Xiaomi launched the Mi Max in India, price starts from Rs. 14,999. This Mi Max review will give you ‘the Max’ information that you would need to make a decision. It is a big smartphone (a Phablet), that is smaller than a tablet and slimmer than most smartphones.
Xiaomi Mi Max Review
Mi Max Unboxing
Content : handset, user guide, warranty card, data cable, SIM tray ejector pin and travel charger (5V / 2A).
Design, Display and OS
Mi Max Phablet is packed inside a metal body, again with very good build quality and finishing. In spite of the big size, this handset is not at all that uncomfortable to hold, in fact it is slimmer than most smartphones, and light weight too considering the dimensions and battery. Handset is slightly curvy from the back on the left and right side.
Xiaomi Mi Max weight is 201 grams with built in battery and dimensions are 88.28 x 173.1 x 7.31 (mm). Power button and volume rocker is on the right side, audio jack (3.5mm), IR port and secondary mic is on the top, SIM tray is on the left side and at the bottom there is a primary microphone, micro USB port and speaker out vent.
This is a dual SIM handset using a hybrid slot you can either use a micro SIM and micro SD card or micro SIM and a Nano SIM. 4G is supported, with VoLTE.
There is LED notification (you can even change the LED color as required) and following sensors – accelerometer, light, proximity, gyro, magnetic and hall.
Touch screen is 6.44 inches (using 2.5D curved glass) supporting 1920 x 1080p resolution. It’s sunlight display (as seen on other Xiaomi devices) and comes with corning gorilla glass 3 protection. Color reproduction, viewing angles and touch response are very good.
Mi Max is running MIUI 7.5 based on Android Marshmallow 6.0.1. It will get the MIUI 8 update.
Memory and Storage
Mi Max is packed with 3GB RAM and 32GB storage space. The 4GB RAM and 128GB variant is also available. Users can also use micro SD card of up to 128GB. OTG is supported.
On the first boot (3GB/32GB) you will get around 22GB free internal storage space and around 1.6GB free RAM.
Performance
Mi Max comes with 1.8GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 650 hexa core with 3GB RAM / 32GB ROM or Snapdragon 652 octa core clocked at 1.8GHz with 4GB RAM and 128GB ROM. I got the 3GB RAM / 32GB ROM version of review. It is the same hardware that powers the Redmi Note 3, it is powerful, lag free and heat up is under control.
Benchmark (Hexa Core SD 650)
- Quadrant – 30529
- Antutu (64 bit) – 72098 | 3D score – 18785
- Nenamark 2 – 59.9fps
- Internal storage Speed – Read (180MB/s), Write (83MB/s)
- Multi Touch – 10 Point
Gaming
Hardware is powerful, I did not find any issues with Modern Combat 5 and Asphalt (in high visual mode). Check the video review.
Camera
Mi Max comes with 16MP PDAF camera packed on the back with f/2.0 aperture and on the front there is a 5MP fixed focus camera. Rear camera can shoot 4K videos. Camera quality is above average, long shots turned out great but close-ups are not that sharp. Because of the handset size it also gets difficult shooting pictures with one hand.
Do check the sample images and videos at the end of this review.
Others
Sound is loud and clear, in-call sound is also very good. No issues with 4G LTE, WiFi, GPS, FM radio and Bluetooth.
Finger print sensor is fast and accurate, you can tap the sensor to automatically unlock the phone.
Screen is quite big, you get a lot of workable area compared with other smartphones. Check the image below to get an idea about the size.
Battery
The 4850 mAh non-removable battery gives awesome backup, you can expect 7 to 15 hours of non-stop moderate to heavy usage on a single charge. With normal mixed usage you can expect up to 3 to 4 days battery life, with moderate mixed usage up to 2 days and with heavy mixed usage an easy 1 day.
Xiaomi Mi Max Battery Performance (time / battery % drop / estimated battery temperature).
