Xiaomi officially launched the Xiaomi 17 Ultra in China on Thursday, positioning it as the new flagship in its core smartphone lineup. It arrives as a direct successor to the Xiaomi 15 Ultra that debuted earlier this year, and while the overall identity feels familiar, the upgrades are quite noticeable once you look closely. Battery capacity has grown, camera hardware has been pushed further, and at the heart of the phone sits a brand new chipset.
The device is powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor from Qualcomm, built on a 3nm process. Xiaomi is clearly leaning into performance and efficiency this time. Around the back, there is a Leica tuned triple camera system, highlighted by a 200 megapixel periscope telephoto lens designed for serious long range photography. On paper at least, it looks like Xiaomi is aiming squarely at power users and mobile photography enthusiasts.
Key Takeaways
- Processor: Runs on the new 3nm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip for faster and more efficient performance.
- Camera: Leica tuned triple camera setup with a standout 200 megapixel periscope telephoto lens.
- Battery: Large 6,800mAh battery paired with 90W fast charging support.
- Pricing: Starts at approximately Rs 90,000 for the base storage variant in China.
- Special Edition: A Leica Edition is also available, featuring a physical zoom ring for photographers.
Xiaomi 17 Ultra Price and Variants
Xiaomi is offering the standard Xiaomi 17 Ultra in three storage configurations, covering most usage needs without feeling excessive. The base variant comes with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage, priced at CNY 6,999, which roughly converts to Rs 90,000. For users who want a bit more headroom, the 16GB RAM and 512GB storage version is available at CNY 7,499, or around Rs 96,000.
At the top end, the most expensive standard model includes 16GB RAM and a massive 1TB of storage. This variant is priced at CNY 8,499, translating to approximately Rs 1,09,000. It is clearly aimed at users who shoot a lot of high resolution photos and videos or simply prefer not worrying about storage limits.
Xiaomi has also introduced a special Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition. This version is priced at CNY 7,999 for the 512GB model and CNY 8,999 for the 1TB variant. It is available in Black and Off White colors. The regular models come in Black, White, Cold Smoky Purple, and Starry Green. Sales in China begin on December 27 through Xiaomi’s official online store.
Display and Performance Details
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra features a large 6.9 inch LTPO AMOLED display with a completely flat design. Xiaomi seems to be sticking with practicality here, and honestly, some users may prefer this over curved edges. The screen offers a 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, which should make scrolling, gaming, and everyday use feel consistently smooth.
Peak brightness goes up to an impressive 3,500 nits, so outdoor visibility under harsh sunlight should not be a concern. For protection, Xiaomi has used its own Dragon Crystal Glass 3.0, which is said to offer improved durability against scratches and drops.
Inside, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip is paired with an Adreno 840 GPU, making the phone well suited for demanding games and heavy multitasking. The device uses LPDDR5x Ultra RAM and UFS 4.1 storage for faster data access. It runs on Android 16 with Xiaomi’s HyperOS 3 layered on top. For security, there is an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor built into the display, which should be both fast and reliable.
Professional Grade Camera System
The camera system is arguably the main talking point of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. On the back, the phone houses a triple camera setup developed in collaboration with Leica. The primary camera is a 50 megapixel sensor with a full 1 inch sensor size. It uses LOFIC technology, which helps capture better detail across both bright highlights and darker areas. In real world use, this should translate into more balanced photos, especially in tricky lighting.
Alongside it is a 50 megapixel ultra wide camera for landscape and group shots. The third camera is where things get more interesting. Xiaomi has included a 200 megapixel periscope telephoto lens that supports continuous optical zoom ranging from 3.2x to 4.3x. This allows users to zoom in on distant subjects while maintaining clarity, rather than relying heavily on digital zoom.
The phone supports 8K video recording and introduces a new Fireworks Mode aimed at improving night time video capture. On the front, there is a 50 megapixel selfie camera, which should be more than capable for video calls and social media content.
Battery and Connectivity
Xiaomi has equipped the 17 Ultra with a sizable 6,800mAh battery, which is a noticeable step up compared to previous models. It supports 90W wired fast charging and 50W wireless charging, making top ups relatively quick despite the large capacity. There is also 22.5W reverse wired charging, which can be handy for powering accessories or even another phone in a pinch.
In terms of durability, the device carries IP68 and IP69 ratings, meaning it can handle both water immersion and high pressure water exposure. Connectivity options include 5G, Wi Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and NFC for digital payments. The phone weighs 224 grams and measures 8.29mm in thickness, which is fairly reasonable considering the battery size and camera hardware.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the price of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra in India?
A1: The phone has launched in China with a starting price of roughly Rs 90,000. Xiaomi has not yet announced official pricing or a launch timeline for India.
Q2: Does it have a curved or flat display?
A2: The Xiaomi 17 Ultra features a completely flat 6.9 inch LTPO AMOLED display.
Q3: What is special about the Leica Edition?
A3: The Leica Edition includes a physical zoom ring around the camera module and additional software features aimed at professional photography.
Q4: How many cameras are on the back?
A4: There are three rear cameras: a 50MP main sensor, a 50MP ultra wide lens, and a 200MP periscope telephoto camera.
Q5: Is the phone water resistant?
A5: Yes, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra comes with IP68 and IP69 ratings, offering strong protection against water and dust.
