With its launch in China reportedly just days away, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is shaping up to be a formidable flagship contender. While Xiaomi has kept official details under wraps, a flurry of leaks has painted a compelling picture of a device focused on two critical areas for power users: exceptional battery life and groundbreaking camera capabilities. The latest rumors suggest significant upgrades over its predecessor, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, particularly in its power cell and a new telephoto system that could change how we think about smartphone zoom.
A Substantial Power Upgrade with a 6,800mAh Battery
One of the most concrete leaks points to a major improvement in battery capacity. According to information shared by a known tipster, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is expected to house a substantial 6,800mAh battery. This represents a significant 800mAh increase over the 6,000mAh unit found in the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, promising a notable boost in endurance for heavy users. While this capacity is still smaller than the rumored 7,500mAh battery of the standard Xiaomi 17 Pro, it positions the Ultra model as a powerhouse in its own right. The device is also tipped to support 100W wired charging and wireless charging, ensuring that refueling this large battery will be a swift process.
Key Rumored Specifications: Xiaomi 17 Ultra vs. Xiaomi 15 Ultra
| Feature | Xiaomi 17 Ultra (Rumored) | Xiaomi 15 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 6,800mAh | 6,000mAh |
| Wired Charging | 100W | 90W |
| Telephoto Zoom | Continuous Optical Zoom (~3x-7x) | Fixed focal lengths |
| Telephoto Sensor | 200MP (Leica APO) | 50MP |
| Rear Camera Count | Triple | Quad |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 |
| Display | 6.8" Flat 2K LTPO | 6.73" Curved 2K LTPO |
| Dimensions | 77.6 x 8mm | 75.3 x 9.4mm |
| Weight | 227g | 226g/229g |
Introducing Continuous Optical Zoom: A New Era for Telephoto
Beyond raw power, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra's camera system is generating significant buzz. The most exciting rumor centers on its telephoto lens potentially featuring continuous optical zoom technology. Unlike traditional systems that switch between fixed focal lengths (like 3x and 5x), continuous optical zoom allows the lens elements to physically move, providing a smooth, lossless zoom across a range. Reports suggest the telephoto camera will support a 70mm to 100mm equivalent focal length, translating to an approximate 3x to 7x optical zoom range. This technology, if confirmed, would allow users to frame shots perfectly at any point within that range without the image degradation associated with digital zoom, marking a potential leap forward for mobile photography.
Camera Specifications and Design Refinements
The camera innovations don't stop at the zoom mechanism. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is also rumored to be the first smartphone to feature a Leica APO (Apochromatic)-certified periscope telephoto lens. This certification is designed to virtually eliminate chromatic aberration, resulting in sharper, more color-accurate images, especially at high magnifications. The rear camera system is said to be a triple-camera array, a shift from the quad-camera setup on the 15 Ultra, housed within a distinctive circular module. It is expected to pair the 200MP telephoto sensor with a 1-inch 50MP main sensor and a 50MP ultra-wide lens, creating a versatile and potent imaging suite.
Performance and Global Availability
Under the hood, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is all but guaranteed to be powered by Qualcomm's flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.1 storage. The display is rumored to be a flat 6.8-inch 2K LTPO panel, moving away from curved edges for a more modern look. The device is expected to make its debut in China next week, with a global rollout anticipated in the first quarter of 2026. As the launch date approaches, these leaks suggest Xiaomi is preparing a device that pushes boundaries in both longevity and photographic capability, setting a high bar for the 2026 flagship season.