Xiaomi has officially launched the Xiaomi 17 Ultra in China, positioning it as a top-tier flagship with remarkable advancements in camera technology and battery performance. The highlight of this model is its 200MP telephoto periscope camera, developed in collaboration with Leica, targeting photography enthusiasts who seek premium quality and sophisticated imaging features.
The rear camera setup features a triple camera system, with the main sensor being a 50MP Light Fusion 1050L sized at 1 inch, integrating LOFIC technology that enables a wider dynamic range. This ensures that photos maintain detailed clarity in both bright and shadowed areas. Complementing this is the Samsung HPE 200MP telephoto periscope camera with a 1/1.4-inch sensor, supporting continuous optical zoom for smoother image magnification without abrupt focus shifts. A 50MP ultra wide camera with autofocus is also included, perfect for wide-angle and macro shots.
Xiaomi also upgraded the front-facing camera to 50MP, which is designed to produce sharper selfies and supports high-quality video recording. For the display, the device is equipped with a large 6.9-inch AMOLED LTPO M10 flat panel. The screen offers a 2608 x 1200 pixel resolution along with an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz and a peak brightness of 3,500 nits, delivering excellent visibility even under direct sunlight.
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra’s screen protection comes from Xiaomi’s proprietary Dragon Crystal Glass 3.0, paired with an under-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor that outperforms traditional optical sensors in speed and accuracy. Powering the device is the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, coupled with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.1 storage, which enables smooth multitasking, gaming, and AI-driven tasks.
The device runs on HyperOS 3.0, Xiaomi’s newest operating system, which incorporates AI features for photo processing, performance optimization, and power management. Battery life is supported by a 6,800mAh silicon-carbon battery that brings not only high capacity but also a compact design. Fast charging capabilities include 90W wired, 50W wireless, and 22.5W reverse wired charging, ensuring flexible and rapid power replenishment.
On the durability front, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra boasts certifications of IP66, IP68, and IP69, which guarantee strong resistance against dust and water even under extreme conditions. Connectivity options are comprehensive, offering Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, dual SIM slots, infrared blaster, stereo speakers with Hi-Res Audio certification, a four-microphone array, and satellite communication support.
Additionally, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition offers the same core specifications with a more exclusive design and a mechanical zoom ring. This ring allows manual control over focal length, exposure, and white balance, mimicking the experience of professional cameras. The Leica Edition includes the Leica Moment Mode with a 3:2 aspect ratio and enhanced security chips. Its retail package comes with extras such as a lens cover, wrist strap, magnetic case, and cleaning cloth.
Pricing in China starts at 6,999 yuan (approximately $983) for the 12GB/512GB version, while the higher-end 16GB/1TB variant costs 8,499 yuan (about $1,194). The Leica Edition is priced at 7,999 yuan ($1,124) for 16GB/512GB and 8,999 yuan ($1,265) for 16GB/1TB. With its cutting-edge photographic tools, robust battery, and top-tier hardware, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra stands as one of Xiaomi’s most ambitious flagship smartphones to date.
