Xiaomi 17 and Xiaomi 17 Ultra are already available in Russian stores: the first as a compact everyday flagship, the second as a large camera phone for those who want the maximum. But the lineup doesn’t end there. Well-known insider DigitalChatStation has published details about the new Xiaomi 17 Max. And judging by what he describes, it’s going to be something interesting. The device has already passed SRRC certification in China. Let’s look at what’s known, and most importantly — whether it’s even worth waiting for it in Russia.
Xiaomi is preparing a new flagship for release. Image: ximitime.com
Xiaomi 17 Max Specifications
Let’s start with the hardware. The Xiaomi 17 Max processor is a platform with the codename “8E5,” which is expected to hit the market as the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. The same chip is found in Xiaomi 17, Galaxy S26 Ultra, and other flagships of 2025-2026. There are no questions about performance.
Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 — a flagship chip with no compromises.
The Xiaomi 17 Max dimensions immediately tell you about the target audience: a 6.9-inch screen with 1.5K resolution and a flat panel featuring LIPO technology (ultra-thin uniform bezels on all four sides). The base Xiaomi 17 is a compact smartphone with a 6.3-inch screen. The Max version is clearly for a different audience.
| Specifications | Xiaomi 17 Max |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.9 inches, AMOLED (1.5K), 120 Hz |
| Main Camera | 200 (OIS) + 50 MP |
| Front Camera | no data |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 |
| Memory | no data |
| Battery | 8000 mAh |
| Charging | no data |
Additional details include: an ultrasonic under-display scanner, symmetrical stereo speakers, full water resistance, and a glass back panel in black and white colors. It runs on HyperOS 3.1.
Xiaomi 17 Max Design
There won’t be a screen like this on the back. Image: Xiaomi
In early prototypes of the Xiaomi 17 Max smartphone, there was an additional screen on the back panel — the same as on the Xiaomi 17 Pro and Xiaomi 17 Pro Max with their Magic Back Screen. It could display notifications, widgets, and be used as a viewfinder when shooting with the main camera.
The rear screen was removed in favor of the battery, and it turned out to be the right decision.
In the end, the rear screen was dropped, and this decision turned out to be key to the entire concept of the smartphone. Xiaomi devoted the freed-up space to the battery, and it’s precisely thanks to this compromise that the battery reached a record mark for Xiaomi smartphones. Exactly how much — you’ll find out in the battery section. This was a conscious choice: either a flashy feature on the back, or battery life. Xiaomi chose the latter.
How Xiaomi 17 Max Differs from Xiaomi 17
Xiaomi 17 is a compact smartphone, while Xiaomi 17 Max will be noticeably larger. Image: Tech Maiky
The question “Xiaomi 17 or Xiaomi 17 Max” comes down to priorities. The base Xiaomi 17 is a compact flagship with a 6.3-inch screen and a triple 50 MP camera setup. It’s sold officially in Russia and starts at 84,990 rubles (on AliExpress — much cheaper). A good choice for those who value size and pocket convenience.
The Xiaomi 17 Max phone is a different story. A 6.9-inch screen, a 200 MP main module with a 3x periscope telephoto lens. This is a fundamentally different class of device in terms of size and camera system. About the Xiaomi 17 Max camera, let’s be honest: 200 MP versus 50 MP on the base model is an impressive number. But the zoom is more modest: about 3x versus 5x on Pro models with a periscope. That’s exactly why calling the Max version a camera phone in the full sense wouldn’t be accurate.
It’s also worth mentioning: the under-display camera that was rumored earlier was ultimately not used. According to the insider, the technology “went back to the lab” due to unresolved technical issues. The front will retain the familiar punch-hole for the front camera.
Xiaomi 17 Max Battery
The smartphone will have a massive battery. Image: Xiaomi
This is what the whole conversation is about. The new Xiaomi 17 Max battery is rated at 8000 mAh. This is a record capacity for Xiaomi smartphones and one of the best figures among flagships in general. For comparison: the base Xiaomi 17 global version carries 6330 mAh (a difference of almost 1700 mAh). The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max has 7500 mAh, and the Max version surpasses it as well.
8000 mAh — this is a lineup record.
It was precisely for this battery that the rear screen mentioned above was removed. The freed-up space in the body went entirely to the battery. The decision is engineering-sound: a large 6.9-inch screen and a flagship chip require reserves, and 8000 mAh provides that with plenty to spare.
Xiaomi 17 Max Release Date and Price
According to the insider, the Xiaomi 17 Max release date is late May 2026. But an important caveat right away: this is exclusively about the Chinese market. There is no official data on a global release.
