Forget the iPhone 17 – Xiaomi’s 17 Pro Max replaced the game by packing futuristic tech, an incredible rear screen, and performance, which rivals Apple and Samsung.
Xiaomi never slows down. Just a few days after starting their 15T smartphone series, the Chinese tech veteran surprised everyone by unveiling a brand-new lineup: the Xiaomi 17 series.
And it is not a small fresh. The new family consists of three models—Xiaomi 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max. I have spent time with the biggest, the 17 Pro Max of the bunch, and let me tell you—this phone does not just try to keep up with Apple and Samsung. In some ways, it blows them into the right past.
Yes, the name “Pro Max” may appear a bit too familiar (Hello iPhone 17 Pro Max), but do not roll your eyes yet. Because under that apple-inspired branding, there is a phone that pushes the boundaries with the hardware, a dual-screen design, and an industry-first L-shaped mega battery. Let’s dive
Dual Screen: Not just a gimmick
The headline feature here is Xiaomi’s decision to bring back the dual-screen design—and this time, it seems that it really makes sense.
Behind the 17 Pro Max, sitting next to the chunky camera module, you will get a 2.8-inch OLED display (976 x 596 resolution). Unlike the half-incomplete use of Xiaomi in 2021 with a small rear screen of the Mi 11 Ultra, this is more useful.
So, what can you really do with it?
Selfie with main cameras: Forget the granular front-facing selfie. The rear display acts as a live viewfinder, causing you to capture yourself with a superior rear camera system. For influential people and anyone obsessed with the quality of photos, it is a game-changer.
Widgets Galore: Clock, Calendar, Timer, or even a step counter that nudges you to move forward. I like to see the pedometer all the time—this is a small thing, but it really inspires me to walk more.
Third-party apps (mostly in China): Currently, the rear screen works best with Chinese apps such as Didi (ride-hailing) and Taobao (shopping). You can track your ride or flash a digital boarding pass at the airport. Internationally, the support is thin—so far, only Spotify works—but hopefully it is expected to grow after the global release of the phone (possibly in February).
This rear panel is not just a party trick. This turns the phone into a versatile tool, especially for photography and glance information.
Main Performance: A Showstopper
Flip the phone around, and the front display is just as impressive. The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max dodged the 6.9-inch OLED panel rocks, which hit 3500 nits of peak brightness, which means that it is easily visible under harsh sunlight.
Better yet, Xiaomi claims that it is 26% more power-efficient than the previous performance of the same size and resolution. When a large-scale battery (soon more on it) is combined, it is a very big thing.
Bezels? Practically untreated. The thickness looks almost the same, joining the iPhone 17 Pro Max with Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max. It is one of the best performances seen on a flat, lively phone.
Release Date and Price
The Xiaomi 17 series is slated to go on sale in China on September 27, 2025.
As for global availability, Xiaomi hasn’t confirmed an exact date yet, but most reports point to a worldwide launch in early 2026 (likely in February or spring)
The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max is priced at ¥5,999 in China, which is roughly $840 USD.
Some international sellers are listing it for as high as $999 USD (Chinese edition, import pricing)
The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max is expected to be priced at ₹74,990 in India for its base variant.
These are expected/rumored prices, not confirmed. Xiaomi hasn’t officially announced Indian pricing yet.
Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5: Powering the future
Xiaomi was not only attractive with the design; under the hood, this is the first phone to ship with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip.
Built on a 3 nm process, this is the processor you are going to see in almost every major Android flagship of 2026. The initial test shows a powerhouse: the apps immediately launch, multitasking is smooth, and the gaming feels console-level.
Now, let’s be real: The benchmarks still show that Apple’s A19 Pro chip has an increase in raw motion. But when it comes to Android devices, Snapdragon 8 is the chip to defeat the Elite Jean 5—and Xiaomi is leading the charge.
Battery Beast: The L-Shaped Powerhouse
Here, Xiaomi actually draws forward. 17 Pro Max uses an industry-first L-shaped battery design, allowing the company to fit 7,500 mAh cells inside a body that is not bulkier compared to other flagships.
For comparison:
Xiaomi 17 Pro Max: 7,500 mAh
iPhone 17 Pro Max: 4,823 mAh
This is almost double the capacity.
And Xiaomi added this monster battery with 100W fast charging. Plug it in with the charger involved, and you will be almost complete in a fraction of the time with a low battery that looks best for Apple.
Where is Xiaomi 16?
Eagle-eyed fans saw something strange: Xiaomi jumped directly from the series to 17. So what happened to 16?
According to Xiaomi, all this is about branding. Except for 16, the company now “catches” Apple’s numbering system. Moving forward every year, Xiaomi wants to launch a model that aligns directly with the latest iPhone.
This is why we suddenly have “Pro Max” in the lineup of Xiaomi. This is no secret: Xiaomi is bending harder than apples—and honestly, it seems deliberate.
Do I love this imitation point of view? Not necessarily. But at least Xiaomi is supporting it with real innovation, like a second screen and a huge battery.
A fresh design language
Xiaomi 17 Pro Max is not just about raw power. It is also the beginning of a new design era for the company. Gone is the circular “camera carbuncle” from the previous model. Instead, we get a rectangular module with two bold lenses on the left, which is neatly integrated with the new rear display.
