Xiaomi 17 Pro Max or iPhone 17 Pro Max: comparison of new flagships
By ForGeeks
With the release of the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max, competition in the smartphone market has reached a new level. The device was the first of a generation of top Android flagships. On the other side of the barricades is the iPhone 17 Pro Max, Apple’s main smartphone. Let’s analyze how the novelties differ and who is stronger.
Display and design
The two smartphones are made of glass and aluminum. Apple has opted for a more solid aluminum body this time around and for the first time used a vapor chamber cooling system. For protection, Ceramic Shield 2 with improved scratch resistance is used. The screen is a 6.9-inch OLED with a resolution of 2868×1320 pixels and 120Hz.
Xiaomi offers the same size LTPO AMOLED panel with 1.5K resolution, record brightness up to 3500 nits and DC-dimming support. It has a protective Xiaomi Shield Glass on top. The main feature is an additional 2.9-inch 120Hz display on the rear panel next to the camera unit.
Performance
iPhone 17 Pro Max received the new A19 Pro chip, traditionally setting the bar high in terms of speed and power efficiency. The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max, on the other hand, is the first smartphone with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor. According to tests, it almost catches up with the A19 Pro. In practice, both devices will deliver top-notch gaming, multitasking, and power efficiency.
Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor is the first Snapdragon 17 Pro Max smartphone to do so.
Autonomy and charging
The advantage here is on Xiaomi’s side. The device packs a 7,500mAh battery with support for 100W wired and 50W wireless charging. The iPhone 17 Pro Max got a battery of around 5088 mAh (exact details not disclosed), but Apple traditionally relies on iOS optimization. In the end, Xiaomi takes power and charging speed, Apple takes efficiency.
At the end of the day, Xiaomi takes power and charging speed, Apple takes efficiency.
Cameras
The Apple flagship features a triple 48MP camera unit with a focus on video: ProRes RAW support, advanced stabilization and color tools. Xiaomi responds with a 50MP triple-sensor system developed with Leica, including a 5x periscope with increased aperture and sensor. In theory, the Xiaomi looks stronger in zoom photography, but objective conclusions can be drawn after full-fledged tests.
The Xiaomi looks stronger in zoom photography, but we’ll be able to draw objective conclusions after full-fledged tests.
Price and Conclusions
Xiaomi 17 Pro Max in China starts at 4999 yuan (roughly $701) for the 12/256GB version. By comparison, the iPhone 17 Pro Max starts at $1,199. The nearly $500 price gap plays a significant role.
So Xiaomi offers an impressive feature set at an aggressive price point, while Apple relies on ecosystem and stability. The choice between the two will depend on preference: Android’s versatility and more affordable price, or iOS integration brought to a shine.