- Running Benchmark app – 9 minutes / 1% / 37 degrees
- MC5 + Asphalt 8 game play – 23 minutes / 5% / 38 degrees
- 4K video playback with full brightness (WiFi /4G on) – 27 minutes / 6% / 36 degrees.
It took me 2 hour 51 minutes to charge the handset using wall charger from 22% to 100%. For a full charge it will take about 3 hours 30 minutes or so.
Verdict
The Mi Max as the name suggests is a big handset. Specially made for those who are planning to buy a handset with a big screen or those who are looking for a tablet with voice call feature. The Mi Max fits perfectly in-between.
Hardware is powerful, camera quality is above average and battery backup is excellent. The only thing that you will need to consider when buying the handset is the SIZE.
Rating 4 out of 5.
Xiaomi Mi Max will go on (open) sale on July 6th at 2PM starting from Rs. 14,999.
SAR value 0.838w/kg.
Xiaomi mi max is good smartphone but i like Gretel GT6000 because Gretel GT6000 is one of the best smartphone that is available with in the budget. the best part is design and camera quality, It is a slim smartphone with perfect design that catches every one eyes towards it.
Hi gogi, in my mi max 128gb there is option Enhance low light photos automatically. You didn’t mention about this?
Gogi this guy [link removed] using your video..
Thanks have filed a complaint.
Hi Goji
As this phone comes in 2 variant processor 650/652, do you see lot difference in term of how the phone perform between both processor, im thinking to go with 652 but is it bang for your buck as it’s listed $100 more for 652 model.
I recieved handset on monday and its really very good mob. Gogi ji or anyone pls tell me how to take selfie with fingerprint scanner ?
Normally, FPS ise used as a shutter release
Hi gogi. I am looking forward to buy mi max 128 gb version. Any idea when its likely going to be available in India?
Not sure when but keep track of the 128GB on Mi site – http://www.mi.com/in/mimax/
I will post info when the same is available.
Gogi can we use VR headset for xioami mi max. If yes then which company Vr headset and where we buy it.
No you cannot use Mi Max with VR headset, most VR headset support handset with 4.5 to 6 inch screen.
tnx goggi sir but if any one Vr headset wich r available for6.4 inch size in market plz inform because am like big size phone and also VR experience so plz.
Try making your own VR headset for the big phone. Believe me, its not that difficult. You will need just the lenses and magnets and cardboard.
What is the app storage capacity on this device?
Gogi, you did not stress much on the audio quality of the phone.
Can you please tell how the phone sounds from the speaker and also with external headphones (not Mi headphones or earphones by Xiaomi !!!), and also how loud and clear are they at max volume ? I own a pair of Sennheiser CX275s noise-cancelling earphones. I am an audiophile. So, sound quality is very important to me.
Sound quality on most Xiaomi phones have been extraordinarily better, since you already have a Sennheiser earphone it will be an excellent combination.
I heard that there is network reception problem occurring when we use dual sims on xiaomi phones including redmi note 3. So, can you please confirm it gogi. Your reply must be appreciated.
I did not find any such issues (both SIM used were airtel).
Gogi, whick one is better on the camera department RN3 or MI max
Quality is same, but closeup is not that sharp on Mi Max.
Both are bad b.coz its chinese junk if you want good camera go for branded devices.
sir is your piece imported?
This is review unit, I got from the company.
can u sell it to me for deducted price, i want mi max mob but budget problem gogi ji, u can contact me trough my email samkumargk@gmail.com
Gogi, you should have reviewed the 128 gb ROM unit. I don’t think we’ve ever seen an Android device with that large of an internal memory unit. I’m particularly interested in whether the internal data speeds remain as good. We could have checked by seeing the speed of file transfer which is quite high on Xiaomi ROMS in general but on smaller memory units. Whether it will carry over to 128 gb would have been interesting. As I see it, that version is the real game changer – 4 gb RAM and 128 gb storage so that you can actually connect the second sim and forget about micro sd
Zenfone zoom if you remember also came with 128GB storage – http://www.gogi.in/asus-zenfone-zoom-review.html
Check internal storage speed of Mi Max and compare it with LeEco Le 2 http://www.gogi.in/leeco-le-2-review.html :-).
