Xiaomi has always been known for pushing boundaries in the smartphone world, but with the new Xiaomi 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max, the company has taken a bold step forward. At first glance, it may look like Xiaomi has simply copied Apple’s iPhone 17 series, especially with the naming structure, design similarities, and even the interface touches that feel very Apple-inspired. But once you take a deeper look, the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max proves to be one of the most unique and ambitious flagship smartphones of 2025.
Familiar Design with a Twist
When you first see the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max, it’s hard not to notice how much it resembles the iPhone 17 Pro Max. From the camera plateau to the user interface that mimics Apple’s icons and control center, Xiaomi is clearly making a marketing move to put its device side by side with Apple’s. This tactic ensures that whenever people think about the iPhone 17 Pro, they also think about Xiaomi’s new flagship.
But calling it a knockoff would be unfair. While the design feels familiar, the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max introduces a game-changing twist – the camera module itself doubles as a fully functional second display. This isn’t just a gimmick; it has the same brightness, refresh rate, and touch responsiveness as the main screen, making it a seamless part of the device.
Premium Unboxing Experience
Xiaomi has also gone the extra mile in terms of packaging. Inside the tall premium box, buyers will find not only the phone but also a 100W charger, a USB-C cable, and even a frosted protective case. Unlike Apple, which has moved away from including chargers, Xiaomi is providing a high-tier experience straight out of the box. Both the 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max come with the same thoughtful set of accessories, which gives them a strong edge over competitors.
Battery Life Beyond Competition
One of the biggest highlights of the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max is its massive battery capacity. The regular 17 Pro comes with a 6,300 mAh battery, which is already 25% larger than what you find in the iPhone 17 Pro Max or the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. But the 17 Pro Max takes it to a whole new level with a 7,500 mAh battery, offering 50% more endurance than rival devices.
This incredible battery life is achieved using advanced silicon carbon battery technology, which allows for higher capacity without making the phone bulkier. Surprisingly, despite its larger battery, the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max is actually lighter than the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | ~5,000 mAh | Heavier |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | ~5,000 mAh | Heavier |
| Xiaomi 17 Pro | 6,300 mAh | Lighter |
| Xiaomi 17 Pro Max | 7,500 mAh | Lighter |
Performance and Hardware Power
If you think Xiaomi compromised performance to deliver this endurance, think again. The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max comes with 16GB of the fastest LPDDR5X RAM, top-tier storage technology, and is among the first smartphones to feature the Snapdragon Elite Gen 5 chipset, the processor that will power most flagship Android devices in 2026.
Benchmark tests confirm that the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max outperforms current high-end devices like the Galaxy S25 Ultra. While it does get warm during heavy use, sustained performance remains excellent thanks to efficient heat management.
The Magic of the Second Screen
The rear display is where Xiaomi truly sets itself apart. Unlike past attempts from other brands, this second screen matches the quality of the front panel in every way – brightness, responsiveness, refresh rate, and durability. Xiaomi even pre-applies screen protectors to both the front and back displays, showing confidence in its design.
This second screen isn’t just for looks; it has multiple practical uses. Users can customize it with clock faces, animated wallpapers, AI-generated art, or even use it as a music controller and notification panel. It can also be pinned with reminders, QR codes, or business promotions, turning the phone into a creative digital canvas.
Camera Experience Like Never Before
The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max cameras are another standout feature. Equipped with high-resolution sensors, the phone consistently matches or surpasses the iPhone 17 Pro Max in terms of detail and dynamic range. The second display takes this even further by acting as a viewfinder for selfies, enabling users to capture front-facing shots using the superior rear cameras.
This means selfies and vlogs can now be recorded in up to 8K resolution, delivering the highest-quality front-facing content ever seen on a smartphone. While the ultrawide camera is weaker in low light, the overall versatility of Xiaomi’s setup makes it one of the best camera systems of 2025.
Fun Extras and Gaming
In true Xiaomi fashion, the brand has added some wild extras. The company developed a special gaming case that transforms the second screen into a tiny gaming console. With physical buttons and optimized controls, users can play classics like Angry Birds on the back display. While this is more of a fun novelty than a practical feature, it shows Xiaomi’s creativity in experimenting with new forms of smartphone interaction.
Should You Buy the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max?
The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max is more than just another flagship phone. It combines the best fundamentals – industry-leading battery life, top-tier performance, premium build quality – with bold innovations like the dual-display design. While some features of the rear screen may feel like gimmicks, the personalization options, camera advantages, and futuristic approach make this device stand out in a crowded market.
| Battery | 7,500 mAh – Largest in class |
| Performance | Snapdragon Elite Gen 5 + 16GB RAM |
| Camera | Dual-display for 8K selfies |
| Second Display | Full-quality, customizable screen |
| Weight | Surprisingly lighter than rivals |
Final Thoughts
The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max proves that Xiaomi isn’t afraid to take risks. While its resemblance to the iPhone 17 may raise eyebrows, the phone’s execution, hardware excellence, and second display innovation make it far from a simple clone. Instead, it’s a confident step into the future of smartphones, offering features that competitors have yet to even attempt.
For those looking for a powerful flagship phone in 2025, the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max is not just an alternative to the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy lineup – it might just be the smarter choice.
