Xiaomi has officially expanded its flagship lineup with the launch of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra in China. This new model sits at the top of the Xiaomi 17 series and arrives after the standard and Pro variants introduced earlier this year. While other models in the lineup experimented with bold design choices, this phone takes a more refined and practical approach, especially when it comes to performance and imaging.
Instead of chasing visual gimmicks, Xiaomi has focused on areas that matter to everyday flagship users. Camera hardware, battery capacity, and processing power remain the main highlights. With a familiar yet polished design and the introduction of a special Leica-focused variant, the company seems to be appealing to users who value reliability and photography over experimental features.
Xiaomi 17 Ultra Launches in China With Camera-Centric Upgrades
Xiaomi 17 Ultra Launches in China With Camera-Centric Upgrades
Design Choices and Build Philosophy
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra brings a noticeable shift in design direction compared to its siblings. It is the first Ultra-branded phone from Xiaomi to use a completely flat display paired with a flat frame. This makes the device feel more traditional in hand, which many users still prefer for daily use.
At just over 8mm thick, it is also the slimmest Ultra phone Xiaomi has released so far. The phone comes in Black, White, Cool Smoke Purple, and a Starry Green option with a mineral grain texture. While the Pro models include a secondary rear display, this model skips that feature entirely. Xiaomi appears to have prioritized simplicity and durability rather than visual extras.
Performance Powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
At the core of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor built on a 3nm process. This chipset currently powers most high-end Android devices and is designed to deliver smooth performance across demanding apps, gaming, and multitasking.
The phone supports up to 16GB of LPDDR5x Ultra RAM and storage options that go all the way up to 1TB using UFS 4.1 technology. Out of the box, it runs Android 16-based HyperOS 3. Xiaomi continues to blend AI-based features into the system, focusing on smart resource management and everyday usability rather than flashy tools.
Display and Audio Experience
The device features a large 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED panel with a 1.5K resolution. The refresh rate goes up to 120Hz, making scrolling and animations feel smooth. With a peak brightness of 3,500 nits, the display remains easily readable even under harsh outdoor lighting.
Protection comes from Dragon Crystal Glass 3, and the phone includes an in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. Stereo speakers, Hi-Res audio support, a quad-microphone system, and an infrared sensor round out the multimedia experience, making the phone suitable for both content consumption and calls.
Camera Hardware Takes Center Stage
Camera performance remains the defining feature of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. This year, Xiaomi has moved away from a quad-camera setup and adopted a refined triple-camera system using higher-resolution sensors.
The primary camera uses a 50MP Light Fusion 1050L sensor with a 1-inch size, optical image stabilisation, and LOFIC technology for improved dynamic range. The ultra-wide camera is also 50MP and includes autofocus, which helps with macro shots and close focusing. The standout addition is the 200MP Samsung HPE periscope telephoto lens.
This telephoto camera supports continuous optical zoom between 3.2x and 4.3x. Instead of switching between multiple lenses, users get smoother zoom transitions. Video recording goes up to 8K, and the 50MP front camera handles selfies and video calls with ease.
Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition Explained
For photography enthusiasts, Xiaomi has introduced the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition alongside the standard model. While the core hardware remains the same, this version leans heavily into a camera-like experience.
The biggest addition is a mechanical zoom ring that allows manual control over focal length, exposure, and white balance. The design reflects classic Leica cameras, featuring a dual-tone finish, textured grip edges, and the iconic red Leica logo. Leica Moment shooting modes with a 3:2 aspect ratio are also included, making the experience feel closer to using a dedicated camera.
Battery Capacity and Charging Support
Battery life sees a noticeable improvement this year. The phone packs a 6,800mAh battery, which is a significant jump compared to its predecessor. While it does not cross the 7,000mAh mark seen in some competing flagships, it still offers reliable endurance for heavy daily use.
Charging speeds remain competitive, with support for 90W wired charging and 50W wireless charging. Reverse wired charging is rated at 22.5W, allowing users to power accessories or other devices when needed. These figures are now fairly standard in the premium segment but still practical.
Connectivity, Durability, and Extras
In terms of connectivity, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra supports 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 7, NFC, USB Type-C, and Bluetooth 5.4 or Bluetooth 6.0 depending on the variant. Dual SIM support and satellite communication are also included, adding an extra layer of reliability for travel or emergencies.
The phone carries IP66, IP68, and IP69 ratings, making it resistant to dust, water immersion, and high-pressure sprays. The Leica Edition goes a step further by adding a dedicated security and encryption chip, dual-satellite support, and a custom photography kit with accessories like a lens cap and magnetic case.
Pricing and Availability Details
Pricing for the Xiaomi 17 Ultra starts at CNY 6,999 for the 12GB RAM and 512GB storage variant. Higher configurations go up to CNY 8,499 for the 16GB RAM and 1TB storage model. The Leica Edition is priced slightly higher, starting at CNY 7,999.
The phone will go on sale in China from December 27. As of now, there is no official confirmation regarding the Xiaomi 17 Ultra price and launch date in India, though global availability is expected to be announced later.
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Who Should Consider This Phone
This device is best suited for users who prioritize camera quality, stable performance, and long battery life. It does not try to impress with experimental designs, but instead focuses on delivering a consistent flagship experience.
For existing Xiaomi 15 Ultra users, the upgrade brings a better chipset, improved battery, and a refined camera system. Those looking for something visually different may still prefer the Pro models, but for practical flagship buyers, this phone offers a balanced and dependable option.
