It finally happened — Xiaomi just unveiled the 17 Pro Max, and it’s more than just another slab flagship. This device packs a massive OLED panel, a secondary display on the back, Leica-tuned cameras, and a monster 7,500 mAh battery. And if that’s not enough, Xiaomi now ships an official gaming case with built-in controls that basically turns the Pro Max into a pocket console.
Key Specifications
• Networks: GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
• Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
• CPU/GPU: Octa-core Oryon V3 + Adreno 840
• Software: HyperOS 3 (Android 16)
• Main display: 6.9” LTPO OLED, 1440×3200 px, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 120 Hz, 1B colors, 1800 nits HBM, 3500 nits peak (~509 ppi)
• Rear display: 2.9” Dynamic Back Display, 120 Hz, for widgets, music, camera preview
• Memory/Storage: 12 GB / 16 GB RAM, 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB UFS 4.1 (no microSD)
• Rear cameras:
– 50 MP main, f/1.6, OIS, 1/1.28” sensor
– 50 MP telephoto 5x, OIS, 1/2.76”
– 50 MP ultrawide, f/2.2, 115°, 1/2.76”
– Video: 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, HDR10+
• Front camera: 32 MP, HDR, 4K@30fps
• Battery: 7,500 mAh, 100 W wired, 50 W wireless, 22.5 W reverse wireless
• Build: Xiaomi Shield Glass (front & back), aluminum frame, IP68 water/dust resistance
• Sound: Stereo speakers, 24-bit/192kHz, Dolby Atmos
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, IR blaster, USB-C 3.2 (DisplayPort)
• Sensors: Ultrasonic fingerprint reader, accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer, spectrometer
• Colors: Black, Silver, Green, Purple
• Size/Weight: 162.9 × 77.6 × 8.0 mm, 219 g
What’s new
The defining feature is the rear screen: a 2.9-inch AMOLED embedded across the wide Leica camera bar. It works as a selfie viewfinder, quick notification hub, and always-on widget screen. It’s like a foldable’s cover display, but in a classic slab phone.
Add to that the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 with AI acceleration and HyperOS 3, and you’ve got one of the fastest Android flagships of the year. The 7,500 mAh battery means endurance like no other flagship — with Xiaomi’s 100 W wired and 50 W wireless charging, downtime is minimal.
The Leica-tuned triple 50 MP setup covers wide, ultrawide and 5x tele, and supports 8K HDR10+ video. The periscope telephoto has a larger sensor than many rivals, promising sharper zoom shots at night.
Design and build
The Pro Max feels premium, with flat sides, shield glass, and colors that catch the light just right. At 219 g it’s a big phone, but Xiaomi’s ergonomic tuning makes it manageable. IP68 resistance ensures you don’t panic in the rain or at the pool.
New gaming accessory
Xiaomi also revealed a Retro Handheld Console Case for the 17 Pro Max. This snap-on case adds physical gaming controls — D-pad, ABXY buttons, triggers — while using the rear display as the main screen for gameplay. It turns the Pro Max into a handheld console, running Android games or cloud streaming. This is the boldest phone-gaming accessory we’ve seen since ROG’s clip-on controllers, and it plays perfectly with Xiaomi’s rear screen design.
How it stacks up
• iPhone 17 Pro Max: Apple leads in ecosystem and video workflows, but Xiaomi counters with bigger battery, faster charging, and the gaming case. For sheer versatility, the Pro Max is more playful.
• Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Samsung still has the S Pen and global reach, but Xiaomi’s Leica system and dual screens add creativity Samsung doesn’t match.
What others say
“This second rear screen on the Pro models makes candy-bar phones interesting again.” — The Verge
“The first Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 phones arrive with huge batteries and blazing charge speeds.” — Android Central
FAQ
• Does it support microSD expansion?
No, but you get up to 1 TB UFS 4.1 storage.
• Will the 17 Pro Max release globally?
Currently limited to China. Other Xiaomi 17 models may go global later.
• What’s the use of the rear display?
Selfie preview, widgets, music controls, and gaming with the new console case.
Cons
• Limited global availability at launch
• Heavy and large for some users
• No expandable storage
• Accessory ecosystem mostly China-first
Price and availability
~$840
Xiaomi 17 Pro Max launches in China from ¥5,999 (~$840). Sales start September 27 via Mi.com and partner retailers. No word yet on international availability.
Final verdict
The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max is not just another flagship — it’s a statement. Between the dual displays, Leica cameras, huge battery, and the quirky but genius gaming case, Xiaomi dares to make slab phones exciting again. If you can buy it, this is one of the most original Android flagships of 2025.
My score: 4.5/5.
