Xiaomi 17 Pro Max Review by Shayyan Ahmad (Skipper PK)
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Xiaomi has skipped the number 16 this year and launched the Xiaomi 17 series, signaling a direct challenge to Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup. The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max combines premium design, flagship-grade performance, and unique features that set it apart from competitors.
First Impressions
Right out of the box, the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max grabs attention with a secondary 2.9-inch OLED display placed beside the rear cameras. While Xiaomi experimented with a similar concept in the 11 Ultra, the 17 Pro Max improves the secondary display significantly, offering higher brightness (3,500 nits peak), better touch response, and 120Hz refresh rate. The display can show widgets, notifications, contextual information, and even act as a viewfinder for high-quality selfies using the rear cameras.
It’s important to note that the reviewed unit is sourced from China, and Xiaomi hasn’t officially announced the global release yet. Specifications and software may differ slightly for international versions.
Xiaomi 17 Pro Max Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Body | 162.9 x 77.6 x 8.0 mm, 219g; Dragon Crystal 3 front glass, aluminum frame; IP68 water & dust resistant (up to 6m, 30 min) |
| Main Display | 6.9″ LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 3500 nits peak brightness, 1200 x 2608 px, 416 PPI |
| Secondary Display | 2.9″ LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 3500 nits, 596 x 976 px |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, Octa-core (2×4.6GHz + 6×3.62GHz), Adreno 840 GPU |
| RAM & Storage | 12GB / 512GB, 16GB / 512GB, 16GB / 1TB, UFS 4.1 |
| Operating System | Android 16 with HyperOS 3 |
| Rear Cameras | 50MP main (Light Fusion 950L, Leica Summilux, OIS), 50MP telephoto 5x optical zoom (Samsung ISOCELL GN8, OIS), 50MP ultra-wide (autofocus) |
| Front Camera | 50MP OmniVision OV50M40, f/2.2, autofocus |
| Video Recording | Rear: 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps; Front: 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Battery | 7500mAh, 100W wired, 50W wireless, 22.5W reverse wireless |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 7, BT 5.4, NFC, Infrared, UWB support |
| Other Features | Under-display ultrasonic fingerprint, stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos |
Design & Build
The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max has a premium feel similar to the iPhone 17 Pro Max, but with its own identity. The flat side frames, slightly curved front and back panels, and symmetrical bezels make it feel refined in hand. The front display uses Dragon Crystal 3, a protective glass for durability. The IP68 certification allows immersion in water up to 6 meters for 30 minutes, a small improvement over previous models.
The secondary rear display is the standout design element. It supports widgets, notifications, timers, and even third-party apps—though mostly limited to Chinese apps at launch. Spotify is currently the only global app with limited integration. Its most practical use is acting as a selfie viewfinder using the main rear cameras, which drastically improves image quality for front-facing photos.
Display
The primary 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED display is bright, sharp, and fluid thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate. HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support ensure excellent color reproduction, contrast, and dynamic range. The secondary 2.9-inch display also matches the 120Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of 3,500 nits, making it readable even under direct sunlight.
Camera Performance
The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max continues Xiaomi’s tradition of flagship camera hardware with improvements:
Rear Cameras:
- Main 50MP (Light Fusion 950L sensor, Leica Summilux lens, OIS, f/1.67) for crisp, vibrant photos and 8K video.
- Telephoto 50MP 5x zoom (Samsung ISOCELL GN8, f/2.6, OIS) for detailed zoom shots.
- Ultra-wide 50MP with autofocus, capturing wider scenes with minimal distortion.
Front Camera:
- 50MP OmniVision OV50M40, f/2.2, autofocus. Enhanced low-light performance and sharp selfies.
- Can also use the rear camera via secondary display for superior selfies.
Video Recording: Supports 10-bit Dolby Vision HDR and 10-bit LOG for professional editing. Early testing shows excellent detail, color accuracy, and low-light capability.
Battery & Charging
A massive 7,500mAh battery powers the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max, enough to last 2 full days of moderate use. It supports:
- 100W wired fast charging
- 50W wireless fast charging
- 22.5W reverse wireless charging for accessories
This makes it one of the longest-lasting flagship phones in the market.
Performance
Equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, the 17 Pro Max delivers top-tier performance. Heavy apps, gaming, and multitasking run smoothly without stutters. Combined with up to 16GB RAM and UFS 4.1 storage, app launches are instant, and file transfers are blazing fast.
Connectivity & Extras
The phone comes with 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, UWB, and even an infrared port. Under-display ultrasonic fingerprint, stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, and full IP68 water resistance complete the premium package.
Xiaomi 17 Pro Max Price in Pakistan
| Variant | Approx. Price (PKR) |
|---|---|
| 12GB RAM / 512GB | PKR 289,999 |
| 16GB RAM / 512GB | PKR 319,999 |
| 16GB RAM / 1TB | PKR 369,999 |
Prices may vary slightly depending on import duties and local distributors.
Early Verdict
The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max is a bold, innovative flagship. Its rear secondary display, huge battery, powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, and triple 50MP camera system make it one of the most versatile and future-ready smartphones available.
For Pakistani users, this phone brings global-level features into the local market, although the full international app support for the rear display may take time.
Shayan Ahmad from Skipper PK gives the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max a strong recommendation for tech enthusiasts looking for premium performance, innovative features, and a standout design.
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