The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max is directly challenging the iPhone on its own turf. It features a premium design, a super-powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, a revolutionary rear screen, and an unbeatable price of €1,000 compared to €1,400 for the iPhone 17 Pro Max. A smartphone that could well convince those who are undecided to take the plunge this year.
Every year, thousands of users face the same dilemma: stay loyal to their ecosystem or try their luck with the competition? While Xiaomi has been cultivating its unconditional fan base for years, just like Apple, there is this famous gray area, these users who hesitate, compare, and weigh the pros and cons. And frankly, 2025 could well be the year of the big shift . With its 17 Pro Max, Xiaomi is no longer content to offer a credible alternative: the Chinese brand is aiming directly for the throne. We spent a full week with this smartphone purchased for €1,000 to see if it really lives up to its promises against the Californian giant. Here is our full test after a week of intensive use.
Table of Contents
Design: when inspiration becomes excellence
Let's be honest: the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max looks like the iPhone . Yes, it's a fact that can't be ignored. The edges are rounded, the bezels are ultra-thin, the chassis is premium... Xiaomi fully embraces this inspiration, and you could cry out that it's a copy. But there's one element that changes absolutely everything and makes this smartphone much more than a simple clone.
This element is the Magic Back Screen , this secondary screen on the back that completely transforms the user experience. This rear panel displays your notifications in real time, offers animated wallpapers to personalize your phone, and above all, it opens up new possibilities. Want to play retro games? Add a gaming case and transform this screen into a controller. Want selfies with the quality of the main camera? It's now possible thanks to this screen that becomes your viewfinder. And here, it's not just a basic screen: it runs in 120Hz adaptive with 3000 nits of maximum brightness . Yes, the rear screen is as efficient as a main screen of certain high-end smartphones. This is where Xiaomi shows that it doesn't just copy: it innovates .
In terms of size, we have a generous but controlled format: 8mm thick (or 8.1mm depending on the measurements), 162.9mm high and 77.6mm wide . The most impressive thing? Only 219g on the scale , which makes it a lighter smartphone than the iPhone 17 Pro Max . How did Xiaomi achieve this feat with a 7500 mAh battery? It's undoubtedly an engineering feat !
The whole thing is IP68 and IP69 , which means this smartphone is absolutely water-resistant. You can take it out in the rain, to the pool, or even rinse it under the tap without any fear. And it's not just marketing: this Xiaomi 17 Pro Max is exceptional in terms of robustness AND repairability . It's a true waterproof phone that doesn't compromise on strength or durability.
Performance: The chip that makes Apple tremble
Now let's get to the heart of this high-end smartphone. Xiaomi has made a big splash by integrating the Snapdragon 8 Elite G5 (yes, the name is complicated), a chip that isn't even available in Europe at the time of our review. And the numbers speak for themselves: 4 million points on AnTuTu . Four million, guys. That's simply phenomenal and puts this smartphone in the absolute top of Androids currently available.
But the most interesting thing is the direct comparison with Apple's A19 Pro. Historically, Apple chips have dominated the market in all benchmarks. This year, the Snapdragon 8 Elite beats the A19 Pro in single-core . You can check it out for yourself on Google; the results are in. This is the first time an Android processor has competed so effectively with Apple chips, and it's a real game-changer for users who were hesitant because of performance.
On the gaming side, you're in for a treat. We tested Destiny Mobile , a particularly graphically intensive title, and the result is stunning. The game runs at a maximum of 90 FPS (the limit of the game itself), with all graphics settings pushed to the maximum, without slowdowns or stuttering. But that's not all: Genshin Impact , the game that brings most smartphones to their knees, runs here at a constant 60 FPS for 20 minutes without abnormal heating. CarX Street, Destiny, no matter the game tested, no drop in FPS was observed. The phone heats up slightly during extended sessions, but nothing alarming. You can play games back to back without the experience being degraded.
And frankly, it's really impossible to make this phone lag . You can open several applications, switch from one to another, launch demanding games, the Hyper OS 3 doesn't flinch. The fluidity is absolute, constant, impressive. For €1000 compared to €1400 on the iPhone, it's a truly impressive performance/price ratio.
