A backwards step but record-breaking staying power - Xiaomi Redmi Note 17 5G review
Xiaomi Redmi Note 17 5G offers an incredible 7,700 mAh battery, but it comes at the cost of reduced performance, camera, and display quality.
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 17 5G is a smartphone that leaves us feeling conflicted. On one hand, it is a true battery monster, capable of lasting over 21 hours in Wi-Fi tests. On the other, it represents a significant step backward compared to its predecessor, sacrificing processor power, camera quality, RAM, and even display brightness.
The main highlight is the massive 7,700 mAh battery based on a silicon-carbon anode. However, there is a catch: despite a nearly 40% increase in capacity compared to the Redmi Note 15 5G, actual Wi-Fi battery life increased by only about 11%. This is due to the relatively high power consumption of the components, which prevents the device from fully leveraging the enormous battery capacity.
Technical compromises and performance
In an effort to cut costs, Xiaomi has simplified the internals. Instead of a more powerful chip, the device uses the Snapdragon 4 Gen 4. This results in noticeable sluggishness in daily tasks and slower app launches. The situation is further complicated by the use of 6 GB of LPDDR4x RAM, with the 256 GB storage version also seeing limitations in multitasking capabilities.
The 120 Hz AMOLED display is vibrant, but its technical specs are a downgrade. The screen is darker than its predecessor, with significantly lower brightness levels. While it offers good color accuracy, the overall display experience is a step down from the previous generation.
Cameras and multimedia: widespread cuts
The camera setup has also been scaled back. The main Samsung JN1 sensor is smaller, and the ultra-wide-angle lens has been completely removed. While daylight shots are decent, performance drops in low light. Multimedia is also compromised: the device features a single mono speaker instead of stereo speakers, and voice quality during calls is mediocre.
Despite these drawbacks, the device has redeeming qualities: solid build quality, a microSD slot (up to 2 TB), an IR blaster, and long-term software support (4 years of Android updates and 6 years of security patches). However, the presence of ads in HyperOS and a limited 12-month warranty are significant considerations. Even if you are looking for a King of the budget segment, this device requires careful consideration of its trade-offs.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 17 5G is currently available on Amazon UK in 6/128 GB (£299) and 6/256 GB (£359) configurations.
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