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Xiaomi Mi Max 2 Review

Xiaomi Mi Max 2

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Xiaomi Mi Max 2 Review

Introduction


Xiaomi Mi Max 2 review unit provided by our friends at EuDirect.Shop

For the second year in a row, Chinese phone maker Xiaomi has produced a device that takes the word “phablet” to another level. Much like its predecessor, the recently-released Mi Max 2 employs a massive 6.44-inch screen, but also packs improvements in several key areas.

While undoubtedly welcome, these enhancements also come hand in hand with a bigger price tag, so let's put this exotic smartphone under scrutiny and see if it's worthy of your attention.

Design


Xiaomi Mi Max 2 Review
Xiaomi Mi Max 2 Review
Xiaomi Mi Max 2 Review
Xiaomi Mi Max 2 Review

As we live in the year of “all-screen” phones, we can't really say that the bezels on the Mi Max 2 are all that slim. Still, the phone works out a good screen-to-body ratio of 74.13%.

Compared to the first iteration, there's a big improvement in terms of build quality. This year's model is larger and heavier, but it does feel more premium and comfortable to hold thanks to its all-metal unibody and rounded edges. The power and volume keys feel sturdy and responsive.

The fingerprint scanner is fast and reliable, and we're happy to say that Xiaomi has included a type-C USB port this time around.

Overall, we like the design of the Mi Max 2, but it's important to remember that a device of this stature is not suitable for everyone.

Front view | Side view
Xiaomi Mi Max 2
6.85 x 3.49 x 0.3 inches
174.1 x 88.7 x 7.6
7.44 oz (211 g)

Xiaomi Mi Max 2

Sony Xperia XA1 Ultra
6.5 x 3.11 x 0.32 inches
165 x 79 x 8.1 mm
6.63 oz (188 g)

Sony Xperia XA1 Ultra

Lenovo Phab 2 Pro
7.08 x 3.49 x 0.42 inches
179.83 x 88.57 x 10.7 mm
9.14 oz (259 g)

Lenovo Phab 2 Pro

Huawei Mate 9
6.18 x 3.11 x 0.31 inches
156.9 x 78.9 x 7.9 mm
6.70 oz (190 g)

Huawei Mate 9


To see the phones in real size or compare them with other models, visit our Visual Phone Size Comparison page.


Display


Xiaomi Mi Max 2 Review

The obvious highlight of the Mi Max 2 is its humongous 6.44-inch LCD display. Its 1,080 x 1,920 resolution works out a pixel density of 342ppi, which is not ideal, but sufficient. Viewing angles are good and the screen seems to be a bit less reflective than the original Mi Max, but the maximum brightness level has been reduced for some reason. As such, outdoor visibility isn't a strong point of this display.

With a color temperature of 7500K, most colors and shades appear bluer than intended, but we do have to note that the situation is better than with the original Mi Max which had an even colder screen. All in all, we're happy with the display's performance, given the fact that the phone costs about $300.

Display measurements and quality

Maximum brightness (nits)Higher is better Minimum brightness (nits)Lower is better Contrast Higher is better Color temperature (Kelvins) Gamma Delta E rgbcmy Lower is better Delta E grayscale Lower is better
Xiaomi Mi Max 2 496
(Good)		 1
(Excellent)		 1:2523
(Excellent)		 7517
(Average)		 2.27
 4.84
(Average)		 4.8
(Average)
Sony Xperia XA1 Ultra 619
(Excellent)		 13
(Poor)		 1:1444
(Excellent)		 7493
(Good)		 2
 3.82
(Good)		 5.69
(Average)
Lenovo Phab 2 Pro 428
(Good)		 5
(Excellent)		 1:1251
(Excellent)		 8314
(Poor)		 2.22
 5.72
(Average)		 7.62
(Average)
Huawei Mate 9 677
(Excellent)		 5
(Excellent)		 1:1662
(Excellent)		 8113
(Poor)		 2.3
 5.76
(Average)		 7.37
(Average)
View all


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Interface, Functionality, Camera and Multimedia

19 Comments
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posted on 20 Jul 2017, 09:48
Reply

1. notfair (Posts: 183; Member since: 30 Jan 2017)


OMG!!! THAT BATTERY LIFE.....

posted on 20 Jul 2017, 12:36
Reply

12. Anshulonweb (Posts: 437; Member since: 07 Feb 2014)


Your username describes the essence of review....big size as a con is not valid i think.... the whole purpose of this phone is to have a big size... it's made for that specific purpose... it's like saying iPhone 5se having small size is a con as it may be small for some people.. second the waterproofing con is simply no brainer considering the price of product... and meanwhile Xiaomi has already announced the nougut plans that brings multiwindow so adding a word - not "yet" present would be better idea

posted on 21 Jul 2017, 08:10
Reply

16. ibend (Posts: 6675; Member since: 30 Sep 2014)


fun fact:
this phone got almost twice battery life compared to iPhone7+
and yet, It can get fully charged 52minutes faster than iPhone7+

source: PA's battery test

posted on 21 Jul 2017, 11:19
Reply

18. skyline88 (Posts: 610; Member since: 15 Jul 2013)


which explains pretty much on why the sales of ip7+ is horrible

posted on 20 Jul 2017, 09:50
Reply

2. GreenMan (Posts: 1817; Member since: 09 Nov 2015)


Now, at first glance, one might said: "What's the bloody point of making such an 'enormous' phone..."

And I asked the exact same thing to myself...

But then I got it...