Screen: a panel that dazzles the eye
Let's move on to the main screen, because it's really one of the strong points of this Xiaomi 17 Pro Max. You're treated to a 6.9-inch OLED panel with exceptional definition and, hold on to your hats, 3500 nits of maximum brightness . That's huge. In concrete terms, this means that you can use your smartphone in direct sunlight without any readability issues.
The technology doesn't stop there: LTPO AMOLED panel with 2K , HDR10+ 12 bit for absolutely remarkable color and contrast management. And here, be careful, it's a technical detail that kills: this screen is 8 bit , which means that it displays many more colors than all its competitors, Samsung and Apple included . We're talking about a color depth rarely seen on a smartphone. Whether you're watching Netflix, YouTube content or downloaded movies, the visual quality is there. The Dragon Crystal ensures resistance to everyday scratches and shocks, which is not insignificant when you invest 1000€ in a smartphone.
The adaptive 120Hz refresh rate ensures perfect fluidity in all circumstances, whether you're scrolling through social networks or playing demanding games. And frankly, multimedia-wise, it's a visual treat. Gaming takes on another dimension on this panel, video streaming becomes a true pocket cinema experience, and even simple web browsing benefits from this exceptional display quality. It's one of the best panels you can find in this price range , without exaggeration.
Autonomy: Xiaomi crushes the competition
It really has to be said: it's on battery life that Xiaomi beats Apple hands down . No bullshit here, the difference is abysmal. With its 7500 mAh , the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max gives you around 2 days of battery life under normal use. Two days, you hear me right. It's a remarkable technical feat.
And here you are going to say to me: "Yes, but with such a battery, the phone must weigh a ton." Well, no. Xiaomi has managed the feat of keeping the weight to only 219g . How? Mystery, but the result is there. It's a real feat of engineering that deserves to be recognized.
The cherry on top: 100W fast charging . You plug in your phone in the morning while you're taking a shower, and hey presto, you're back with a full battery. Depending on your usage (intensive gaming or standard office use), you'll get between 1 and 2 full days of battery life. The iPhone, with its... how can I put it... more modest battery life performance, simply can't hold a candle to the Xiaomi on this point.
Photo: a triple sensor that rivals the best
On the photo side, Xiaomi has gone all out with a system with three 50-megapixel sensors each . Yes, you read that right: 50MP. The main sensor features the Omnivision Light Hunter 950 , a benchmark in the field that allows you to capture truly phenomenal shots, even in difficult lighting conditions.
You also have the option to shoot in 8K , which is still quite rare on the market. Sure, 8K consumes a lot of storage space and few people have screens capable of displaying it properly, but for those who want futureproofing or work with video, it's a real plus. The 50MP wide angle allows you to capture landscapes or group photos without any unsightly distortion. The stabilization works wonderfully, even while walking.
But let's talk about the 50MP periscope with 5x optical zoom and 120x digital zoom . This is where it gets really interesting. We tested it in real conditions: we headed to the Apple Store for a direct comparison with the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Same framing, same light, same distance. And there, frankly, the Xiaomi has a better zoom than the iPhone . In zoomed-in photos of faces, you have more detail, better sharpness, and less artificial smoothing. The difference is visible to the naked eye. Period.
Up front, the 50MP selfie sensor delivers sharp selfies with great color control. No orange or green cast, no excessive smoothing that makes you look like a wax doll. And with the Magic Back Screen, you can even take selfies using the main sensors, giving you unparalleled photo quality. For me, this is one of the three best camera phones you can get for 2025 , alongside the usual Samsung and Google smartphones.
Hyper OS 3: When Xiaomi competes with iOS
Now let's talk about the interface, because it's honestly one of the big surprises of this test. Hyper OS 3 , the latest iteration of Xiaomi's in-house system, is simply crazy. And this is from someone who defines himself as a "member of the Samsung team." The animations are neat, the fluidity is there, the ergonomics are well thought out. Even the unlocking sound is designed to create a pleasant sensory experience. The animated Always On Display, the transitions between applications, everything is fluid, everything makes you want to use it.
