Overview
- Xiaomi unveiled the 17 Ultra on December 25 in Beijing, positioning the device as its new top-end model for imaging and performance.
- The camera system co-created with Leica features a 200 MP telephoto with continuous optical zoom and Leica APO optics plus a 1-inch main sensor, with a Leica Edition adding a physical zoom ring.
- The phone runs Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and includes a 6,800 mAh battery with 90 W wired and 50 W wireless charging, alongside IP68/IP69 durability.
- China pricing starts at 6,999 yuan (about $996), with the Leica Edition at 7,999 yuan (about $1,142), and domestic sales are slated to begin in the coming weeks.
- Counterpoint data places Xiaomi at 14% global share behind Samsung and Apple, and industry reports point to Samsung’s January 4 event where the Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected and to a likely international Xiaomi 17 Ultra showing at MWC 2026.