Comparing two of 2025’s most advanced flagship smartphones

The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max and the Oppo Find X9 Pro stand as two of the most anticipated Android flagships of 2025. Both represent the best each brand can offer, packed with cutting-edge hardware, premium design, and top-tier camera technology. For UK buyers weighing performance, features, and value, here’s how the two stack up globally and what to expect once they reach UK shelves.

The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max is designed as a full-featured powerhouse. It sports a 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and a stunning peak brightness of around 3,500 nits. The Oppo Find X9 Pro, slightly smaller at 6.78 inches, uses a similar LTPO AMOLED panel but offers exceptional contrast and colour depth. Both displays are among the brightest and sharpest available, though Xiaomi’s larger screen makes it more immersive for gaming and media.

Under the hood, the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max runs on Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset, offering elite-class speed, efficiency, and AI processing. Oppo’s Find X9 Pro instead uses the MediaTek Dimensity 9500, another 3nm chip that promises competitive performance but trails slightly behind Snapdragon in raw power and gaming optimisation. For users who demand the absolute fastest multitasking and sustained performance, Xiaomi holds a clear edge.

Battery life is where both phones impress equally. Xiaomi’s 17 Pro Max packs a huge 7,500mAh battery supported by 100W wired and 50W wireless charging. The Oppo Find X9 Pro matches that capacity but leans on 80W wired charging, focusing on balanced heat control and longevity. In real-world testing, both comfortably last through a full day of demanding use, though Xiaomi’s faster charging time gives it a slight practical advantage.

Camera quality is the most interesting battleground. Xiaomi’s 17 Pro Max features a Leica-engineered triple 50MP array with a periscope telephoto lens offering up to 5x optical zoom and superb low-light performance. Oppo’s Find X9 Pro responds with its own triple system, headlined by a 200MP periscope telephoto lens alongside a 50MP Sony LYT-828 main sensor and a 50MP ultra-wide. While Xiaomi delivers balanced results and Leica colour tuning, Oppo’s focus on high-resolution zoom and fine detail may appeal more to photography enthusiasts who love capturing distant subjects.

In terms of design, Xiaomi’s 17 Pro Max introduces its signature rear “Dynamic Back Display” — a small secondary screen beside the camera array. It displays notifications, battery percentage, and acts as a selfie viewfinder. Oppo keeps things more traditional, opting for a minimalist curved-glass aesthetic with a circular camera island that looks elegant and understated. For those who prefer subtle luxury over flashy innovation, Oppo’s design will feel more refined.

Software and user experience are close. Xiaomi runs HyperOS based on Android 15, with long-term update support and a focus on smooth integration with AI tools and smart devices. Oppo’s ColorOS, also Android 15-based, remains one of the most polished Android skins, offering clean visuals and efficient battery optimisation. Both brands now commit to extended update cycles, improving long-term reliability for UK buyers.

Pricing is where Oppo may win more fans. Early reports suggest the Find X9 Pro will start around £1,099 in the UK, undercutting Xiaomi’s 17 Pro Max, which is expected to launch near £1,299 including VAT. The £200 difference could be decisive for many users who want premium performance without the very top-tier price. Xiaomi, meanwhile, positions itself firmly at the ultra-flagship level, competing directly with the iPhone 17 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.

In summary, both smartphones deliver flagship performance but appeal to slightly different audiences. The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max is for those who want everything — the biggest screen, fastest charging, Leica cameras, and bold design. The Oppo Find X9 Pro, while marginally less powerful, offers superb camera innovation, premium build, and better value for money.

For UK buyers, the choice is clear: choose the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max if you demand absolute performance and top-end features, or go for the Oppo Find X9 Pro if you want flagship quality at a more balanced, accessible price.