Xiaomi 17T Pro browser review: When the fast chip suddenly seems slow

The Xiaomi 17T Pro initially does many things right that one would expect from a modern high-end smartphone. The new MediaTek Dimensity 9500 ensures high system speeds; games run smoothly, and the graphics performance of the integrated Mali-G1 Ultra is impressive. Consequently, the smartphone holds its own in standard performance and GPU benchmarks.

The results of the browser benchmarks, however, come as a surprise. Virtually all the browser tests we ran on the Xiaomi 17T Pro (buy here on Amazon) performed significantly slower than on current Snapdragon-powered smartphones. This result is particularly striking because it is not just an isolated anomaly; instead, a recurring pattern emerges: whenever performance is driven by the browser, the Xiaomi 17T Pro seemingly fails to fully leverage its otherwise high performance capabilities.

One possible explanation lies in optimization. Browser benchmarks do not simply measure raw CPU power; rather, they assess the interplay between the processor, JavaScript engine, browser, and operating system. Especially with new platforms, it can take time for compilers and software to be optimally tuned to the specific architecture. Furthermore, Snapdragon chips benefit from a long track record and extensive optimization for Android devices and browsers. In the case of the 17T Pro, the browser itself appears to play a secondary role, as we tested several different variants: