The Xiaomi 17 Ultra was unveiled globally on February 28, 2026, during the Mobile World Congress, establishing itself as a leading contender in the smartphone market. This flagship device has received accolades for its advanced camera system, which many reviewers regard as the best in the smartphone category. With a starting price of €1,499 (approximately $1,580) for the 512GB model, and the Leica Leitzphone edition priced at €1,999 with 1TB of storage, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra positions itself as a formidable rival to high-end models such as Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra.
The standout feature of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is its sophisticated camera setup, developed in partnership with Leica. Reviewers from PCMag, TechRadar, and Mashable have noted that the device feels “more like a camera than a phone.” This perception is largely due to the device’s prominent circular Leica-branded rear module and its innovative mechanical zoom controls.
Camera Technology and Performance
At the heart of this smartphone is a 50-megapixel 1-inch Light Fusion 1050L main sensor, featuring an f/1.67 aperture and optical image stabilization. The incorporation of advanced LOFIC (Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor) technology allows for superior dynamic range in a single exposure, resulting in impressive low-light photography and natural color reproduction through Leica Summilux optics. Notably, the 200-megapixel periscope telephoto lens offers seamless optical zoom from 75mm to 100mm, minimizing light loss and achieving APO certification to reduce chromatic aberration. This capability allows for sharp, detailed images of distant subjects, earning praise from reviewers for its lossless zoom performance.
In addition to the telephoto lens, the rear camera array includes a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens with a 14mm equivalent focal length and an f/2.2 aperture, alongside a front-facing 50-megapixel autofocus selfie camera. Video recording capabilities reach up to 8K at 30 frames per second and 4K Dolby Vision at 120 frames per second, with testers highlighting the cinematic tools and stability even at higher zoom levels.
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra can be equipped with an optional Photography Kit priced at €99.99 for the basic version or €199.99 for the Pro version, enhancing the camera’s functionality with a grip, additional battery capacity, filters, and improved controls, transforming the device into a pocketable professional camera.
Performance and Design Features
Beyond its impressive camera capabilities, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, offering up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.1 storage. This combination ensures top-tier performance across gaming, multitasking, and artificial intelligence tasks. Benchmark tests indicate that the device handles demanding applications with ease, showcasing excellent thermal management.
The display is a 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED panel with a resolution of 1200 x 2608 and a refresh rate of 120Hz. Reviewers have described the display as immersive and exceptionally bright, reaching a peak brightness of 3,500 nits, which enhances visibility outdoors.
Battery life is also a notable feature, with a 6,000mAh silicon-carbon cell providing impressive endurance. According to GSMArena, the device’s Active Use Score reached an exceptional 19:09 hours, outperforming most competitors except for select models from Oppo. Fast charging is supported at 90W for wired connections and 50W for wireless, allowing the device to recharge quickly.
Running on HyperOS 3 based on Android 16, the software promises five major OS upgrades and six years of security patches. Global variants have been noted to offer a cleaner user experience compared to their Chinese counterparts, though some users have reported minor issues with app permissions. The interface is responsive and features strong haptics, loud stereo speakers, and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.
The design of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra remains premium yet practical, measuring 8.29mm in thickness and weighing around 218-219 grams. It is available in several colors, including Black, White, and a striking Starlit Green with mineral particles for added sparkle.
While the Xiaomi 17 Ultra has received high praise, some critics have pointed out a few drawbacks. The device’s premium price has raised concerns, particularly when compared to more affordable flagship models. Additionally, some users express a desire for a wider zoom range or dual telephoto options, which have been features in previous models. Software-related frustrations, while minor, include occasional bloat and permission quirks. Nonetheless, hardware execution has garnered high ratings, with NotebookCheck awarding it 90% and PhoneArena giving it an 8 out of 10.
As the Xiaomi 17 Ultra becomes available across Europe, the UK, Australia, India, and select markets (with no official release planned for the United States), it targets photography enthusiasts in search of exceptional imaging capabilities in a comprehensive flagship smartphone. Early sales indicate strong interest in its camera-focused features and the partnership with Leica. With its refined execution across display, battery, performance, and particularly its camera technology, the device marks a significant step in Xiaomi’s strategy to penetrate the ultra-premium smartphone segment, effectively challenging established market leaders in 2026.
