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| This OLED display makes the Galaxy A57 look pale: Xiaomi Redmi Note 17 Pro 5G review |
Xiaomi's latest mid-range offering promises exceptional endurance and a gorgeous display, but not everything is as impressive as it first appears
The Redmi Note series has long been the go-to recommendation for budget-conscious buyers who refuse to compromise on the essentials. But Xiaomi's latest iteration, the Redmi Note 17 Pro 5G, takes the lineup in a rather unexpected direction—one that will delight outdoor enthusiasts while leaving photography fans scratching their heads.
After spending considerable time with this device, I can confidently say it's one of the most polarizing smartphones I've tested this year. Let me explain why.
The Good: A Display That Puts Competitors to Shame
Let's start with what Xiaomi absolutely nailed: the display. The 6.83-inch CrystalRes AMOLED panel is genuinely stunning, hitting an eye-searing 4,034 nits in our APL18 brightness test. For context, that's literally twice as bright as Samsung's Galaxy A57 in the same measurement.
This isn't just spec sheet bragging either. In real-world use—whether you're squinting at Google Maps on a sunny afternoon or watching HDR content in bed—the Redmi Note 17 Pro delivers. The 120Hz refresh rate keeps everything buttery smooth, and the 2,772 x 1,280 resolution produces razor-sharp text and images.
Perhaps more importantly for those of us who spend hours staring at screens, Xiaomi has implemented impressive PWM dimming technology. We measured flickering at 3,571Hz with a remarkably flat amplitude, which should mean significantly less eye strain for sensitive users. DC dimming is also available at higher brightness levels—a thoughtful inclusion that competitors often skip.
Battery Life That Redefines "All-Day"
Here's where things get genuinely exciting. The Redmi Note 17 Pro packs an enormous 8,340mAh silicon-carbon battery, and the results are nothing short of remarkable.
In our standardized Wi-Fi browsing test, the phone lasted an incredible 29.2 hours. That's not a typo. You could literally use this phone heavily for two full days without hunting for a charger. Even by 2026 standards, where we've seen significant battery improvements across the board, this is exceptional.
Charging via USB-C tops out at 67 watts, which refilled our test unit in about 65 minutes using a compatible power bank. Unfortunately, there's no wireless charging—a notable omission at this price point, though hardly surprising given the battery's massive capacity.
The battery's durability credentials are equally impressive. According to Xiaomi, it withstood laboratory testing at temperatures ranging from -40°C to 75°C. Whether you're hiking in extreme cold or leaving your phone in a hot car, this thing should survive.
Build Quality: Tough as Nails, But Not Premium
The Redmi Note 17 Pro is built like a tank. With IP68 and IP69K certifications, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection, and TÜV SÜD certification for water resistance up to 2 meters for 72 hours, this phone is ready for serious outdoor abuse.
SGS certification means it should survive drops from up to 3 meters onto granite surfaces—a claim we didn't test but certainly appreciate the confidence behind.
However, all this ruggedness comes at a cost. The phone weighs a hefty 223 grams and measures 8.6mm thick, making it noticeably chunky compared to sleeker alternatives. More disappointingly, Xiaomi has leaned heavily into plastic for both the frame and back panel. It doesn't feel cheap per se, but it certainly doesn't feel like a €480 device either.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 17 Pro 5G
The Bad: Performance That Raises Eyebrows
Here's where the Redmi Note 17 Pro starts losing its shine. Powering this device is Qualcomm's Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 chipset paired with a paltry 6GB of RAM in the base configuration.
The benchmark results are sobering. In Geekbench 6 multi-core testing, the phone scored just 2,898 points—barely edging out its predecessor, the Redmi Note 15 Pro, which uses a MediaTek Dimensity 7400-Ultra. Meanwhile, the Xiaomi Poco X8 Pro, which currently retails for less money, delivers a staggering 6,478 points. That's a 124% advantage.
GPU performance tells an even grimmer story. In the GFXBench Aztec Ruins High Tier test, the Redmi Note 17 Pro managed only 13 fps. The Galaxy A57 more than doubled that at 34 fps, while the Poco X8 Pro obliterated it with 64 fps.
In everyday use, the phone handles basic tasks adequately, but you'll notice occasional stutters when multitasking or running demanding applications. Gamers should look elsewhere—this is not the device for you.
The Ugly: A Camera That Feels Like a Downgrade
This is where I struggle most with the Redmi Note 17 Pro. Xiaomi has inexplicably replaced the Redmi Note 15 Pro's 200MP main sensor with a much smaller ISOCELL JN sensor (likely the JN1) that's nearly half the size.
The consequences are predictable and disappointing. While photos in good lighting look acceptable, the moment conditions deteriorate, so does image quality. Low-light photography is particularly problematic, with the autofocus frequently struggling to lock onto subjects.
What makes this decision so frustrating is that there's still no telephoto lens. Zoom shots rely entirely on digital cropping, which amplifies the small sensor's weaknesses. The 8MP ultrawide camera is similarly mediocre—acceptable at best, even by budget standards.
The 16MP selfie camera does its job without excelling. Video recording caps at 1080p/30fps across all cameras, which feels dated when competitors offer 4K capabilities.
Optical image stabilization is at least included, which helps with video stability and low-light shots. But it's a small consolation for what feels like a deliberate cost-cutting measure that undermines the phone's value proposition.
Software and Connectivity: Some Compromises
The Redmi Note 17 Pro ships with Android 16 and Xiaomi's HyperOS 3. The company promises six years of security updates and Android upgrades up to version 21—genuinely impressive for the price range.
However, the software experience is marred by advertisements displayed within the system UI. This is a known Xiaomi quirk, but it feels particularly egregious on a device approaching the €500 mark.
Connectivity is another weak point. The phone supports only Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), not the faster Wi-Fi 6 or 7 standards. In our testing, it achieved a peak transfer rate of just 362 Mbit/s—roughly one-third of what Wi-Fi 6 devices manage. For most casual users, this won't matter, but it's a clear corner-cutting measure.
The single-band GNSS proved accurate enough for navigation during our testing, and 5G support with extensive LTE band coverage ensures good cellular connectivity. An IR blaster is a nice bonus for controlling home electronics.
Sound Quality: Acceptable But Unremarkable
The stereo speakers get reasonably loud (86.7 dB) but lack bass depth. For podcasts and casual YouTube viewing, they're fine. For music or immersive gaming, you'll want headphones. Bluetooth codec support is solid, and USB-C audio works without issues.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 17 Pro 5G
Final Verdict: A Niche Device That Won't Suit Everyone
The Redmi Note 17 Pro 5G is a frustrating device to evaluate. Its battery life and display are genuinely class-leading, and its ruggedness makes it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who need a phone that can handle abuse.
But the performance shortcomings and camera downgrade make it difficult to recommend for the broader mid-range market. When the Poco X8 Pro offers dramatically better performance for less money, and the Galaxy A57 delivers superior camera quality (despite costing slightly more), the Redmi Note 17 Pro finds itself squeezed into an uncomfortable corner.
At its launch price of around €480, it's a hard sell. However, street prices have already dropped to approximately €350, which improves the value proposition significantly. If you can find it at that price and prioritize battery life above all else, it becomes a much more compelling option.
For everyone else, I'd recommend looking at alternatives before committing to Xiaomi's latest Note.
Rating: 76.7% — Good, with significant caveats
Where to Buy
This review is based on the original analysis by Notebookcheck. Read the full technical review here.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
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| Xiaomi Redmi Note 17 Pro 5G |