Well guys, no other seller was willing to deliver at mine address and yes, I already had an experience with them… Since, I found that they were good at services, that’s why I suggested to mine friends too…. And yes they are official retailers and online partners… So, i didn’t cared of quality…. And, finally it’s a TATA e-commerce …. So, I took the risk at first order…. Which is common with every websites guys…. Well, now-a-days replacement and return policy of all sites are just way too complicated and most buyers end with service centres…. So, I think it’s new, official and might be providing better sales service to establish themselves in cut-throat competition and get customers trust
Hi gogi .is Mi max camera is also worst like rn3 in night or indoor ?
Is it feel too big to be have or little compromisable big? i remember when i bought my xperia m i saw sony z ultra it was insanly tall but now time changed i love big screens 5.7 will be goodenough i thing what your thoughts on huge 6.4″?
Why mi website want us to register for sale ? As you have mentioned that this is open sale than why i have to register to buy it ?
In this way they will get an idea,
upto how much stock they will have to put on sale day.
thanks brother 🙂
Hi gogi,the navigation button are light up or not.
Yes Mi Max navigation buttons lights up.
Gogi,
The hardware and the bundled software are really good in Xiaomi phones.
But the main drawback is their build quality.
They say RN3 has metal build. But, the body gets scratched easily.
I am using RN3 flip cover bought from Mi.com and still I am able to see the scratches on my mobile!!!!!
I think this is one area where Xiaomi needs to improve a lot.
I would expect all our Xiaomi fans to break this silence.
Common guys, just put your experiences in words.
Until we do this, they won’t consider these things as an improvement area.
All the metal body phones get scratched easily. Its not scratch resistant metal.
Gogi ji,
Can you please confirm about NFC and FM Radio on this device?
Do you have any news about the 4GB/128GB version?
Thanks for your fair review but please we’d like to see the reviews in more detail.
There is FM radio, but no NFC. This is a detailed review.
Thank you Gogi ji for the reply.
I’m planning to purchase this but want to know that do you have any news about the release of 4GB/128GB?
Gogi Im your regular reader…need some crucial information… Plz help, vexed up waiting I made up my mind to buy mi tv3 from alibaba…will I be charged for rupees to dollar or rmb conversion on alibaba once I pay them?…how safe is it?..any useful information wud be of great help…wats the safest way to buy on alibaba avoiding scam plz help thank you…waiting for ur reply.
Alibaba is safe but before you order read this
https://www.gogi.in/buy-handsets-chinese-online-stores.html
and
https://www.gogi.in/ems-shipping-india.html
thanx a ton gogi
May I say please don’t buy Mitv, because believe me custom will be a BIG BIG headache anything large will attract their greedy eyes, you may have end up half the value of the tv itself.. & will it be all worth at the end?? NO.. No service, warranty if anything happens.. Please wait for Le SuperTv they have officially said they will launch within next 2months..
Mi TV / Mi Ecosystem will take about 2 years, so don’t expect anything soon, even if you buy Mi TV the smart content will be in Chinese.
i know someone brought a Mitv 2 recently from Alibaba, he has to pay around 8K Custom charges so total upto 52K ya but then the courier department has dumped the mitv 2 in Delhi only and no Courier department was keen interested to take the package to customer home nor DHL, nor Bluedart, so eventually he went there and by himself attached the packaged with DTDC and brought up home but then it was all worth it for him yes it was in Chinese though
@shashank cud u plz say how many inches it was? and plz giv id of ur frnd in facebook so i can clear any doubts by catching him in FB. thank you
Ya sure! its 55inches big! You can also see the tv on his timeline here –
Gogi ji actually having low sar value i feel is very important. At least to some extent the radiation exposue gets lowered. In india they say 1.6 is highest limit permissible. Then how come a phone like this gets permission to be sold in market…without the right information to the buyer / user. Dont you think its wrong…i was only eagerly waiting for ur review to buy this…but now… can you confirm it from xiaomi or any official source…?
charging time is bit high with stock 2amp charger, good news is that mi max supports quick charge 3.0 but the cost of this charger is very high.
