Comparing two powerhouse flagships in design, performance, and value

The global flagship race is heating up again with the arrival of Xiaomi’s 17 Pro Max and Vivo’s upcoming X110 Pro. Both phones aim to deliver premium hardware, powerful performance, and exceptional camera systems, but they approach this flagship formula in very different ways. For UK buyers looking at global imports or the eventual UK release, the comparison highlights two distinct philosophies in top-tier smartphone design.

The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max positions itself as the ultimate all-rounder. It features a massive 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED display running at 120Hz, with peak brightness above 3,000 nits. The visuals are sharp and vibrant, making it ideal for streaming, gaming, and professional use. Vivo’s X110 Pro, on the other hand, is said to include a slightly smaller 6.82-inch AMOLED panel with a faster 144Hz refresh rate, offering smoother scrolling and more responsive gaming performance. Both displays deliver flagship quality, though Xiaomi edges ahead in sheer scale and brightness.

Performance is where Xiaomi makes a clear statement. The 17 Pro Max runs on Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chip, paired with up to 16GB RAM and 1TB of storage. It’s designed for effortless multitasking and sustained gaming. Vivo’s X110 Pro, according to leaks, uses MediaTek’s Dimensity 9400 processor, also built on a 3nm process. It should deliver excellent results, but historically, Snapdragon chips have had an advantage in efficiency, heat management, and GPU strength.

Battery life is another area where Xiaomi dominates on paper. The 17 Pro Max includes a huge 7,500mAh battery, supported by 100W wired and 50W wireless charging. In real-world use, that means a full day of heavy activity with power to spare and incredibly fast top-ups. The Vivo X110 Pro is expected to include a 6,000mAh cell with fast charging, but the exact figures are not yet confirmed. In terms of endurance and convenience, Xiaomi’s setup appears more robust and better suited to long, demanding days.

Both phones feature triple 50MP cameras, co-engineered with leading optical partners — Leica for Xiaomi and Zeiss for Vivo. Xiaomi’s 17 Pro Max includes a superior periscope telephoto lens with a wider aperture, improving zoom and low-light performance. Vivo, meanwhile, is expected to focus heavily on image processing and natural colour reproduction, which has long been its strength. If you value precise detail and optical versatility, Xiaomi might take the edge, while Vivo may appeal to users preferring cinematic tones and softer output.

Design-wise, both phones are premium in every sense, though Xiaomi’s unique rear secondary display sets it apart visually. The 2.9-inch “Dynamic Back Display” can act as a mini-viewfinder, notification screen, or quick control panel. Vivo opts for a more traditional but sleek glass-metal finish with a large circular camera housing, maintaining elegance without gimmicks. The Xiaomi’s second screen is eye-catching, but its everyday usefulness depends on personal habits.

In software terms, Xiaomi runs on HyperOS based on Android 15, with promises of long-term updates. Vivo’s Funtouch OS, while more restrained than before, still differs slightly from stock Android. Both companies are improving in global software polish, though Xiaomi’s international presence and frequent updates offer a slight comfort advantage for UK users.

In pricing, leaks indicate Xiaomi’s 17 Pro Max could retail around £1,299 in the UK after VAT, placing it firmly in the ultra-premium category alongside Samsung and Apple. Vivo’s X110 Pro, depending on configuration, could land slightly lower internationally — roughly £999–£1,099 equivalent — giving it a potential edge in affordability without major compromises in capability.

In conclusion, both devices represent flagship excellence but cater to different priorities. The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max offers unmatched performance, battery life, and innovation, ideal for power users and tech enthusiasts. The Vivo X110 Pro, meanwhile, balances design, display smoothness, and camera finesse at a likely lower cost. For UK buyers, Xiaomi delivers the all-out experience, while Vivo stands out as the smarter value choice in a fiercely competitive flagship market.

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