Xiaomi 17 Pro Max Review: The 2-Screen Powerhouse
The wait is over. Xiaomi has officially unveiled the Xiaomi 17 Pro series in China, and the “Pro Max” variant isn’t just an incremental upgrade—it’s a daring reimagining of the modern flagship. With a specs sheet that reads like a tech enthusiast’s dream, including a game-changing large secondary display, the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max is making a bold claim for the title of 2024’s most innovative phone.
Priced at ¥5999 (approximately $841 / ₹74,661), it sits firmly in the ultra-premium segment. But does it bring enough to the table to justify that price? Let’s dive into the full details.
First Impressions & Design: The Two-Faced Titan
The most immediate and headline-grabbing feature is the one not found on any other mainstream flagship: a 2.86″ rear display. This isn’t a tiny ticker-tape notification panel; it’s a fully functional, high-resolution OLED screen that opens up a world of new possibilities. From using the superior main cameras for selfies and video calls, to controlling music, viewing maps while walking, or simply showing off custom animations, this secondary screen is a major differentiator.
Despite packing a massive 7500mAh battery and this additional display, Xiaomi has managed to keep the thickness to a remarkably slim 8mm. The trade-off is in weight, with the 17 Pro Max coming in at 219 grams. This is a substantial, dense device that feels every bit the “Max” in your hand. The build quality is top-tier, featuring a titanium frame and the latest Dragon Crystal Glass 3.0, all protected by a best-in-class IP69/IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.
The Displays: Main Event and Supporting Act
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Main Display: The front features a large 6.9″ OLED LTPO display with a 2608×1200 resolution. While the pixel density is slightly lower than some competitors, the 120Hz LTPO technology ensures buttery-smooth scrolling and excellent power efficiency by dynamically adjusting the refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz. It’s a bright, vibrant, and flagship-quality panel perfect for media consumption and gaming.
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Rear Display: The 2.86″ OLED on the back is the true star. With a sharp 976×596 resolution, it’s perfectly usable for apps, notifications, and camera framing. Its implementation will be key to its success, but the hardware foundation is incredibly promising.
Performance & Software: Unmatched Raw Power
As expected from a no-compromise flagship, the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max is equipped with the absolute latest and greatest silicon.
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Chipset: The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is Qualcomm’s most powerful platform, coupled with fast LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 4.1 storage. In practice, this translates to blistering performance. Every task, from app switching to intensive file compression, is instantaneous.
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Gaming: The Adreno 840 GPU handles every game on the Play Store at max settings with ease. Paired with the large 120Hz display and advanced cooling (necessary for such a powerful chip), the gaming experience is arguably the best on any Android device.
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Software: It runs Android 16 with Xiaomi’s HyperOS on top. The software experience is clean, fluid, and leverages the power of the dual displays with unique features like using the rear screen as a trackpad or for multi-app workflows
The Camera System: Versatility is its Strength
The camera system is a triple 50MP powerhouse, designed for consistency and flexibility.
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Main Camera: The 50MP Light Hunter 950L sensor with OIS is the workhorse. It promises exceptional low-light performance and detailed shots in all conditions.
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Ultra-Wide & 3x Telephoto: The 50MP OV50M ultrawide and 50MP Samsung GN8 telephoto ensure you have a high-quality option for every type of shot, from vast landscapes to zoomed-in subjects. The lack of a periscope lens is a slight concession, but the telephoto should still deliver excellent 2x-3x optical zoom.
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The Selfie Revolution: This is where the rear display changes the game. By using the main cameras for selfies and video calls, facilitated by the rear screen for framing, your selfies will have a quality leap that no traditional front-facing camera can match. The 50MP OV50M front camera is still very capable for standard use, but the best selfies will come from the main sensors.
Battery Life & Charging: The Two-Day Phone, Redefined
The battery specifications are nothing short of staggering.
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Battery Life: The 7500mAh battery in the 17 Pro Max is one of the largest ever put in a flagship smartphone. Even with the power draw of two displays and the Elite Gen 5 chip, this phone is built to last. For most users, two full days of use on a single charge is a realistic expectation. For power users, it will easily sail through the heaviest day without a hint of anxiety.
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Charging Speed: It supports 100W wired charging and 50W wireless charging. While not the absolute fastest on the market, the combination of a huge battery and rapid charging means you can top up this behemoth in a very short time. A 15-minute charge will provide enough power for many, many hours of use.
Additional Features & Ecosystem
Xiaomi has left no stone unturned. You get the latest Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, a reliable ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner, an IR blaster, and a high-quality X-axis linear motor for precise haptic feedback. The inclusion of a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C port is a welcome addition for fast data transfer and video output.
The Competition: How Does It Stack Up?
At its price point, the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max goes head-to-head with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max.
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Vs. Samsung S24 Ultra: The 17 Pro Max wins on raw innovation (rear display), battery size, and charging speed. Samsung may still hold an edge in software update longevity and S-Pen integration.
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Vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max: It dominates in specs—faster charging, higher refresh rate, more RAM, and the unique rear display. The iPhone’s strength remains in its cohesive ecosystem and unmatched video performance.
Final Verdict: Who is the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max For?
The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max is not a phone for everyone. Its large size, significant weight, and novel rear display make it a specialized tool for a specific user.
You should buy the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max if:
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You are a tech enthusiast who craves the latest and most innovative hardware.
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You are a content creator or social media influencer who will massively benefit from the high-quality “selfies” enabled by the rear display and main cameras.
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You are a power user for whom battery life is the top priority, and you want a device that can truly last for days.
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You value raw performance and charging speed above all else.
You should consider other options if:
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You prefer a compact, lightweight, or one-handed device.
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You are skeptical about the utility of a rear display and see it as a gimmick.
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Your budget is constrained, as this is an ultra-premium, expensive device.
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You are deeply invested in the Apple or Samsung ecosystem.
Conclusion:
The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max is a bold, uncompromising statement. It doesn’t just try to beat the competition at their own game; it changes the game entirely with its revolutionary rear display and record-breaking battery. While its size and concept may polarize, there is no denying that it is one of the most powerful, innovative, and longest-lasting smartphones ever created. For the right user, it will be nothing short of a perfect powerhouse.