The Xiaomi 17 Ultra continues the brand’s strong legacy of camera-focused smartphones, delivering major improvements in imaging technology along with upgrades in display size, battery capacity, and overall performance. As the latest flagship in Xiaomi’s Ultra lineup, the device aims to set new standards for mobile photography while offering a complete premium smartphone experience.
While the design retains some familiar elements from earlier models, most aspects of the phone feel refreshed. With advanced hardware, AI-powered software features, and enhanced zoom capabilities, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra positions itself as one of the most capable camera smartphones currently available.
Refreshed Design with Signature Circular Camera Module
Visually, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra maintains the brand’s distinctive circular camera module at the rear. However, beyond this feature, the device introduces noticeable design changes. The phone now includes three rear camera lenses instead of four and adopts a redesigned body that feels different from previous Ultra models.
The flat sides and front styling give the device a modern flagship appearance. Despite its large size, the phone feels balanced when placed on a flat surface due to the central camera bump. This design reduces wobbling and contributes to improved usability during everyday interactions.
The review unit in Starlit Green stands out with a sparkly finish that adds visual appeal. The rear panel offers a premium feel, and overall build quality appears solid. Xiaomi has focused on combining functionality with aesthetics, ensuring that the phone looks distinctive while remaining practical to handle.
Leica Leitzphone Variant Offers Unique Camera Experience
In addition to the standard model, Xiaomi has also introduced a special Leica-themed variant. This version features identical hardware but comes with a unique design inspired by Leica cameras. Patterned frame edges provide additional grip, and a physical zoom ring around the camera module allows users to adjust zoom levels manually.
The ring provides noticeable haptic feedback during use, enhancing the photography experience. However, its compact size may make it slightly challenging to operate comfortably. The Leica edition also introduces dedicated shooting styles inspired by classic Leica camera models, accessible through a specialized camera mode.
This collaboration highlights Xiaomi’s continued focus on professional-grade mobile photography. The variant offers users a more tactile and customizable shooting experience while retaining the same core imaging capabilities.
Larger OLED Display with Extremely High Brightness
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra features a 6.9-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 2,608 x 1,200 pixels. The screen supports an adaptive refresh rate ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz, enabling smooth visuals during scrolling and improved efficiency when viewing static content.
Peak brightness reaches an impressive 3,500 nits, ensuring clear visibility even under strong sunlight. Whether used indoors or outdoors, the display delivers vivid colors and sharp detail. The large screen size also enhances multimedia consumption, gaming, and productivity tasks.
Xiaomi 17 Ultra Display Highlights
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 6.9-inch AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2,608 x 1,200 pixels |
| Refresh Rate | 1Hz to 120Hz |
| Peak Brightness | 3,500 nits |
Flagship Performance Powered by Snapdragon Chipset
Performance on the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is driven by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor. The review unit includes 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, while the Leica variant offers up to 1TB storage capacity.
Benchmark results indicate strong flagship-level performance, with Geekbench scores around 3,372 for single-core and 10,002 for multi-core tests. These figures suggest that the device can handle demanding tasks such as gaming, video editing, and multitasking without noticeable slowdowns.
The phone also includes AI-powered features designed to assist with photo editing, content creation, and general productivity. This integration reflects the growing importance of software intelligence in modern flagship smartphones.
Bigger Battery Brings Noticeable Endurance Gains
Battery capacity has been increased to 6,000mAh, representing a meaningful improvement over earlier Ultra models. In battery testing, the device reportedly achieved nearly 11 hours and 44 minutes of runtime, which is almost three hours longer than its predecessor.
Charging performance is also strong, with support for 90W wired charging and 50W wireless charging. These capabilities allow users to quickly top up the battery and minimize downtime during heavy usage periods.
Xiaomi 17 Ultra Battery and Charging Details
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 6,000mAh |
| Wired Charging | 90W |
| Wireless Charging | 50W |
| Battery Test Result | 11 hours 44 minutes |
Advanced Camera System Defines the Phone’s Identity
The standout feature of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is its advanced camera setup. The device includes a new 1-inch main sensor with LOFIC technology designed to improve dynamic range and HDR performance. The main camera offers a 50MP resolution with a wide aperture for better light capture.
The highlight is the 200MP periscope telephoto lens that supports mechanical optical zoom between 75mm and 100mm focal lengths. This capability makes the phone particularly suitable for street photography and distant subjects. Digital zoom can extend up to approximately 17.2x, with images retaining notable detail.
An additional 50MP ultra-wide camera and a 50MP front-facing camera complete the setup. Daylight photos appear clear with accurate color reproduction, while low-light shots show strong detail and manageable noise levels. However, the absence of a variable aperture — previously available in older models — may be noticed by some photography enthusiasts.
Xiaomi 17 Ultra Camera Specifications
| Camera Type | Specification |
|---|---|
| Main Camera | 50MP with 1-inch LOFIC sensor |
| Telephoto | 200MP periscope with 75–100mm optical zoom |
| Ultra-Wide | 50MP |
| Front Camera | 50MP |
Pricing and Availability
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is priced at around S$1,799 for the configuration with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage. This represents a modest increase of approximately S$100 compared to the previous generation. During the pre-order period, buyers could receive a S$100 discount.
The Leica-themed version with 1TB storage is priced at around S$2,299. Both versions are bundled with a Photography Kit Pro accessory package and are available through online platforms such as Shopee and Lazada.
Conclusion
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra delivers meaningful upgrades in camera technology, battery life, and display performance while maintaining strong flagship-level processing capabilities. Its advanced zoom system, large sensor, and AI-enhanced imaging features position it as one of the most capable camera smartphones currently available.
Although some features like variable aperture are no longer included, the overall improvements suggest a clear focus on refining the photography experience. For readers and potential buyers, the key takeaway is that the Xiaomi 17 Ultra continues Xiaomi’s commitment to pushing mobile camera innovation while offering a powerful all-round flagship device.