Review: Xiaomi 17 Ultra and Leitzphone Pack Leica Magic Into a Flagship Phone
Source: Wired
Battery and Charging
Xiaomi has packed a 6,000 mAh battery into the 17 Ultra (up from 5,410 mAh last year), giving the phone serious stamina—enough for a couple of days between charges.
- Wireless charging: 50 W (fast, but the camera module can make it awkward with some chargers).
- Wired charging: Up to 90 W with the appropriate adapter (not included).
Note: The device does not support Qi 2 magnetic wireless charging, which was missed by users switching from the Pixel 10 Pro XL. A photography‑kit case can add a workaround.
Software
The 17 Ultra runs Xiaomi’s HyperOS, which borrows elements from iOS. While the unlabeled quick‑settings icons may feel odd, the overall experience is solid.
- The Leica interface offers minimalist app icons and photography widgets, providing a cleaner look than the default HyperOS theme.
- Customization is straightforward.
- Preinstalled bloatware (e.g., Facebook, TikTok) is still present, which may be undesirable on a flagship device.
AI Features
The phone includes a range of AI tools usable via Google Gemini or Xiaomi HyperAI for:
- Photo and video editing
- Transcription
- Translation
- Summarization
Performance is comparable to Google’s Pixel AI, though not quite as polished.
Pricing and Availability
- Xiaomi 17 Ultra: Not officially sold in the US; £1,299 in the UK (≈ 1,499 € in Europe).
- Leitzphone: £1,799 (≈ 1,999 €).
For those who can obtain the global model, the 17 Ultra is a near‑flawless flagship that excels in size, power, and photography‑first design.