Xiaomi 17 Pro Max vs iPhone 17 Pro Max: The smartphone world is heating up as Xiaomi and Apple go head-to-head with their top-tier flagships: the all-new Xiaomi 17 Pro Max and Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max. While the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max sets new benchmarks with value-packed specifications and innovative design, Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max continues its tradition of premium build and ecosystem finesse. Here’s a deep dive into how these two devices compare in features, pricing, and technology, helping buyers decide which one suits their needs best.
Pricing and Availability
Xiaomi’s 17 Pro Max comes as a disruptive force in the flagship market, starting at CNY 5,999 (about ₹74,700) for its 12GB + 512GB model, with higher configurations (16GB + 512GB and 16GB + 1TB) scaling up to CNY 6,999 (around ₹87,200). Currently available only in China, the Xiaomi offering comes in distinct shades like Black, Cold Smoke Purple, Forest Green, and White.
In contrast, Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max starts at a steep ₹1,49,900 for the base 256GB model in India, reaching up to ₹2,29,900 for the 2TB variant. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is offered in elegant Cosmic Orange, Deep Blue, and Silver colors.
Design and Build
The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max pushes boundaries with its dual-screen “Magic Back Screen”—allowing creative ways to take selfies and preview shots on the rear. It features Xiaomi’s robust Dragon Crystal Glass, has an IP68 rating, and weighs 219g at an 8mm thickness. This unique approach enables multitasking and new camera experiences.
Apple refines its signature unibody design with a fresh full-width camera plateau and the latest Ceramic Shield 2 for drop protection. The iPhone 17 Pro Max also boasts IP68 dust and water resistance, weighs 231g, and measures 8.75mm thick, ensuring durability and a premium feel.
Display Quality
Xiaomi’s 17 Pro Max impresses with a massive 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED display (1200 x 2608 pixels), a stunning 3,500 nits peak brightness, 120Hz refresh rate, and Dolby Vision support—perfect for streaming and gaming. It also features a functional 2.9-inch rear display with a high touch sampling rate for extra interactions.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max matches the size with its 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED (1,320 x 2,868 pixels), sporting Apple’s legendary color accuracy, HDR, and True Tone at a peak brightness of 1,600 nits and 120Hz refresh rate. Both displays offer wide P3 color gamut, catering to vivid visuals and smooth scrolling.
Processing Power
Under the hood, the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max flexes Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, paired with up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage, and runs on HyperOS 3 based on Android 16 for a smooth, customizable experience.
Apple counters with its cutting-edge A19 Pro chipset, 12GB RAM, and options up to 2TB storage. Advanced thermal management keeps it cool, running on iOS 26 for seamless integration in the Apple ecosystem.
Camera Capabilities
The Xiaomi flagship features a Leica-tuned triple camera array: 50MP primary, 50MP ultra-wide, and a 50MP periscope lens with impressive 5x optical zoom. A high-res 50MP front camera tops off the system, making it a delight for creators.
Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Pro Max sports three 48MP rear cams—main, ultra-wide, and telephoto (4x optical zoom)—plus an 18MP selfie shooter. Apple’s proven image processing promises stellar low-light and video performance, maintaining its edge among photography enthusiasts.
Battery and Charging
Xiaomi packs a marathon 7,500mAh battery into the 17 Pro Max, supporting 100W wired, 50W wireless, and 22.5W reverse wireless charging—engineering one of the most versatile battery setups to date.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max reportedly includes a 5,088mAh cell, optimized for up to 37 hours of video playback, with 40W fast charging and 15W MagSafe wireless charging.
Xiaomi’s 17 Pro Max is redefining expectations for Android flagships, combining standout display technology, innovative design, and oversized battery life—without breaking the bank. Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max, however, continues to shine in software polish, seamless integration, and camera prowess. The choice hinges on whether you prioritize bold, value-rich innovation or prefer the time-tested sophistication of Apple’s ecosystem
