Xiaomi is set to shake up the flagship smartphone market in early 2026 with the upcoming Xiaomi 17 Ultra. This device aims to challenge the dominance of established leaders like the iPhone 17 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra by offering a blend of cutting-edge technology and premium design.
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra promises a major upgrade in battery capacity. It is rumored to feature a 6,800mAh battery, significantly larger than the 6,000mAh cell found in its predecessor, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. Despite the increase, the fast charging capability remains robust with 100W wired charging, ensuring users spend less time tethered to power outlets.
In terms of design, the device is expected to measure about 8 mm in thickness and weigh approximately 227 grams. Interestingly, this model appears slightly slimmer even with the larger battery, maintaining a comfortable balance between size and heft. Xiaomi plans to offer it in exclusive colors such as green, purple, black, and white to reinforce its ultra-premium appeal.
Performance-wise, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is equipped with a 6.8-inch LTPO 2K display paired with the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor. It also boasts up to 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.1 internal storage, promising fluid multitasking and fast data access for heavy users and gamers alike.
The highlight of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra lies in its camera system, developed in collaboration with Leica. Its telephoto sensor reportedly has a 200-megapixel resolution and meets the APO (Apochromatic) standard, which significantly enhances color accuracy and minimizes chromatic aberrations common in lesser lenses. This advancement is expected to deliver crystal-clear, detailed images rivaling professional photography equipment.
The camera array is comprehensive, featuring a 50-megapixel main sensor with a 1-inch size and a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens upgraded from previous models. The front camera also impresses with a 50-megapixel sensor, enhanced by AI features that improve selfies, video calls, and content creation.
Based on these specifications, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra might become one of the most ambitious Android smartphones released at the start of 2026. If the leaks prove true, it won’t just serve as another alternative in the flagship segment but as a formidable competitor to the iPhone 17 Pro Max and Galaxy S25 Ultra’s market stronghold.
