The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is Xiaomi’s top-tier 2026 flagship, renowned for its advanced Leica collaboration and pro-grade photography capabilities. Following its China launch on December 25, 2025 (with sales from December 27), the device is now confirmed for a global debut, positioning it as a major competitor to premium flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Cutting-Edge Leica Triple Camera Setup
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra delivers standout imaging with its Leica-co-engineered triple rear cameras:
- 50MP main sensor — 1-inch Light Fusion 1050L (23mm equivalent, f/1.7, OIS, LOFIC HDR for up to 18 EV dynamic range and stellar low-light shots).
- 50MP ultra-wide — 14mm equivalent, f/2.2, 115° FOV for expansive landscapes.
- 200MP periscope telephoto — Leica APO-certified (industry-first), variable 75-100mm optical zoom (3.2x–4.3x continuous), f/2.4–3.0 aperture for sharp, aberration-free zoomed portraits and distant subjects.
This system has impressed with high DXOMARK scores, excelling in natural Leica color rendering, dynamic range, night photography, and zoom performance. The premium Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica edition includes a physical Master Zoom Ring for manual control, exclusive tuning, and a signature red Leica logo. While video features (like RAW) may have minor differences from prior models in some tests, it reigns supreme for stills, portraits, and telephoto work.
Sleek Design Meets Beast-Level Performance
At a slim 8.29mm thickness — the thinnest Ultra to date — the phone sports a 6.9-inch flat LTPO AMOLED display (2608 x 1200 resolution, 120Hz refresh, up to 3500 nits peak brightness, HDR10+/Dolby Vision support). A micro-curved aluminum frame enhances grip, with IP68/IP69 rating for durability.
Core hardware highlights:
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3nm) for flagship-level speed.
- Up to 16GB LPDDR5X RAM + 1TB UFS 4.1 storage.
- 6800mAh silicon-carbon battery with 90W wired and 50W wireless charging — delivering outstanding all-day (and beyond) endurance.
- Android 16 on HyperOS 3, with stereo speakers and global Google services.
(Note: Global models maintain core specs, though minor regional tweaks like battery capacity in select variants have been mentioned in leaks.)
Global Launch: February 28, 2026 – Pricing & Availability
Fresh leaks from sources like Dealabs confirm the Xiaomi 17 Ultra (alongside the standard Xiaomi 17) will launch globally on February 28, 2026 — days before MWC 2026 in Barcelona.
European pricing remains aggressive with no major increases:
- 16GB + 512GB: €1,499
- 16GB + 1TB: €1,699
Color options include premium Black, White, Green, and others. Expect availability through Mi.com, Xiaomi official stores, and partners worldwide shortly after announcement.
Why the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Could Be 2026’s Camera King
Amid fierce competition, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra differentiates with Leica’s authentic pro imaging (including the groundbreaking APO telephoto), a massive battery in a slim chassis, elite performance, and excellent value. Hands-on previews hail it as a “refined Ultra built for photographers” and one of the best overall packages for enthusiasts craving DSLR-like control and results.
With the global event just around the corner (as of February 16, 2026), anticipate full reviews, camera shootouts, and real-world tests soon. For mobile photography lovers seeking Leica mastery in 2026, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is set to impress.