China's one child policy...!!!

Allow me to explain, It's meant for people who mostly stay indoors (Geeks & nerds, to be precise). Not as massive as a tablet, yet bigger than a 'regular' 'puny sized' 5.5" phablets to enjoy heavy duty internet surfing, Youtubing and gaming... And since the younger Chinese generation mostly stays indoors and aren't that social, this is a PERFECT solution for them...

When they DO go out, it's not that hard for them to lug it around, unlike a bloody full-sized tablet which would be quite a chore in comparison...

So, Xiaomi has found a nice, little niche there...

To understand Chinese People, you've to THINK like Chinese People...!!!

"I think, therefore, I AM..."

G'Day!

posted on 20 Jul 2017, 09:51 1
Reply

3. GreenMan (Posts: 1817; Member since: 09 Nov 2015)


But I do wish that Chinese parents do something about all that 'screen time' and take steps to make their child more social...

Oh well...

posted on 20 Jul 2017, 10:23
Reply

5. cmvrgr (Posts: 34; Member since: 16 Aug 2013)


This xiaomi has Limited network coverage and a sluggish cpu.

Asus Zenfone Ultra 6.8" is far better alternative (supports Band 20 and Band 28 for europe and oceania).

posted on 21 Jul 2017, 07:57 1
Reply

15. ibend (Posts: 6675; Member since: 30 Sep 2014)


comparing $260 phone with $700 flagship? lol...

posted on 20 Jul 2017, 11:09
Reply

6. UglyFrank (Posts: 1939; Member since: 23 Jan 2014)


This phone would've been more of a catch if they included the S660 which is the obvious successor to the 650/652 in the past Mi Max.
Also the lack of western network support isn't really important for phones that aren't officially sold by the manufacturer in the west.

posted on 20 Jul 2017, 11:20
Reply

7. Trickzter (Posts: 63; Member since: 21 Apr 2015)


No SD660 is the reason I didn't purchase this. I did have interest in buying this phablet as I currently have Redmi Note 3 and was looking at Mi Max 2. But will hold off and go with something else now.

posted on 20 Jul 2017, 11:22
Reply

8. brasstax (Posts: 406; Member since: 16 Apr 2014)


The 660 is a kick ass cpu. Read a review on some Chinese site on a phone having the chip and it easily keeps up with the 835 in benchmarks.

posted on 20 Jul 2017, 11:35
Reply

9. TheOracle1 (Posts: 461; Member since: 04 May 2015)


Big size can make it unsuitable for many users - Huh? How does this count against it. Big shoes are unsuitable for some users too?

Waterproofing would have been nice - And why would it need waterproofing when it's primarily a multimedia device?

Limited network coverage and support for western markets - Surprise, surprise! It wasn't meant for western markets. But T-Mobile US & UK and AT&T H+ are plenty fast anyway

Video recording can be better - No argument there.

Big screen is suitable for multiwindow mode, but feature is not present - It's about to be updated to MIUI 9 which does have multi-window.

Most of what you've listed aren't cons. They're tradeoffs when buying an imported phone.

It's $270 for the 64gb version with free shipping to the US from most resellers, so you need to check the source of your pricing.

It's not a phone for me but it certainly deserves more than a seven.

posted on 20 Jul 2017, 11:54
Reply

10. UglyFrank (Posts: 1939; Member since: 23 Jan 2014)


Waterproofing isn't really essential in this price segment
I had to pay a premium for my super media smartphone (S8+)
Although I had considered getting this until the S625 rumours came out)
Many valid points, that battery score is enough for it to score at least an 8 since it's clearly fulfilled its purpose as a Max device

posted on 20 Jul 2017, 12:26
Reply

11. mahima (Posts: 464; Member since: 20 Nov 2014)


pa cons are always a joke especially to xiaomi device

posted on 20 Jul 2017, 14:15
Reply

13. Marslander (Posts: 140; Member since: 08 Jan 2015)


If you do a search on YouTube, you can find a tutorial on how to enable multi window/split screen functionality in MIUI 8 nougat, without root.

posted on 20 Jul 2017, 23:18
Reply

14. Mr.mobile (Posts: 82; Member since: 09 Mar 2017)


I said many times snapdragon 625 is best power efficiency prossecer ever made by Qualcomm , and this mi max 2 has 6.44" inch screen and just 5300mah battery they could easily put 6200mah battery waste of space inside look lenovo p2 with 5.5" inch screen it has 5100mah battery with 177grams

posted on 21 Jul 2017, 08:17
Reply

17. ibend (Posts: 6675; Member since: 30 Sep 2014)


MiMax battery life 17h
P2 battery life 11h
even with that huge screen, it can last 50% longer than P2...

posted on 23 Jul 2017, 06:20
Reply

19. Mr.mobile (Posts: 82; Member since: 09 Mar 2017)


Just 17 hours Screen on time when can I see 25hours of SOT in just 4000mah battery

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Xiaomi Mi Max 2

Xiaomi Mi Max 2

OS: Android 7.1
view full specs
PhoneArena rating:
7Good
Display6.4 inches, 1080 x 1920 pixels (342 ppi) IPS LCD
Camera12 megapixels
Hardware
Qualcomm Snapdragon 625, Octa-core, 2000 MHz, ARM Cortex-A53 processor
4 GB RAM
Size6.85 x 3.49 x 0.30 inches
(174.1 x 88.7 x 7.6)
7.44 oz  (211 g)
Battery5300 mAh, 57 hours talk time

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