Xiaomi has officially launched the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, revealing a flagship smartphone built around a high-end camera system, powerful performance, and a long-lasting battery. The phone debuts with a set of standout specs, including a 1-inch main camera sensor co-engineered with Leica, a 200 MP periscope telephoto lens, and a 6,800 mAh battery, positioning it as one of the year’s most ambitious Android flagships.
Camera System: Leica 1-Inch Excellence and 200 MP Periscope Zoom
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra’s camera credentials are a major highlight. At its core is a 1-inch main Sony sensor developed in collaboration with Leica, delivering improved light capture and dynamic range for photography and video. Accompanying this is an advanced 200 MP periscope telephoto camera, enabling detailed zoom shots at long distances without excessive quality loss. Both sensors reflect Xiaomi’s push into premium imaging, directly challenging other photography-focused smartphones.
In addition to these headline shooters, the Ultra’s camera array also includes versatile supporting lenses for wide-angle and portrait work, all tuned with Leica’s imaging aesthetics and color science to appeal to photography enthusiasts and professional users alike.
Performance and Software
Under the hood, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, one of Qualcomm’s top offerings for 2025-2026 flagship phones. This silicon ensures responsive performance across demanding tasks, from gaming to multitasking and AI-enhanced features. The phone ships with ColorOS 16 based on the latest Android release, bringing UI refinements and software optimizations that complement its hardware prowess.
Battery and Charging
A 6,800 mAh battery gives the Xiaomi 17 Ultra standout endurance, far above many competitors. Fast charging is supported, with 100 W wired and 80 W wireless options, ensuring quick refills when needed. The large cell aims to provide all-day usage even under heavy camera, gaming, or multimedia workloads.
Design and Special Editions
Xiaomi showcased a premium build for the 17 Ultra, including refined materials and finishes that match its flagship status. The company also introduced a Leica Edition variant that incorporates Leica branding and accessories tailored for photography enthusiasts, further emphasizing the imaging focus of this model.
Display, Connectivity, and Other Features
The phone features a large, high-resolution display with vibrant colors and smooth refresh rates, ideal for gaming and media consumption. Additional flagship staples such as ultrasonic in-display fingerprint authentication, advanced cooling systems, and robust connectivity options round out the package, making the Xiaomi 17 Ultra a fully equipped contender in the premium smartphone segment.
Availability and Pricing
| Model Variant | Configuration | Price (CNY) | Approx. Price (PHP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 17 Ultra | 12GB + 512GB | CNY 6,999 | ₱58,550* |
| Xiaomi 17 Ultra | 16GB + 512GB | CNY 7,499 | ₱62,732* |
| Xiaomi 17 Ultra | 16GB + 1TB | CNY 8,499 | ₱71,098* |
| Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica | 16GB + 512GB | CNY 7,999 | ₱66,915* |
| Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica | 16GB + 1TB | CNY 8,999 | ₱75,276* |
Both standard and Leica editions of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra will be available in China starting December 27. The phone will be sold in Black and Off-White color options.
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