Redmi Note 17 Pro Max: three days without plugging it in, a few compromises to contend with
With a 9,210 mAh battery, the Xiaomi mobile phone lasts for over two days even with heavy use. Prices start at €599.90 for the 256 GB version: the ideal choice for those who prioritise battery life above all else.
The figure that defines the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max is 9,210 mAh: the battery capacity in the European version. Xiaomi promises up to three days’ battery life, and in our test we easily got through two days even with heavy use. The 100-watt charger takes around an hour to fully recharge it. And, despite the battery, the phone isn’t as thick as a portable charger.
That’s its biggest selling point. Those who travel, often work away from home or make heavy use of navigation, videos and messaging can get through to the evening without having to worry about the remaining battery percentage. The bright, smooth 6.83-inch AMOLED screen and a robust build, featuring Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and protection against water and dust, also help. It’s a large smartphone, but reviews describe its weight as reasonable given the size of the battery it houses.
The name ‘Pro Max’, however, risks raising false expectations. The 50-megapixel main camera produces good images in bright light, but the 8-megapixel wide-angle lens is basic and there is no telephoto lens. The image processing is sometimes too aggressive, and the handling of high-contrast scenes could be improved; Android Central is also critical of low-light performance. If you frequently need to use the phone as a camera replacement, this isn’t the most versatile model to choose.
In terms of performance, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 is sufficient for everyday tasks. There are some limitations when it comes to more demanding games, highlighting that the processor represents a step backwards compared to its predecessor. Added to these compromises is the software, with its pre-installed apps.
The verdict therefore hinges on a simple question: how much is it worth to you to be able to forget about your charger for two days? If the answer is ‘a lot’, the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max has few rivals in its price range when it comes to battery life. If photography, gaming and speed are more important to you, the record-breaking battery life isn’t enough to make up for the compromises.