And here, I know that Apple purists will scream, but we have to admit: Hyper OS has become truly comparable to iOS . Better, it easily ranks in the top 3 of currently available Android OS . Xiaomi has even integrated a Hyper Island , their version of Apple's Dynamic Island. And frankly, it's even better executed than what Samsung has done . You can manage several applications simultaneously, slide notifications, swap tasks, and all this without the slightest lag. It's fluid, it's intuitive, it's brilliant. Xiaomi didn't hesitate to copy Apple on this point, and so much the better, because the result is really convincing.
Xiaomi has even added a feature that many have been asking for: battery health tracking . You can now see the exact percentage of remaining capacity and the number of cycles completed, just like on the iPhone. Sure, the one-handed swipe mode isn't perfect (it's sometimes difficult to activate), but overall, it's not perfect, but it's excellent . It's these little details that make the difference.
When it comes to updates, Xiaomi guarantees 4 years of OS updates and 6 years of security updates . This is a serious commitment that guarantees that your €1,000 investment will last over time.
✔ Unbeatable value for money: €1,000 vs €1,400 for the competition, equivalent or even superior performance.
✔ Exceptional battery life: Two full days (7500 mAh battery) in a lightweight chassis (219g).
✔ 100W Fast Charge: Allows you to recharge your battery in record time.
✔ Snapdragon 8 Elite G5: 4 million points on AnTuTu, surpasses the A19 Pro in single score, no latency.
✔ Versatile camera system: Three 50 MP sensors, remarkable 5x optical zoom, Omnivision Light Hunter 950, 8K video.
✔ Revolutionary Magic Back Screen: 120Hz/3000 nits rear screen, ideal for selfies with the main sensors (unique added value).
✔ Exceptional 6.9-inch OLED display: 3500 nits, HDR10+ 12-bit, 8-bit technology, Dragon Crystal protection (a reference panel).
✔ Hyper OS 3 at the top: Smooth interface, well-executed Hyper Island, neat animations, battery health monitoring (comparable to iOS).
✔ Full connectivity: WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, dual SIM, IP68/IP69, all French 5G/4G bands.
✔ Strength and repairability: Validated by Jerry Rig Everything, guaranteeing durability over time.
✔ Serious software support: 4 years of OS updates and 6 years of security updates (long-term commitment).
✔ Gaming Performance: Genshin Impact in constant 60 FPS, 6.9 inch screen perfect for gaming.
✖ Design too inspired by the iPhone: Lack of its own visual identity (despite the Magic Back Screen).
✖ Chinese ROM if imported: No Android Auto, settings in English only, requires a setup tutorial (in the absence of an official FR version).
✖ Less mature ecosystem than Apple: Inter-device integration remains inferior for users already equipped with Apple.
✖ Absence of some optimized apps: Some iOS apps are not available or less well optimized on Android (professional/creative).
✖ Limited availability in Europe: Requirement to import the phone (questions about after-sales service and local support).
✖ Slight heating during intensive gaming (remains acceptable, but noticeable).
✖ Imperfect one-handed mode: The feature is difficult to activate and not always reliable (annoying detail).
Verdict: for whom and at what price?
Today, the choice is quickly made. The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max at €1000 has solid arguments compared to the iPhone 17 Pro Max sold for €400 more . Equivalent or even superior performance in certain aspects, overwhelming autonomy, a top-notch camera system, an exceptional screen... The list of qualities is long.
This smartphone is for you if: you are looking for the best value for money on the high-end market, you need two days of battery life, you are a mobile photography enthusiast, you want to take advantage of the latest technologies (WiFi 7, 100W charging) or you are tired of paying the "Apple tax" without tangible benefits.
Move on if: you're completely anchored in the Apple ecosystem (AirPods, Apple Watch, Mac, etc.), you have a pressing need for iMessage, you prefer the simplicity of iPhone design without any frills, or you're really resistant to Android interfaces.
The alternatives? The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra offers an S-Pen and advanced professional integration. The Google Pixel 9 Pro offers the best AI experience on the market. But frankly, for those who are undecided and hesitate between Android and iOS every year, 2025 is definitely the year to take the plunge . The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max is a mature, accomplished smartphone that no longer has any hang-ups about the competition.
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