Xiaomi has officially announced the release of its upcoming ultra-premium smartphone, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, with the launch event scheduled for next week in China. This announcement indicates that the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is more than just a typical yearly update; it is designed to transform Xiaomi’s flagship experience. With enhanced collaboration with Leica and significant improvements in camera and performance, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is poised to be one of the brand’s most ambitious smartphones to date.
Xiaomi’s founder, chairman, and CEO, Lei Jun, has personally confirmed the timeline for the launch, suggesting that the event will probably adhere to Xiaomi’s typical Thursday launch schedule. In addition to unveiling the smartphone, Xiaomi has also revealed a significant advancement in its imaging collaboration with Leica, indicating a new stage that transcends mere branding or tuning.
A New Era of Xiaomi-Leica Collaboration
One of the standout features of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is its enhanced collaboration with Leica. Xiaomi announced that this partnership has evolved into a “strategic co-creation” model. This indicates that both companies are collaborating from the initial phases of product design, instead of just refining the camera in the final stages.
In this collaboration, Xiaomi has launched a new optical system for smartphones, which includes the first Leica APO-certified telephoto lens designed for mobile devices. Xiaomi states that this lens provides enhanced color accuracy, minimizes chromatic aberration, and boosts clarity, particularly at extended focal lengths. The company also asserts significant advancements in night photography and high-contrast situations, which are typically challenging for smartphone cameras.
Display, Performance, and Battery Expectations
Rumors and initial reports indicate that the Xiaomi 17 Ultra will feature a flat display design, a preference that many users have for better usability and durability. It is expected that the panel will provide visual clarity that surpasses standard 2K displays while using less power, which should enhance battery efficiency.
At the heart of the device, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is anticipated to be driven by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, firmly establishing its place at the pinnacle of the Android performance rankings. This processor is expected to enhance AI capabilities, gaming stability, and overall efficiency.
Xiaomi seems to be breaking new ground in battery capacity. The upcoming device is rumored to have a battery nearing 7,000mAh, which is much larger than what we typically find in high-end smartphones. Additionally, the charging speeds are anticipated to be remarkable, featuring 100W wired fast charging and 80W wireless charging capabilities.
Camera Setup: Quality Over Quantity
In contrast to several recent flagship models that utilize four-camera configurations, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is said to feature a triple rear camera system, emphasizing sensor quality over quantity.
The main camera is anticipated to incorporate OmniVision’s 50-megapixel OV50X 1-inch sensor, which boasts a large pixel size and sophisticated HDR processing to enhance low-light and dynamic range capabilities. Additionally, it is expected to be accompanied by a 50-megapixel ultra-wide camera that also allows for macro photography.
The setup includes a remarkable 200-megapixel periscope telephoto camera, capable of providing up to 5x optical zoom. When paired with Leica’s APO-certified optics, this telephoto camera has the potential to be one of the standout features of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra.
More Than Just a Smartphone Launch
Interestingly, Xiaomi might also introduce a new NAS product during the same event, highlighting its increasing emphasis on expanding its ecosystem beyond just smartphones. This move is in line with Xiaomi’s larger strategy of creating interconnected devices across various categories.
Currently, blind pre-orders for the Xiaomi 17 Ultra have already started in China, reflecting the brand’s strong confidence. While the launch in China is just around the corner, the global release is anticipated to occur in March, together with the standard Xiaomi 17.
Featuring state-of-the-art camera technology, top-tier performance, and a fresh emphasis on significant innovation, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra has the potential to establish a new standard for Xiaomi’s high-end smartphone range in 2026.