Xiaomi has done something interesting with its latest flagship lineup. Compared to the Xiaomi 15 series, the new Xiaomi 17 series feels like a meaningful step forward. The standout model is clearly the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, a phone designed more as a technology showcase than a mass-market device.
This is not a phone meant for everyone. It’s built to demonstrate what Xiaomi can do at the very top end, especially in smartphone photography.
Xiaomi 17 Ultra Price and Availability
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is expected to launch as a limited showcase device. Based on current estimates, pricing should fall between $1,300 and $1,450 USD, placing it firmly in the ultra-premium category.
A global launch is expected first, with availability expanding gradually. This model is unlikely to be produced in high volumes.
Xiaomi 17 Ultra Box Contents and First Impressions
Inside the box, Xiaomi includes:
- Xiaomi 17 Ultra handset
- Clear hard protective case
- Documentation and SIM ejector tool
- 100W fast charging adapter
- USB Type-A to Type-C cable
At this price point, a USB-C to USB-C cable would have been more appropriate for a true flagship device.
The phone immediately feels premium. Despite housing a massive camera system and a large battery, it does not feel excessively heavy. However, it is slightly front-heavy due to the camera module.
Xiaomi 17 Ultra Design and Build Quality
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra features a familiar yet refined design:
- Fiberglass back panel
- Metal frame
- Color options: green, black, purple, silver
The green variant has a subtle shimmer under light and looks especially elegant. The phone weighs around 226 grams, but due to the camera hardware, it feels heavier during one-handed use.
Protection is handled by Dragon Crystal Glass 3.0, and the device carries both IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance.
A small but thoughtful touch is the vertical volume buttons with round button caps instead of a traditional rocker.
Xiaomi 17 Ultra Camera: The Real “Ultra” Feature
The camera system is where the Xiaomi 17 Ultra truly earns its name.
Camera Hardware
- 50MP 1-inch primary sensor (Light Fusion 1050L)
- 200MP telephoto sensor with continuous optical zoom
- 50MP ultra-wide sensor
- 50MP front-facing camera
The 1-inch primary sensor excels in low-light photography, capturing more light and preserving detail with excellent color accuracy. Xiaomi combines strong hardware with refined software processing, giving it an edge over competitors that rely heavily on post-processing.
Continuous Optical Zoom System
The most impressive feature is the telephoto system.
The phone supports true optical zoom from 75mm to 100mm, powered by a complex internal mechanism using 8 elements and 3 moving lenses working together.
This means images at 100mm are not digitally cropped. They are true optical photos, which is extremely rare in smartphones.
- Maximum zoom: up to 120x
- Best usable quality: up to 30x
Telephoto macro is slightly compromised due to sensor placement, but overall image quality remains excellent.
Image Quality and Color Profiles
Xiaomi 17 Ultra Photo Samples- Authentic: natural, neutral tones
- Vibrant: punchier colors with higher contrast
Low-light performance is a major strength, making the camera ideal for night photography and difficult lighting. Skin tones are generally accurate, though final tuning may vary slightly by region.
Video and Camera Features
- 8K video at 30fps
- 4K video at 60fps on all sensors
- 4K video at 120fps on primary and telephoto cameras
A standout feature is Live Cinematography, which captures short, stylized motion clips using preset templates. It adds a creative edge without manual editing.
Xiaomi 17 Ultra Display
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra features a 6.9-inch AMOLED display with:
- 1.5K resolution
- Up to 3,500 nits peak brightness
- Ultra-thin bezels
- 12-bit color depth
- Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support
The display is sharp, vibrant, and easily one of the best panels Xiaomi has used.
Xiaomi 17 Ultra Performance and Specifications
Under the hood, the phone packs top-tier hardware:
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
- LPDDR5X RAM
- UFS 4.1 storage
Global variants are expected to start with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage.
Despite the powerful internals, Xiaomi includes a massive 6,800mAh battery, supported by:
- 90W wired charging
- 50W wireless charging
The phone runs HyperOS 3.0, with long-term software support expected.
Xiaomi 17 Ultra Connectivity and Ecosystem Features
Connectivity is another strong point:
- Wi-Fi 7
- Bluetooth 6.0
- Ultra Wideband (UWB)
Xiaomi emphasizes ecosystem integration, enabling easy file transfers and advanced UWB-based interactions with compatible devices.
Xiaomi 17 Ultra Final Thoughts
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is not trying to be a mainstream flagship. It is a bold technology showcase that pushes camera hardware, battery size, and display quality to their limits.
What stands out
- Industry-leading camera hardware
- True optical continuous zoom
- Massive battery without extreme bulk
- Premium design and display
This phone is built for photography enthusiasts and power users who want something genuinely different.
A global release is expected soon, likely before mid-February. If Xiaomi continues in this direction, the 17 series marks a clear step forward from the previous generation
What is the main highlight of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra?
A Leica-branded triple camera system led by a 50MP 1-inch main sensor, plus a 200MP periscope telephoto and a big 6,800mAh battery.
What’s special about the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition?
It adds a mechanical “Master Zoom Ring” and Leica-focused features/modes, plus special in-box accessories like a lens cap and magnetic case (varies by market).
What cameras does it have on the back?
50MP 1-inch main (Light Fusion 1050L), 200MP periscope telephoto, and 50MP ultrawide with autofocus.
Does it offer “continuous optical zoom”?
Launch coverage says the 200MP periscope supports “continuous optical zoom,” and one report mentions roughly 3.2x to 4.3x optical zoom coverage.
What is the selfie camera?
A 50MP front camera.
What display does it use?
A flat 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED (up to 120Hz), 2608×1200 resolution, and up to 3,500 nits peak brightness.
Which chipset powers the Xiaomi 17 Ultra?
Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.
What is the China price for the Leica Edition?
Reports say BIS certification has appeared and an India launch is expected in 2026, but the exact date is not confirmed.
Is the Xiaomi 17 Ultra worth it over the regular Xiaomi 17?
The Ultra is mainly for people who want the flagship camera stack (50MP 1-inch main + 200MP periscope + 50MP ultrawide AF) and the bigger 6,800mAh battery; otherwise, the non‑Ultra is usually the better value buy.
Is the zoom ring real or just an accessory?
Reports say the Leica Edition has a physical “Master Zoom Ring” built into the phone (not an external add‑on).
What does the zoom ring actually do?
Is “continuous optical zoom” actually optical?
Launch coverage says the 200MP periscope supports “continuous optical zoom,” and another report describes it as covering about 3.2x to 4.3x.
Are there zoom-ring quality issues (wobble/looseness)?
Some early units reportedly had a “wobbly” ring; Xiaomi’s response (via community statements reported by Notebookcheck) claims the looseness can be intentional for stable operation after drops and exposure to dirt/liquids.
What are the screen and performance specs?
It’s reported to use a flat 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED (up to 120Hz, up to 3,500 nits peak) and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 with up to 16GB RAM and up to 1TB storage.
Is importing the China unit risky?
Some coverage warns import buyers to check the unit early (e.g., zoom ring feel) and consider returns if needed, since early batches had mixed reports.
What extra stuff comes in the Leica Edition box?
Reportedly includes items like a lens cap, lanyard, magnetic case, and cleaning cloth (market/box contents can vary).