The screen size is very small. What human beings need right now is 20 inch smartphones..
Bro.. Do u like chapati? If so..I like rice….Its purely individual opinion and likes….I like big screens phablets to watch movies and playing games…I own a Le-Max and I am very much happy with it…and yes it does fits in my pocket easily…. Nothing offensive bro…:)
He was being sarcastic dude, chill!
20 feet more like it LOL 🙂
I think 5″ form factor is perfect for me thus waiting for Redmi 3S.. I knw it will come late.. Still 6.4 is too long for everyday usage.. Wishing everyone who will buy this handset don’t know whether ur girlfriend or wife would be too happy with the decision..
I am also waiting for redmi 3s. But xioami isn’t launching it only
So i think i should not buy the high end variant !! As that one is priced at 20k ! Which is close to OP3 !! So what you think !! 15k should be good to invest on this one!!!
Well the high end variant is using different chipset, Snapdragon 652 (octa core) that is more powerful than 650 (hexa core). The 652 is same used on leEco Le 2. Apart from that 4GB RAM and 128GB ROM. Not bad but one would get more inclined to OP3.
128 GB ROM is worth 20k with the specifications
Yeah!! Op3 feels great to have after watching reviews!! Well i am waiting till diwali sale!! 4 mnths to save my income!! Maybe zf3 or moto z too!! Btw thanks sirji
Actually ques is !! I can buy a flash drive or maybe a hard disk for upto 3-4 of 1TB!! With otg support!! Thats why i am in confusion
I want to buy Redmi note 3 32GB but its out of stock from so many days..gogi sir,can u plz tell me if or when it will b in stock?
Check flipkart, amazon, mi.com frequently. I bought one for my friend recently. It was out of stock most days. Check flipkart today. 32gb variant was available.
Well, Veer Bro
I have a very good news for every potential buyer of Redmi note 3 as due to rush on these popular sites… It’s seems upto impossible to grab 32GB Redmi note 3…
But, very less population know that…
Tata Cliq is also now a official partner for sale of Xiaomi phones
You can grab from there…. I bought it for my friend today and guess what they even deliver to my pincode where other sellers don’t and that even with COD option….
I am from Lucknow
There was not a bit of rush..
I browsed all sites for more than 30 minutes… And, It was still on stock… Well, the contract began after xiaomi mi 5 launch…
Ordered 2 phones….
1 already under use…
So, you can have a look
Gold variant is available?
It is available right now too…
All colour options guys…
Go and grab it
Once go through the replacement process of phone……
You will see the real face of these new sites……
Call them for fake replacement for experience ….
its better to wait for one month, there will offers for independence day
Now it’s available in mi.com
Gogi Sir
I want to purchase a fablet with screen size 5.5-6.5
Can you suggests between these 3
RN3, Le2,Mi max
Under 15k
Camera quality is important for me between these 3.
Please respond mr
Go with redmi note 3 if u don’t care abt big screen size like mi max
The camera of rn3 in night is worst, believe me I am using it,feeling bad,go other phone
Gogi ji does it feel awkward carrying mi max?
Please mention SAR value.
SAR I checked not mentioned on box and also not showing with *#07#.
Black bezels on display with screen on looking ugly.
Double tap to wake & lock is missing which is very important considering the screen size.
Yesss I do agree with you.
For tab buyers, don’t go for other craps, it’s a perfect buy for u guyz. But I don’t like such a huge size right now.
Redmi note 3 is beast best with brutal power under the hood comfortable size compare to this max with same specifications ND i also personally like the look of rn3 compare to this max