Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Xiaomi 17 tie on the OH Rank at a score of 75. Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max wins on Screen and Main Camera; Xiaomi 17 wins on Performance and Battery. Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is 5.8mm wider than Xiaomi 17. Xiaomi 17 is the more recent release, from Sep 27, 2025.
EDITORIAL: The most powerful Apple phone until 2025, delivered the best Apple had to offer. It was also the best all around phone on the market in the Fall of 2024, excelling in processor power and video recording while bringing top tier battery endurance, photos, selfies and videos. Apple never offered expandable memory, preferring to charge a lot for larger memory capacity and the use of iCloud. It will probably never include a desktop repacement option either. But this phone's USB C port does provides video-out, waiting for an app that could turn all that processing power into a desktop computer replacement dream⦠Oh, and Apple's iPhone lounch is still the best phone industry event, hands down.
EDITORIAL: Xiaomi is going after Apple this year with matching gen number and addition of Pro and Pro Max models. Plain 17 adds a massive battery upgrade (from 5500 to 7000mAh, 6330mAh in EU), faster processor and storage, better selfie (finally with AF) and Dolby Atmos certified speakers. It is a battery endurance beast, providing 42+ hours to even a heavy user. Cameras are similar to excellent Xiaomi 15: competent performer with some excellent results. Apple flattery extended to physical design too - while last year's model was one of the nicest to hold because of softly curved front and back glass panels, the 17 has palm-cutting sharp frame with flat front and back.
Both phones here were scored by me, using the same ten categories, with no ads, sponsorships, or manufacturer relationships — this comparison is as objective and honest as it gets.