Xiaomi Redmi Note 17 Pro Max 5G: Huge battery, little progress

With its massive 9,210 mAh battery, the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max 5G makes quite an impression. In our Wi-Fi test, the Xiaomi smartphone lasted 33 hours and 42 minutes. Few competitors can match that endurance. However, the Redmi isn't particularly efficient: When battery life is measured relative to battery capacity, it only manages a mid-pack finish. The bright AMOLED display is another highlight. Build quality feels premium, and the chassis carries IP66 and IP68 ratings. However, it creaks audibly when subjected to twisting forces. At 225 grams, the smartphone is also fairly heavy. Performance is less impressive. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 represents a step backward compared to its predecessor, the Redmi Note 15 Pro+. The system generally runs well in everyday use, but occasional stutters are noticeable. These shortcomings become more apparent when gaming: Our GameBench measurements reveal significant frame rate drops, particularly shortly after launching a game.

Xiaomi has also made compromises with the cameras. The smaller main sensor produces decent daylight photos but struggles to preserve fine details, while bright areas are prone to blown highlights. The ultrawide camera and digital zoom are disappointing as well. Other drawbacks include slow Wi-Fi, USB 2.0, and speakers that audibly distort at high volumes. Ads and numerous preinstalled third-party apps also feel out of place on a smartphone at this price.

Anyone looking for better performance should consider the Poco X8 Pro Max. It also has a large battery but is considerably faster and better suited for gaming. The OnePlus 15T is another interesting alternative: Despite having a smaller battery, it actually achieves slightly longer battery life in our Wi-Fi test. Ultimately, the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max is primarily a smartphone for users who prioritize battery endurance above all else. For everyone else, the compromises are difficult to overlook.