Xiaomi 17 Ultra hands-on: Incredible cameras, but maybe hard to get

Source: Engadget

Overview

Xiaomi’s 17 series is launching across multiple European territories months after its Asia debut, but at the time of writing there is no word yet on US availability. The company skipped the 16 series and leapt straight to 17, conveniently matching Apple’s latest number.

Leica has been involved with Xiaomi’s phones for a few years, and the newest flagship lives up to that partnership.

Camera System

• Main sensor: 1‑inch, 50 MP, f/1.67 lens.
• Telephoto: 200 MP, 1/1.4‑inch sensor with up to 4.3× optical zoom (Xiaomi claims up to 17× “optical‑level” zoom).
• Ultra‑wide: 50 MP sensor.

The main camera delivers plenty of detail and performs impressively in low light, even before computational photography kicks in. A new Light Fusion 1050L sensor features LOFIC HDR technology, providing stronger control over highlights and more detail in darker areas. Colors and contrast are balanced without needing additional Leica filters, though heavy‑handed algorithms can occasionally scramble lettering or produce blurry, AI‑mutated faces in distant subjects.

Telephoto Highlights

• Continuous optical zoom across the 75–100 mm range without in‑sensor cropping, meaning the lens physically moves to deliver lossless zoom.
• APO (apochromatic) lens design reduces chromatic aberration by aligning red, green, and blue wavelengths on the same focal plane, improving sharpness and minimizing fringing.
• Less fringing than many competing Android phones (Samsung, Oppo, Google).
• Supports macro photography, but the minimum focal distance is 30 cm, which is longer than the macro modes on most smartphones.

Video Capabilities

• Up to 8K video at 30 fps.
• 4K Dolby Vision up to 120 fps.
• 4K 120 fps Log video.

Stabilization can be inconsistent, and low‑light video performance lags behind flagship phones from Apple, Google, and Samsung.

Leica Edition

A special Leica edition includes a manual zoom ring around the camera module. It feels a bit loose on some units but adds a tactile element for enthusiasts.

Design & Display

• Display: 6.9‑inch OLED with variable refresh rates (1–120 Hz) and peak brightness of 3,500 nits.
• Form factor: Flat display with flattened edges, IP68 dust‑ and water‑resistance, and a thickness of 8.29 mm—the thinnest Ultra phone from Xiaomi to date.
• Camera module: Reduced diameter and raised position to keep fingers out of shots.

The size places the 17 Ultra in the same territory as the iPhone 17 Pro Max and Samsung S26 Ultra, appealing to users who prefer large screens.

Battery & Charging

• Battery: 6,000 mAh silicon‑carbon cell.
• Charging: 90 W HyperCharge (wired, with compatible charger) and 50 W wireless HyperCharge (requires Xiaomi’s dock).

The massive battery capacity is a standout feature among flagship smartphones.

Availability & Pricing

At MWC 2026, Xiaomi announced a global rollout across Europe, including the UK where the Ultra will start at £1,299 (≈ $1,750). US availability and pricing have not been confirmed.

Verdict

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra offers an incredible camera system, a massive battery, and a premium design, but its staggered global release may dampen the excitement for markets where it arrives later.