The Xiaomi 17 Ultra was just unveiled as one of the most ambitious smartphones of this year. Arriving just before the year ends, the company’s new top flagship model pushes mobile photography and performance. This is Xiaomi’s latest and greatest that combines cutting edge hardware, a massive battery, and software features that appeal to power users and photography enthusiasts alike.
1. Camera Prowess: Photography as the Core Focus
At the heart of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is a high-end camera system that was co-developed with Leica, a renowned German camera and lens maker. The collaboration is for both hardware and software. The main shooter uses a 1-inch Light Fusion 1050L sensor that captures exceptional detail and dynamic range thanks to advanced LOFIC technology, which improves highlight-to-shadow performance in challenging scenes like night shots or backlit environments.
Alongside the primary camera, Xiaomi equips the device with a 200MP periscope telephoto shooter (1/1/4-inch) that supports continuous optical zoom from roughly 75 mm to 100 mm without cropping, which is about 3.2x to 4.3x optical zoom. This telephoto system uses Leica APO-certified optics to reduce chromatic aberration and preserve clarity across that zoom range.
A 50MP ultra-wide camera rounds out the rear setup, while the front also gets another 50MP selfie camera. The camera package supports high-resolution stills and video capture up to 8K, with improved night and dynamic performance that makes the 17 Ultra especially compelling for enthusiasts who want professional-level imaging without carrying dedicated gear.
2. Flagship-grade Performance
Xiaomi 17 Ultra
Under the hood, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra packs the flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, built on a 3nm process and paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.1 storage in its top configuration. This delivers buttery-smooth performance across demanding tasks, from heavy multitasking to high frame rate gaming. With HyperOS 3, buyers also get the latest Android 16 OS with Xiaomi’s touch in modern design and an integrated software experience.
3. All Day Battery & Satellite Connectivity
Despite its powerful hardware, Xiaomi hasn’t skimped on endurance. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra houses a 6,800mAh battery, which is the largest capacity in an Ultra device from Xiaomi, promising more than a full day of heavy use. You even get 90W wired fast charging, 50W wireless fast charging, 22.5W reverse wired charging, and 10W reverse wireless charging. Connectivity features are just as premium, with support for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, UWB, NFC, and dual-satellite communication systems (Tiantong and Beidou) for communication in remote areas.
4. Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition: A True Mobile Leica Experience
Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition takes the flagship’s imaging strengths even further with hardware and software enhancements clearly inspired by analogue cameras. It features a distinctive dual-tone body finish with textured elements and Leica’s iconic red dot, evoking classic Leica M-series styling.
The standout addition is the physical Master Zoom Ring built into the frame. This mechanical control lets users adjust zoom, exposure compensation, and white balance with tactile precision, which is a feature almost unheard of in smartphones and one that brings a DSLR-like interaction model straight to your pocket.
On the software side, the Leica Edition includes exclusive color profiles and film simulations, including Leica M9 and MONOPAN 50 black-and-white modes, which emulate classic Leica aesthetics for creative shooters. It also enhances privacy and connectivity with a dedicated security chip and dual-satellite support for remote communication. The Leica Edition ships in a premium package with extras like a magnetic protective case, lens cap, and cleaning accessories, reinforcing its positioning as a photography-centric flagship for enthusiasts.
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