11-25-2025
Written By -
Gadget Right Now
In September 2025, Apple introduced to the world four new iPhones, and among them the 17 Pro Max is the most asked and demanded by users. Apple always pushes innovations into their hardwares to deliver the best performing results in all of the aspects of their iPhones. But for how long will it be on top? A real contender can always arise!
Recently, Xiaomi released their brand new Xiaomi 17 Pro Max, yeah even the naming is same like Apple. Included Qualcomm’s next year’s flagship chip to compete against Apple. So is Apple in trouble? Today, I’ll be comparing these two Pro Max models, and lightly explain how they compete with each other. Let’s jump right in:
Here’s a quick technical details about both devices down below for a side by side comparison:
| Model | iPhone 17 Pro Max | Xiaomi 17 Pro Max |
| Price | $1,199 | About $840/ 5999 yuan |
| Display | 6.9-inch, LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz, HDR10, 3000 nits, Dolby Vision | Main: 6.9-inch, LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision | Secondary: 2.9-inch, LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 3500 nits |
| Main Camera | 48MP (wide) | 48MP (periscope telephoto) | 48MP (ultrawide) | Video: Up to 4K @30/60fps | 18MP | Video: Up to 4K @30/60fps |
| Selfie Camera | 18MP | Video: Up to 4K @30/60fps | 50MP | Video: Up to 4K @30/60fps |
| SoC | Apple A19 Pro (3nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3nm) |
| CPU | Hexa-Core (up to 4.26GHz) | Octa-Core (up to 4.60GHz) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (6-core graphics) | Adreno 840 |
| Memory | RAM: 12GB | ROM: 256GB / 512GB / 1TB / 2TB | Storage Type: NVMe | RAM: 12GB/ 16GB | ROM: 512GB/ 1TB | Storage Type: UFS 4.1 | RAM Type: LPDDR5X |
| OS | iOS 26 | Android 16, HyperOS 3 |
| Battery | Li-Ion 4832 mAh (SIM), Li-Ion 5088 mAh (eSIM) | Wired, PD3.2, AVS | 25W MagSafe/Qi2 | 4.5W reverse wireless | Si/C Li-Ion 7500 mAh | 100W Wired | 50W WIreless | 22.5W reverse wireless |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth v6.0, NFC | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth v5.4, NFC |
| Dimensions | 163.4 x 78 x 8.8 mm | 162.9 x 77.6 x 8 mm |
| Weight | 233 g | 219 g |
| Colors | Silver, Cosmic Orange, Deep Blue | Black, White, Cool Smoke Purple, Forest Green |
Let’s talk about the design of both phones here. At first glance at the iPhone 17 Pro Max, Apple brought newer design from last year’s models. Bringing the newly added camera plateau on the back extending the lenses design edge to edge. There’s also changes seen on the built material, Apple explained why they have shifted from titanium to aluminum, which is to make the phone more heat resistant. As for the display, it’s an LTPO OLED panel with ProMotion and brightness peaking at 3000 nits. It has Dolby Vision to give you immersive viewing, while to keep it safe while you watch contents there’s ceramic Shield 2 glass to protect front and back.
On the other hand, the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max comes with new and unique changes compared to the previous model. Now you get a similar design like Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max does, but it’s not a regular camera plateau design, it’s a whole secondary display on the back. The build quality is great too with aluminum frame and Dragon Crystal glass 3 for protection. It is also LTPO AMOLED display with higher peak brightness than Apple for about 3,500 nits.
In terms of Camera qualities, Apple’s triple 48MP lens on the back delivers real good photos just like previous models. There is the single wide, one periscope and an ultrawide lens with up to 4K recording. You also get as much as 8x optical zoom facilities for those who always try to zoom objects closer. Both the front and rear camera supports Dolby Vision and ProRes Raw to make movies perfectly.
In comparison, Xiaomi’s flagship has a triple 50MP lens, which delivers really good photos and color clarity. One portion Xiaomi does beat Apple is its 8K recording capability from the rear lens at 30fps HDR.
Let’s talk about the SoC for both devices. Apple introduced their world class A19 pro chip, delivering up to 4.26Ghz processing power. As Apple said earlier in their event, you can play AAA games on it smoothly, so playing games like Resident Evil or Assassin’s Creed Mirage will be incredible on it. In terms of numbers, the new Pro Max iPhone got around 2,67,3103 from the Antutu tests. As for memory, you can go up to 2TB of storage and maximum of 12GB of RAM with the iPhone.
On the other side, Xiaomi comes with the early flagship chip from Qualcomm, which is the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. Literally gave us next year’s flagship Android chip this year, thanks Xiaomi! For performance, it scores up to 3255842 in Antutu scores. While playing a few intense graphics games like PUBG Mobile and Delta Force, I felt really good with the power of Adreno 840 inside. Memory goes surpassing the iPhone, giving you up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM inside, while the storage is just 1TB.
Apple’s all new iOS 26 looks really advance with their latest iPhone 17 Pro Max. Due to brighter screen and smooth display, the newly added “Liquid Glass” interface feels premium to every touch. From adding widgets to cutting calls the glass like experience will truly amaze you. Newly added “Live Translation” features, managing unwanted calls automatically for you and use known routes with maps, all things will help you become better with iOS 26.
On the other hand, while having a lookalike design the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max doesn’t feel like a knockoff at all. It’s because of the unique experience of the HyperOS 3 on top of Android 16. Every time you press an option and browse through the apps feels genuinely Xiaomi.
There’s customization for the main display and even with the rear display with new customizable wallpaper and AI animations. Oh did I mention, you can also play games on it? Will talk more about it in another review, so keep your eyes at gadget right now.
Finally we’re here at the battery section, both the devices pack really good power backup but Xiaomi scored big here.
In terms of Apple’s 17 Pro Max, you get up to 5088mAh capacity for the non-SIM models, which is e-SIM actually. Giving you around more than a day’s power in minimum usage. Charging supports PD3.2 and AVS, giving you up to 50% in just 20 minutes of time.
On the other hand, Xiaomi’s 17 pro Max will surprise you with its massive 7,500mAh capacity. It’s one of the greatest battery capacities you can ask for in a smartphone this year.
Apple loses here with a heads down, no discussion needed. There’s also up to 50W wireless charging, and a spectacular 100W wired charging supported. And by the way, did I mentioned about charger? Well, you get the charger in the box, that’s right.
This is an easy choice for users, both the iPhone and Xiaomi comes with most of their outstanding internals in front of you.
If you are an Apple fan you will definitely want to go for the iPhone 17 Pro Max here. Because you are getting best in line Apple’s A19 Pro processor, newly designed heat dissipation and upgraded design.
If you are good with android and require the best of the best processing power, an amazing rear display to capture those spectacular selfies, then go for the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max. Either way you will be getting a really good device. The choice is yours!
Disclaimer
Due to continuous innovation & improvements, official specification is subject to change without notice. Accessories shown in the picture may or may not be a part of the standard equipment with the product. Model availability and features may vary based on region or version.
We try to deliver updated leak or rumor information from manufacturer websites, other reliable and trusted sources. It is advised to verify important details before making any decision about your desired product. Please inform us if you have found any mistake or wrong information.