Xiaomi Redmi 17 5G review: The affordable phone with a monster battery
If you are looking for the longest possible battery life on the smallest possible budget, the Xiaomi Redmi 17 5G will likely be near the top of your list. It features a massive 7,500 mAh battery and a long-term software commitment—something quite rare for budget-friendly devices. However, this endurance comes with significant trade-offs in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.
Battery life as the main selling point
The standout feature of the Redmi 17 5G is undoubtedly its battery. While most competitors in this price bracket settle for around 5,000 mAh, Xiaomi has packed a 7,500 mAh Silicon-Carbon cell into this device. In our Wi-Fi web surfing tests, the phone lasted 25 hours and 44 minutes, meaning it can easily power through several days of moderate use without needing a charge.
Charging is handled via USB-C with 45W fast charging, and the device also supports 22.5W reverse wired charging, allowing it to act as a power bank for other gadgets.
Compromises for the sake of affordability
With a street price hovering around £150 (the 128 GB version is available for under £145 on Amazon), the cost-cutting measures are evident. The smartphone is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 5. While it is a modern chipset, users will encounter occasional system stuttering during everyday tasks, and performance hits a ceiling quickly under more demanding workloads. The 4 GB of RAM and the relatively slow UFS 2.2 storage further contribute to a less-than-fluid user experience.
The display is a 6.9-inch IPS panel with a resolution of 1600 x 720 pixels (254 PPI). This resolution is increasingly rare in modern smartphones, resulting in a somewhat washed-out image. While the peak brightness of 676 cd/m² makes it usable outdoors, the glossy finish can lead to distracting reflections in bright light.
Software and Connectivity
One of the device's most impressive features is its longevity. Shipping with HyperOS 3 (based on Android 16), Xiaomi has committed to security updates until 2032. This six-year support window is exceptional for a budget device. However, users must contend with pre-installed apps and advertisements within the software interface.
Connectivity is solid, offering 5G and stable Wi-Fi 5 (delivering around 330 Mbps in our tests). On the downside, the device lacks eSIM support, relying solely on dual nanoSIM slots. The camera setup, led by a 50 MP main sensor, is passable in daylight but struggles significantly in low light, where details are lost and video is limited to 1080p at 30 fps.
Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi 17 5G is a pragmatic choice for users who prioritize extreme battery life and long-term software relevance over raw power or high-end photography. It is a reliable, long-lasting tool for those who don't require a high-performance powerhouse.
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