At first glance, Xiaomi’s latest flagship, the 17 Pro Max, might look like an iPhone clone. The naming is familiar (Pro, Pro Max), the design echoes Apple’s clean plateau camera bump, and the UI borrows from iOS with Apple-like icons and control center. But after some use, you realize Xiaomi has not just copied, it has dared to innovate, and in some areas, may have even outdone the competition.
Design & Build Quality
The camera plateau looks iPhone-inspired, but unlike Apple, Xiaomi has made it a functional second display. Imagine setting your phone face down during a meeting and still being able to sneak a glance at the time or incoming notifications via the rear screen. This isn’t just a gimmick; it’s a smart, efficient way to stay connected without disruption or taking pictures and videos with the back camera more effectively. This second display is not an extra; it is a full, bright, high-refresh, touch-responsive screen with the same durability and protection as the main display.
The phones feel premium. Bezels are minimal, the display is sharp and bright, and the haptic feedback is among the best in any smartphone. Despite massive batteries, the phones are surprisingly lightweight, even lighter than Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Performance & Hardware
Inside, Xiaomi is not playing it safe. Both the 17 Pro and Pro Max use the Snapdragon Elite Gen 5 chipset with 16GB of ultra-fast RAM and the fastest storage available. Benchmark tests place it ahead of Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra and other 2025 Android flagships. In real-world scenarios, PUBG Mobile never dipped below 120 fps during a 30-minute match, and exporting a 4K video resulted in noticeable time savings, demonstrating clear advantages in performance and efficiency.
Even during heavy gaming, performance stays consistent. The phone warms up slightly, but heat dissipation prevents performance throttling during long sessions.
Battery Life: The Real Game-Changer
Here’s where things get jaw-dropping:
- Xiaomi 17 Pro: 6,300 mAh
- Xiaomi 17 Pro Max: 7,500 mAh
That’s 25–50% larger than both the iPhone 17 Pro Max and Galaxy S25 Ultra. And yet, thanks to silicon-carbon battery tech, the phones remain slim and light. Add a 100W fast charger included in the box, and endurance isn’t just good, it’s unmatched. On a single charge, you can easily binge through two entire Netflix seasons or play 10 rounds of Fortnite. This real-world stamina truly sets the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max apart from the competition.
The Magic of the Rear Display
Xiaomi’s boldest move is the second screen built into the camera module. Unlike past half-baked attempts from other brands, this one is fully functional. It has the same refresh rate, brightness, and responsiveness as the main display, making it more than just decoration.
What can you do?
- Personalization: Customizable clock faces, widgets, and even AI-generated animated wallpapers.
- Quick Access: Music controls, pinned notes, timers, or even QR codes for instant sharing.
- Notifications: Subtle updates without flipping the phone, similar to Apple’s Dynamic Island or Nothing’s Glyph, but more versatile.
- Cameras: Easily the biggest win. The rear display lets you use the main cameras for selfies, giving you far superior shots compared to any front camera on the market. Portraits, ultrawide selfies, 8K video recording, everything works flawlessly.
- Gaming (Yes): Xiaomi even built a clip-on controller case to turn the rear screen into a tiny handheld console. It’s niche, but undeniably impressive.
Cameras
The Xiaomi 17 Pro and Pro Max boast an excellent triple-camera setup:
- Main Sensor: Sharp, detailed shots with excellent dynamic range, often matching or exceeding the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
- Ultrawide: Decent in daylight, less strong in low light.
- Telephoto Zoom: Strong zooming power, though AI enhancement can be aggressive at high levels.
The real magic, though, is how the rear display transforms the camera experience. Selfies and vlogs using the main cameras blow away traditional front-camera results. This feature alone makes the 17 Pro lineup a dream for creators and social media enthusiasts.
Final Thoughts
In the Pakistani market, the Xiaomi 17 Pro and Pro Max are expected to arrive at around PKR 2,54,000 non-pta, but the PTA-approved price may climb closer to PKR 4,00,000 once taxes are added. This puts them in the same league as Samsung and Apple flagships, yet Xiaomi’s edge lies in features like a rear display and bigger batteries, offering extra value for buyers.
These phones aren’t just routine upgrades; they’re bold experiments. With powerful performance, premium displays, and massive batteries, they compete head-to-head with top rivals, while the secondary screen makes them stand out. Of course, questions about durability and repair costs remain, but Xiaomi’s warranty covers major issues.
For those who want a flagship that keeps pace with Apple and Samsung while offering something unique, the Xiaomi 17 Pro series is one of the most exciting choices of late 2025.
Note: this review is from hand-on experience review before xiaomi 17 series launches in pakistan, prices will be updated as soon as it land in pakistani market.
