resolution of 1200×2608 pixels. The display supports 68 billion colors, ensuring vibrant and accurate color reproduction. With a 2160Hz PWM dimming, the display minimizes flicker, reducing eye strain during prolonged use. The 120Hz refresh rate provides a buttery-smooth scrolling experience, making everything from browsing the web to playing games feel incredibly responsive. The display also supports Dolby Vision, HDR Vivid, and HDR10+, delivering exceptional dynamic range and contrast for compatible content. The peak brightness of 3500 nits ensures excellent visibility even under direct sunlight. This display is truly a visual feast, offering an immersive and enjoyable viewing experience.

The secondary 2.9-inch LTPO AMOLED display on the back is equally impressive. With a resolution of 596 x 976 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate, it’s perfect for displaying notifications, checking the time, or even using it as a viewfinder for taking selfies with the main camera. The secondary display adds a unique layer of functionality and customization to the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max, setting it apart from the competition. The ability to customize the secondary display with widgets and personalized messages makes it a truly versatile feature.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, built on a 3nm process. This cutting-edge chipset features an octa-core CPU with two high-performance Oryon V3 Phoenix L cores clocked at 4.6 GHz and six Oryon V3 Phoenix M cores clocked at 3.62 GHz. The Adreno 840 GPU provides exceptional graphics performance, making the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max a powerhouse for gaming and other demanding tasks. The phone comes with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.1 storage, ensuring smooth multitasking and ample space for all your files and media.

The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max runs on Android 16 with HyperOS 3, Xiaomi’s custom skin. HyperOS 3 is a refined and feature-rich operating system that offers a smooth and intuitive user experience. It includes a variety of customization options, allowing users to personalize their device to their liking. The software is well-optimized for the hardware, ensuring smooth performance and efficient battery management. Xiaomi has also promised regular software updates, ensuring that the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max stays up-to-date with the latest features and security patches.

Camera Capabilities: Capture Every Moment

The camera system on the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max is incredibly versatile and capable. It features a triple-lens setup on the rear, consisting of a 50MP wide (main) lens with an f/1.7 aperture and OIS, a 50MP telephoto lens with an f/2.0 aperture, OIS, and 3.3x optical zoom, and a 50MP ultrawide lens with an f/2.2 aperture and autofocus. The front-facing camera is a 32MP sensor with an f/2.0 aperture.

The main camera captures stunning images with excellent detail, dynamic range, and color accuracy. The OIS ensures sharp and stable images, even in low-light conditions. The telephoto lens provides excellent zoom capabilities, allowing you to capture distant subjects with clarity. The ultrawide lens is perfect for capturing expansive landscapes or group photos. The front-facing camera captures detailed and flattering selfies. The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max also supports 8K video recording at 30fps and 4K video recording at up to 60fps, with HDR10+ support and gyro-EIS for smooth and stable video capture. The Apple iPhone 17 Pro, while known for its camera, faces stiff competition here.

Battery Life and Charging

The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max is equipped with a large 5500mAh battery, providing excellent battery life. You can easily get through a full day of moderate to heavy use on a single charge. The phone supports 120W wired charging, which can fully charge the battery in just 19 minutes. It also supports 80W wireless charging, which can fully charge the battery in 30 minutes. The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max also supports PD3.0 and QC4 charging protocols, making it compatible with a wide range of chargers. The fast charging capabilities of the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max are a major advantage, allowing you to quickly top up the battery when needed.

Connectivity and Other Features

The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max offers a comprehensive suite of connectivity options, including 5G, Dual SIM support, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, and LHDC support, NFC, and an infrared port. It also features an under-display fingerprint reader for secure and convenient unlocking. The phone also has stereo speakers, providing immersive audio quality for music, movies, and games. The infrared port allows you to use the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max as a remote control for your TV and other appliances. These features enhance the overall user experience and make the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max a versatile and feature-rich device. The AirPods would pair seamlessly with the advanced Bluetooth capabilities of this phone.

Pricing and Availability

As mentioned earlier, the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max is currently only available in China. Xiaomi has not yet announced its plans for global release. Pricing for the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max in China starts at around $800 for the base model with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. The price increases for models with more RAM and storage. If and when the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max becomes available in other markets, the pricing may vary depending on the region and retailer.

Conclusion: A Bold Step Forward

The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max is a truly innovative and impressive smartphone. Its standout feature, the secondary OLED display, sets it apart from the competition and adds a unique layer of functionality. The phone also boasts a stunning display, powerful performance, a versatile camera system, excellent battery life, and a comprehensive suite of connectivity options. While the global availability remains uncertain, the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max is undoubtedly a bold step forward for Xiaomi and a strong contender in the high-end smartphone market. It demonstrates Xiaomi’s commitment to innovation and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in a smartphone. While cleaning such a device might require special care, perhaps even the expertise used in cleaning a Rolls Royce, the experience of using it is worth the effort.

The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max is a device that aims to redefine the user experience, offering a blend of power, style, and innovation. Its success will depend on its global availability and how well it resonates with consumers outside of China. However, based on our hands-on experience, the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max has the potential to be a game-changer in the smartphone industry. Consider how this phone redefines boundaries, similar to how the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra pushes the limits of tablet technology.

The future of the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max looks promising, and we eagerly await its potential global launch. It is a device that truly captures the essence of mobile innovation and sets a new standard for what a smartphone can be. Just as the Hoop app revolutionizes closet cleanouts with AI, the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max is striving to revolutionize the smartphone experience with its innovative features and cutting-edge technology.