Exploring the smart tricks inside Xiaomi’s latest flagship

The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max is one of the most advanced Android flagships released this year, but beneath its premium design and top-tier specifications lies a host of clever hidden features that many users overlook. From smart multitasking tools to camera shortcuts and display tweaks, Xiaomi’s HyperOS hides plenty of power waiting to be unlocked. Here’s a look at the most interesting hidden tricks UK users might not know about.

One of the standout hidden gems is the Dynamic Back Display, the secondary screen on the rear of the device. While it’s marketed mainly as a selfie viewfinder, it can also show widgets like battery percentage, time, and notifications. You can customise what appears here through the “Rear Display” settings under the Advanced Features menu. It even supports limited touch gestures, letting you double-tap to wake or control media playback without turning the main screen on.

The AI Smart Scene Recognition within the camera system is another underrated feature. Beyond the usual HDR and night mode enhancements, it automatically adjusts exposure, tone mapping, and shutter speed depending on what it detects — like food, buildings, or pets. It’s particularly useful for quick shots when you don’t have time to fiddle with Pro mode settings. The rear screen can also serve as a preview when taking selfies with the main Leica lenses, giving you studio-quality results instantly.

For multitaskers, Xiaomi’s HyperOS Floating Windows and Smart Split Mode are incredibly handy. By swiping down from the top corner on any app, you can shrink it into a floating window that hovers over another app. This allows smooth multitasking — replying to messages while streaming video or checking maps without switching screens. Smart Split Mode automatically divides the screen when compatible apps are opened side-by-side, making productivity on the go far easier.

Another subtle yet practical feature is Battery Health Optimisation. Hidden under Battery Settings, this option adjusts the maximum charging limit and slows down overnight charging to preserve long-term battery life. The massive 7,500mAh cell already offers great endurance, but this mode extends its health by reducing strain from constant 100% charging cycles — something long-term users will appreciate.

Xiaomi has also refined its Gesture Shortcuts. By default, users can double-tap the back of the phone to take screenshots or open apps, similar to iPhone’s “Back Tap.” You can assign custom actions through Accessibility settings — for instance, launching the camera, turning on the torch, or opening WhatsApp. It’s quick, discreet, and surprisingly useful for one-handed use, especially on the phone’s large frame.

Music lovers will enjoy discovering the Audio Enhancer menu under Sound Settings. Xiaomi includes an adaptive sound profile that adjusts dynamically depending on your headphones or earbuds. There’s also a hidden “Hi-Fi mode” toggle that bypasses system-level compression for cleaner audio output when using wired or high-end wireless headsets — perfect for those who stream lossless music.

Gamers can explore the Performance Dashboard inside the Game Turbo section. It provides real-time stats like frame rates, temperature, and CPU load, and you can enable performance modes or tune touch response sensitivity directly during gameplay. It’s a subtle inclusion that turns the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max into a fine gaming device without relying on third-party apps.

Another handy feature for UK users is AI Live Translate, which works system-wide. Found under Accessibility, it can translate on-screen text or even live subtitles in supported apps, useful when watching foreign content or reading untranslated web pages.

Lastly, Xiaomi includes an Offline Find Device mode that works even without network connection. Using nearby Xiaomi devices, the phone can broadcast encrypted location signals to help you find it if it’s lost — a feature often overlooked but extremely valuable.

In summary, the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max isn’t just about raw specs — it’s a device filled with smart, user-focused features that enhance convenience and performance. From hidden camera tools to deep system optimisations, it rewards users who take time to explore its menus. For those in the UK seeking both power and personality in a phone, the 17 Pro Max hides far more than meets the eye.