Xiaomi 17 Ultra: 200MP Periscope Beast with 6,800mAh Battery Unveiled
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra has officially launched in China, redefining the Android flagship landscape with a massive 1-inch sensor, a groundbreaking 200MP periscope telephoto lens, and a 6,800mAh silicon-carbon battery. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC, this powerhouse device—along with its exclusive “Leica Edition”—sets a new benchmark for mobile photography and endurance.
A Camera System Ahead of Its Time
The centerpiece of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is its Leica-branded triple camera array. Xiaomi continues to push the physics of smartphone imaging with a setup that covers every focal length imaginable.
The primary shooter utilizes a 50MP 1-inch Light Fusion 1050L sensor. This sensor supports LOFIC (Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor) technology, which drastically improves dynamic range by preventing overexposure in bright highlights. It is paired with:
- 200MP Periscope Telephoto: Using a Samsung HPE 1/1.4-inch sensor, this lens offers continuous optical zoom—a rarity in mobile optics.
- 50MP Ultrawide: A high-resolution wide lens that now features autofocus for macro capabilities.
Display and Performance
On the front, the device sports a flat 6.9-inch M10 AMOLED LTPO display. It delivers a sharp 2608 x 1200 resolution and a blinding 3,500-nit peak brightness. Durability is ensured by Xiaomi’s Dragon Crystal Glass 3.0.
Under the hood, the phone runs HyperOS 3.0 on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. Users can configure the device with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.1 storage. Notably, the 6,800mAh battery supports 90W wired and 50W wireless charging. The device is also future-proofed with IP69 water resistance and support for Wi-Fi 7, ensuring top-tier connectivity speeds.
🔴 The Leica Edition Difference
Xiaomi also unveiled a dedicated 17 Ultra Leica Edition. This isn’t just a rebrand; it features hardware changes for purists.
- Mechanical Zoom Ring: A physical ring on the lens to adjust focal length and exposure manually.
- M-Series Aesthetics: Dual-tone design, knurled frame, and the iconic red Leica logo.
- Exclusive Kit: Comes with a lens cap, lanyard, magnetic case, and cleaning cloth.
Pricing and Availability
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is available in Black, Cool Smoke Purple, Starry Green, and White. Sales begin in China on December 27.
| Model | Configuration | Price (CNY) | Price (USD Approx) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 12GB / 512GB | ¥6,999 | $995 |
| Standard | 16GB / 512GB | ¥7,499 | $1,065 |
| Standard | 16GB / 1TB | ¥8,499 | $1,210 |
| Leica Edition | 16GB / 512GB | ¥7,999 | $1,140 |
Tech Mansion Verdict
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is a declaration of dominance. While the recent Xiaomi 15T series offered incredible value, the 17 Ultra operates in a different stratosphere entirely. Xiaomi has packed a 200MP periscope and a nearly 7,000mAh battery into a single chassis, setting a high bar for 2026 flagships. The addition of the mechanical zoom ring on the Leica Edition specifically targets the enthusiast photographer niche that misses tactile controls.
Source: Mi.com • Leica Edition
