DxOMark highlighted two major weaknesses of the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max compared with its higher-rated rivals. First, the ultrawide camera offers an equivalent focal length of only 17mm. By contrast, a competitor like the iPhone 17 features a 13mm ultrawide camera, allowing it to capture a wider field of view. Second, video mode suffers from relatively noisy images, unstable white balance and exposure, and jittery image stabilisation – even when the person holding the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max remains stationary.
The review also uncovered several smaller issues, such as imperfect bokeh simulation in portrait mode. Very fine objects, such as individual hair strands, were not correctly isolated in some instances. Otherwise, the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max delivered a largely solid performance in photo mode, producing detailed images with high colour accuracy and low noise. Read our in-depth review of the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max for more information.