Maybe you missed it? The Xiaomi 17 lineup, launching this September, is designed to rival the iPhone 17.
The new upcoming Xiaomi 17 Pro Max is raising the bar to compete with the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max is poised to revolutionize the premium Android smartphone market, taking direct aim at Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max. Boasting cutting-edge features, an eye-catching design, and exceptional performance, Xiaomi’s latest flagship highlights the brand’s ambition to rival and surpass its fiercest competitors.
📱 Xiaomi 17 Pro Max vs. iPhone 17 Pro A comparison of rumored and official specifications.
Here’s a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max (Rumored) and the iPhone 17 Pro Max (Official), based on the latest available details from multiple sources:
| Feature | Xiaomi 17 Pro Max (Rumored) | iPhone 17 Pro Max (Official) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | Apple A19 Pro |
| Operating System | Android 16 with HyperOS | iOS 17 |
| Main Display | 6.8″ 2K AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate | 6.3″ Super Retina XDR OLED, ProMotion (120Hz adaptive) |
| Peak Brightness | N/A | Up to 3000 nits (outdoor) |
| Rear Cameras | Triple Leica-tuned setup: • 50MP main (f/1.67) • 50MP ultrawide (17mm) • 50MP periscope telephoto (5x optical zoom, f/2.6) | Triple-camera setup: • 48MP main • 48MP ultrawide • 48MP periscope telephoto (4x optical zoom, 8x optical-quality zoom) |
| Front Camera | 50MP autofocus selfie camera | 18MP Center Stage camera |
| Battery | 7,500 mAh with 100W wired charging, wireless + reverse charging | 3988 mAh (Nano SIM model) |
| Unique Feature | “Magic Back Screen” secondary display for widgets, calls, and camera viewfinder | USB-C with USB 3.2 speeds, Dynamic Island |
| Build & Durability | IP68 rating, edge-to-edge rear camera module | Ceramic Shield front, titanium frame, IP68 rating |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, IR blaster, rumored satellite communication | 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, satellite SOS |
| Storage & RAM | Up to 16GB RAM, UFS 4.0 storage | Up to 1TB storage, 8GB RAM |
| Price (Est.) | ₹99,990 (~$1,200) | ₹1,49,900 (~$1,800) |
A Bold Move: Skipping “16” to Achieve Balance
Xiaomi’s decision to skip “16” and jump straight to the 17 series is a strategic move to align its flagship naming with Apple’s. By adopting similar numbering, Xiaomi avoids the perception of being a generation behind and highlights its position as a serious competitor in the premium market. The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max, now the top-tier model replacing the “Ultra” label, underscores this shift in branding and focus.
Launching: Timing and Placement
The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max is expected to launch in late September 2025, likely around the 30th. Pre-orders have already started in China, highlighting Xiaomi’s strong presence locally and its global aspirations. The lineup will feature the standard 17, the 17 Pro, and the flagship 17 Pro Max, each designed to cater to different audiences.
A Bold New Design: Edge-to-Edge Cameras with an Extra Screen
A key highlight of the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max is its innovative rear camera module, stretching across the phone’s width and featuring the “Magic Back Screen”—a customizable secondary display. This screen allows users to:
- Control Widgets like a stopwatch and music playback.
- Take calls, check flight details, and track ride status effortlessly.
- Capture selfies with the main camera system for optimal quality, using the secondary display as a live viewfinder.
The Smart Magic Back Screen combines convenience and fun, making everyday tasks super accessible while offering a touch of personalization. It’s a step forward from similar features seen in earlier Xiaomi flagships like the Mi 11 Ultra.
Screen and Toughness
Anticipate an impressive 6.73- or 6.8-inch 2K AMOLED display, delivering vibrant colors, exceptional resolution, and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Durability is highlighted by a projected IP68 rating, ensuring reliable protection against dust and water for added assurance.
Powerful Performance: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and HyperOS
Underneath its sleek exterior, the 17 Pro Max is set to feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, a cutting-edge chip designed to deliver exceptional speed and efficiency for gaming and multitasking. With RAM options reaching up to 16GB and lightning-fast UFS storage configurations, this phone promises top-tier performance. It will launch with Android 16, enhanced by Xiaomi’s new “HyperOS,” offering a seamless, AI-driven, and customizable experience deeply connected to its advanced hardware.
Camera Technology: Leica Partnership and Pro-Grade Lenses
Xiaomi’s partnership with Leica continues to shine, and the 17 Pro Max features a rear camera array that includes:
- A 50MP main sensor with an f/1.67 aperture delivers outstanding clarity, even in low-light conditions.
- A 50MP ultra-wide lens with a 17mm focal length, perfect for capturing expansive scenes.
- A 50MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom and a brighter f/2.6 aperture is a notable improvement over the Pro model’s f/3.0. It’s especially great for night and portrait photography, delivering better depth of field and capturing more detail in challenging lighting conditions.
The whole lineup takes advantage of Leica’s renowned color science and lens enhancements, delivering photos that look natural, vibrant, and polished.
Battery, Charging, and Connectivity
Battery life is a standout feature, with the Pro Max boasting a massive 7,500mAh battery—a significant upgrade over current flagships and its predecessor. It also supports super-fast 100W wired charging, along with expected wireless and reverse charging capabilities, cutting down on downtime. The hardware is packed with features like 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, an IR blaster, and even rumored satellite communication for emergencies.
Software: Deeper AI, Enhanced Personalization
The combination of HyperOS and Android 16 brings AI-powered camera features, improved energy efficiency, more customizable widgets, and enhanced security—all seamlessly integrated with hardware like the rear Magic Back Screen. Xiaomi has also extended its software update support, now providing up to four years of OS upgrades and six years of security updates.
Geekbench Benchmark scores have already been revealed
A Geekbench listing has revealed a Xiaomi device with the model number 25098PN5AC, believed to be the 17 Pro. It features the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC and 16GB of RAM. The listing shows it running Android 16, which is likely the upcoming HyperOS 3 set to debut with the Xiaomi 17 series. (News Source).
Pricing, Availability, and Market Reception
The pricing is set to be premium yet competitive, likely undercutting Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max while holding its own in power and features. Initial launches will target China, with a global rollout expected, possibly reaching some markets by early next year. As always, buyers in regions without an official release will need to check carrier compatibility when importing the device.
Xiaomi’s Challenge to Apple
The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max marks a bold move in the premium smartphone game. By adopting the “Pro Max” branding, focusing on high-end features, and building a device that beats competitors in battery life, camera quality, customization options, and smart software, Xiaomi isn’t just closing the gap with Apple—it’s aiming to surpass it. This launch will be exciting to follow, especially as Xiaomi’s presence in China’s premium market keeps growing.
Featuring bold hardware, innovative software features, and a confident new design philosophy, the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max emerges as one of the most anticipated and potentially game-changing Android flagships of 2025.
