Xiaomi 17 Ultra Debuts in China with Strong Focus on Camera Performance

Xiaomi has officially introduced the Xiaomi 17 Ultra in China this week. As suggested by earlier teasers, the new Ultra model puts a heavy emphasis on camera performance, positioning itself as a photography-centric flagship smartphone. The company has once again partnered with Leica to fine-tune the camera system, while also packing the device with top-tier hardware.

The phone ships with Android 16-based HyperOS out of the box and is expected to receive consistent software updates going forward. Along with the camera upgrades, Xiaomi has included a powerful Snapdragon chipset, a large battery, and high-grade IP ratings for improved durability.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra Price and Variants

In China, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra starts at CNY 6,999, which roughly converts to ₹89,400. This pricing applies to the base model featuring 12GB RAM and 512GB internal storage.

Other available variants include:

• 16GB + 512GB: CNY 7,499 (around ₹95,900)

• 16GB + 1TB: CNY 8,499 (around ₹1,08,700)

The smartphone will go on sale in China starting December 27.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra India Launch: What to Expect

Following its China launch, interest around the phone’s India debut has grown. Xiaomi has already confirmed that the Xiaomi 17 series will arrive in India in Q1 2026. As per industry reports, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra could make its global and India debut around February 2026, possibly during MWC 2026 in Barcelona.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra Specifications

Display and Performance

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra features:

• 6.9-inch 1.5K LTPO AMOLED display

• 120Hz refresh rate

• Dragon Crystal Glass protection

• Flat 2D panel with a flat frame design

Powering the device is the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3nm) processor, paired with up to 16GB LPDDR5x RAM and 1TB UFS 4.1 storage. The phone runs HyperOS 3, which brings several system-level AI features.

Battery and Durability

For protection, the phone carries IP66, IP68, and IP69 ratings, offering strong resistance against dust and water. Battery specifications include:

• 6,800mAh battery

• 90W wired fast charging

• 50W wireless charging

• 22.5W reverse charging

Despite housing a large battery, the phone remains slim at 8.29mm and weighs around 224 grams.

Camera: The Key Highlight

Camera performance is the biggest selling point of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. The device comes with a triple rear camera setup:

• 50MP main camera (1-inch sensor, OIS, LOFIC technology)

• 50MP ultra-wide camera with autofocus

• 200MP periscope telephoto camera

The periscope lens supports continuous optical zoom between 3.2x and 4.3x, reducing the need for multiple zoom lenses. The phone also supports 8K video recording and features a 50MP front camera for selfies.

Design and Color Options

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is available in four color options:

• Black

• White

• Starry Green (with mineral grain texture)

• Cool Smoke Purple

This is Xiaomi’s slimmest Ultra smartphone so far. Unlike the Pro models, the Ultra variant skips the secondary rear display, opting instead for a more classic and premium design approach.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition: Built for Photography Enthusiasts

Xiaomi has also introduced a Leica Edition of the 17 Ultra. While the core hardware remains the same, the camera experience is enhanced for professional-level use.

Key highlights include:

• Mechanical zoom ring for camera controls

• Leica-inspired dual-tone design

• Knurled edges for improved grip

• Red Leica branding on the rear

The Leica Edition also offers Leica Moment modes (3:2 aspect ratio), a dedicated security and encryption chip, dual satellite communication, and a special box containing a lens cap, lanyard, magnetic case, and cleaning cloth.

Leica Edition Pricing

• 16GB + 512GB: CNY 7,999 (around ₹1.02 lakh)

• 16GB + 1TB: CNY 8,999 (around ₹1.15 lakh)

Who Should Consider the Xiaomi 17 Ultra?

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is ideal for users who:

• Prioritize advanced camera hardware

• Want long battery life

• Need top-tier flagship performance

Users upgrading from the Xiaomi 15 Ultra may find the new chipset, improved battery, and enhanced camera system compelling. Those looking for more experimental designs might prefer the Xiaomi 17 Pro or Pro Max instead.

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra stands out as a camera-centric flagship that balances performance, battery life, and durability effectively. The Leica Edition further elevates its appeal for mobile photography enthusiasts. Attention now shifts to its global and India launch, where pricing and availability will be closely watched.

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