The flat frame feels premium, like an iPhone, but it is comfortable to catch. Coming from the Pixel 10 Pro XL, I wondered how natural it was in hand.
What can another screen really do?
Xiaomi is calling its rear panel a dynamic back display, and it measures around 2.5 x 1.8 inches (using the camera usage). What it provides here:
Customizable theme: From stylish watches to animated wallpapers to Xiaomi’s adorable digital pet (which runs your battery), you can make the phone feel more personal.
Notifications: Flight information, ride-share updates, or progress of food delivery without flipping the phone. If it is face down on your desk, then work.
AI PIN: Pin important information like a QR code or schedule so that they are always accessible.
Camera Preview: Killer Feature—Better selfie with the main camera system. Tap, swipe, and shoot without compromise.
Handheld Console Mode: Attach the alternative retro handheld console case of Xiaomi, and the back screen becomes a mini gaming display. With the built-in D-pad and button, it converts Prof. Max into something that feels like a modern Game Boy.
Not every feature is equally useful, and yes, some feel like a gimmick. But camera preview and quick-glance notifications are really practical, and adaptation options add charm.
The Catch: China First
Here is just the only negative side: the Xiaomi 17 series is launching only in China, at least in the beginning. A global rollout is expected in February 2026, but until then, several apps of the second screen will remain closed for integration (such as ride-hailing or delivery updates).
International users will get the basics, such as the widget, Spotify control, and selfie tools. But the full app support will take a few months to expand worldwide.
Comparison Tabal
| Feature | Xiaomi 17 Pro Max | Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra |
|---|---|---|---|
| Release / Launch Timing | Launched in China, pre-orders in China, global rollout expected ~Feb 2026. | Launched September 2025. | Expected early 2026 globally and in India. |
| Primary Chipset / SoC | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3nm) | Apple A19 Pro (3nm) | Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 (for Galaxy) / rumored “for Galaxy” variant; also 3nm process rumored. |
| Main Display | ~6.9-inch OLED, very high brightness (3500 nits claimed), very slim bezels. | 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, ~3000-nits peak brightness. | Expected ~6.9-inch AMOLED (6.9” screen spec leaks) with improvements in brightness, anti-reflective tech. |
| Secondary / Special Display Features | Yes: rear 2.8-inch OLED screen (Dynamic Back Display) for widgets, selfie previews, notifications, etc | No built-in second rear screen. | No second back screen; traditional single front display. |
| Battery Capacity | 7,500 mAh for the Pro Max; uses a new L-shaped battery design. | ~5,000 mAh (largest ever in an iPhone) for the Pro Max. | Expected 5,000-5,400 mAh in leaks. |
| Charging Speeds | 100W wired charging. Also supports fast charging (wired & wireless) in the Xiaomi 17 Pro series. | Wired charging ~40W for Pro Max; wireless charging with MagSafe / Qi2. | Rumored ~60W wired; wireless charging (Qi2 or similar) expected. |
| Camera Setup | Triple (50MP main, strong telephoto in Pro Max, etc.). Rear screen helps use main camera for selfies. | Triple 48MP (main / ultrawide / telephoto) in the 17 Pro Max. | Leaked: quad camera with 200MP main, strong periscope, ultrawide, etc. |
| Expected Price (China / India / Global) | China: ¥5,999 (~USD $840) for base model. Global/international pricing TBD. | India: approx ₹1,49,900. Global launch standard for Apple. | India rumor: ₹1,59,990 base spec. Global pricing rumors suggest the premium segment. |
Final Thoughts: Xiaomi Is Out-Apple-ing Apple
Xiaomi 17 Pro Max seems like a shot across the bow of Apple. Its dual display, with a bleeding-edge Snapdragon chip, and this record-breaking 7,500 mAh battery make it no longer playing only a catch-up.
Yes, Xiaomi’s decision to mimic Apple’s naming strategy is a bit. But when the actual product distributes this innovation, it is difficult to complain.
For now, the second screen is the star of the show. This is not correct, but it is fun and useful and a reminder that smartphones can still surprise us. And that huge battery? This facility is begging for every phone user.
If this is the way to leave Xiaomi 16 and make a direct jump in the future, I am here for it.
People also ask
1. When is the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max release date?
Xiaomi 17 Pro Max was launched in China on 27 September 2025. Global rollouts are likely to be around February, early 2026.
2. What is the Xiaomi 17 Pro's maximum cost?
China: Starting at the base model (5,999 (~ $ 840 USD)).
India (expected): ₹ 74,990 for the 12GB + 512GB version.
Global/US: Imported units can range from $950 to $1,100 based on shipping, taxes, and retailers’ markup.
3. What makes Xiaomi 17 Pro Max unique?
The standout feature is the rear 2.8-inch dynamic back display, which can show widgets, notifications, and music controls, and even serve as a visible selfie using the main camera. It also has a 7,500 mAh L-shaped battery and the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Elite chipset.
4. How good is the camera?
Xiaomi 17 Pro Max has a triple rear camera system with wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses. The rear display allows selfies with the main camera, which gives better photo quality than the front cameras on most phones.
5. How long does the battery last?
Thanks to the 7,500 mAh L-shaped battery, heavy users can expect up to two days of use. It also supports 100W fast charging, so a quick 20–30 minute charge can fill most of the battery.