Table of Contents
Introduction – Xiaomi’s Bold iPhone-Inspired Move
The Xiaomi 17 Pro and Pro Max have taken the smartphone world by storm. From the naming structure to the strikingly familiar design, Xiaomi appears to be deliberately following Apple’s lead. However, the key question remains: is this simply a marketing strategy, or is Xiaomi demonstrating that it can surpass Apple at its own approach?
When placed side by side with the iPhone 17 Pro, Xiaomi’s flagship instantly attracts attention. Unlike a low-cost imitation, however, the Xiaomi 17 series introduce innovations that Apple and Samsung have not attempted, such as a fully functional second display on the rear camera plateau.
Xiaomi 17 Pro & Pro Max: What’s in the Box?
Both models are packaged in tall, premium boxes that include:
- A 100W charger (still provided in the box)
- A USB-C cable
- A hard-shell case with a frosted finish
This stands in sharp contrast to Apple, which has phased out chargers, thereby making Xiaomi appear more appealing to advanced users.
First Impressions: Copycat or Clever Marketing?
On the surface, the Xiaomi 17 Pro series strongly resembles the iPhone 17:
- Pro and Pro Max naming structure
- Familiar plateau camera design
- Apple-like icons and control center
However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that Xiaomi is not merely copying but reimagining features in ways that Apple has not.
Build Quality and Display Excellence
The display is remarkable—bright, crisp, and framed by perfectly uniform bezels that rival the industry’s best. The haptics feel premium, making typing and navigation highly satisfying. Xiaomi also manages to keep the devices lighter than the iPhone 17 Pro Max, despite equipping them with larger batteries.
Unbelievable Battery Life with Silicon Carbon Technology
Here is where Xiaomi surpasses its competitors:
- Xiaomi 17 Pro: 6,300 mAh
- Xiaomi 17 Pro Max: 7,500 mAh
These batteries are approximately 25–50% larger than those in the iPhone 17 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. Furthermore, due to silicon–carbon battery technology, the devices remain slim and lightweight.
Snapdragon Elite Gen 5 Performance
Powered by the Snapdragon Elite Gen 5 chip with 16 GB of high-speed RAM and next-generation storage, the 17 Pro series establish a new benchmark for Android performance. Gaming, multitasking, and AI-driven tasks operate effortlessly, with excellent thermal management.
The Magic of the Rear Display
Personalization Options
The rear screen supports multiple watch faces, interactive pets, and step-counter integrations, functioning almost like a smartwatch fused with a smartphone.
AI Wallpapers & Customization
One notable feature is AI-generated animated wallpapers. Any image can be processed by the device and transformed into a personalized video background.
Notifications and Music Control
The rear display allows users to control music playback, view reminders, and even pin QR codes—effectively converting the device into a compact digital billboard.
Rear Screen for Notes & Reminders
For quick reminders, such as grocery items, notes can be pinned directly to the rear screen. This feature serves as a digital equivalent to traditional handwritten reminders.
Camera System: A New Selfie Standard
Triple Camera Setup
- High-resolution main sensor
- Capable ultrawide lens
- Powerful zoom lens
Using the Rear Display for Selfies
By utilizing the rear display, users can employ the main cameras for selfies, thereby surpassing competitors in both detail and depth.
8K Selfie Video Quality
The ability to record 8K selfie videos is unprecedented in the industry, granting Xiaomi a substantial advantage over Apple and Samsung.
Gaming on the Rear Screen: Gimmick or Innovation?
Xiaomi has developed a gaming controller case for the rear display, effectively transforming the device into a compact console. Although entertaining and visually striking, this feature is more of a novelty than a practical daily tool.
Software and User Interface – iOS-Like but Refined
From Apple-inspired icons to a control center resembling iOS, Xiaomi’s software draws heavily from Cupertino’s design. Nevertheless, it maintains a smooth, responsive, and distinctly Android character.
Xiaomi 17 Pro vs iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
| Feature | Xiaomi 17 Pro Max | iPhone 17 Pro Max | Samsung S25 Ultra |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery | 7,500 mAh | 5,000 mAh | 5,100 mAh |
| Charging | 100W (included) | 25W (no charger) | 45W |
| Rear Display | Yes | No | No |
| Performance | Snapdragon Elite Gen 5 | A19 Bionic | Exynos 2500 / Snapdragon |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier | Similar |
Clearly, Xiaomi is competing directly rather than imitating superficially.
Price, Availability, and Market Strategy
Although global pricing has not been finalized, Xiaomi is expected to undercut Apple and Samsung while offering larger batteries, faster charging, and unique innovations such as the rear display.
Pros and Cons of Xiaomi 17 Pro & Pro Max
Pros:
- Exceptional battery life
- Premium build and display quality
- Innovative rear display
- Versatile camera system
- Class-leading charging speed
Cons:
- User interface strongly resembles iOS
- Rear display functionality remains limited in some contexts
- Potential heating issues under heavy load
Conclusion
The Xiaomi 17 Pro and Pro Max blur the line between imitation and innovation. Although they borrow extensively from Apple’s design philosophy, their inclusion of high-capacity batteries, Snapdragon Elite Gen 5 performance, and a fully integrated rear display demonstrates that Xiaomi is not merely imitating but also advancing in areas unexplored by Apple and Samsung.
For users seeking endurance, personalization, and forward-looking features, the Xiaomi 17 Pro series represent one of the most compelling flagships launches of 2025.
