The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is set to launch next week, featuring a new one-inch main camera sensor and a Leica-certified APO telephoto lens. According to Xiaomi, this will be the first phone launched as part of an expanded partnership with Leica, which now takes the form of "strategic co-creation" where the two companies jointly develop products. The device is expected to deliver better low-light image quality, more accurate details in high-contrast scenarios, and "creative freedom" for telephoto shots. As reported by sources, the phone will likely be launched in China first, with a global launch potentially happening at Mobile World Congress. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is the successor to the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, which was one of the top camera phones of 2025, and its launch may be a surprise, similar to the Xiaomi 17 Ultra might pull a surprise appearance before 2026 even begins.
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra's design and build details have not been fully revealed, but it is expected to feature a premium design with a focus on camera capabilities. The device will likely have a large screen, possibly a 6.8-inch AMOLED display, and a durable build with IP68 water and dust resistance. According to leaks, the phone may have a similar design to its predecessor, with a curved glass back and a metal frame. The exact dimensions and weight of the device have not been confirmed, but it is expected to be similar to other flagship phones on the market, such as the OnePlus 15R lands with near-flagship power and a massive battery. As reported by sources, the phone will be available in several color options, including a new limited edition color.
The camera system on the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is one of its most notable features, with a new one-inch main camera sensor and a Leica-certified APO telephoto lens. The one-inch sensor is expected to be the Omnivision OV50X, which is a high-end sensor with improved low-light performance and dynamic range. The Leica-certified APO telephoto lens will enable photos with reduced chromatic aberration and color fringing, making it ideal for capturing high-quality images with a lot of detail. The device will also have a 200MP tele camera, which will provide high-quality zoom capabilities. According to Xiaomi, the camera system will deliver better low-light image quality, more accurate details in high-contrast scenarios, and "creative freedom" for telephoto shots, which may be useful for playing games like PUBG Mobile on the Red Magic 11 Pro Series Phones.
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra will be powered by a high-end processor, likely the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 or the MediaTek Dimensity 9300. The exact processor details have not been confirmed, but it is expected to provide fast performance and efficient battery life. The device will also have a large amount of RAM, possibly up to 16GB, and storage options ranging from 128GB to 512GB. According to sources, the phone will support 5G connectivity and Wi-Fi 6E, making it ideal for streaming and online gaming, and users may want to consider using Google Drive search to store and manage their files.
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra will have a large battery, possibly a 5000mAh or 5500mAh cell, which will provide all-day battery life. The device will also support fast charging, possibly up to 120W, which will enable users to quickly top up their battery. According to sources, the phone will also have wireless charging capabilities, making it convenient to charge the device without having to plug it in. The exact battery life and charging details have not been confirmed, but it is expected to be similar to other flagship phones on the market, and users may want to consider purchasing a Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra to track their battery life and other health metrics. As reported by Xiaomi, the device will also have a range of software features, including AI-powered performance optimization and advanced security features, which may help reduce motion sickness when playing games or watching videos.