Xiaomi is set to conclude 2025 with a significant flagship launch, revealing key details about its upcoming Xiaomi 17 Ultra. In a series of announcements, the company has officially confirmed the launch date, showcased a striking new color variant, and highlighted design features that promise to make this one of its most distinctive Ultra models to date. The focus is on a blend of aesthetic innovation and refined ergonomics, setting the stage for a major product reveal during the Christmas holiday in China.
Launch Date and Event Details
Xiaomi has officially scheduled the launch of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra for December 25, 2025, at 19:00 local time in China. The event, titled "Xiaomi × Leica Imaging Strategy Cooperation Upgrade," will be a dedicated showcase for this new flagship. The timing places the launch squarely on Christmas Day, a major holiday in China, suggesting a strategic push for end-of-year consumer attention. The company has teased that the collaboration with Leica has been elevated, with promises of "disruptive innovation" in the telephoto optical system, specifically targeting a "huge leap" in night scene image quality performance.
Confirmed Launch Information:
- Event: Xiaomi × Leica Imaging Strategy Cooperation Upgrade & Xiaomi 17 Ultra New Product Launch
- Date: December 25, 2025 (Christmas Day in China)
- Time: 19:00 China Standard Time (UTC+8)
The New 'Starry Green' Colorway
A central reveal in the pre-launch campaign is the introduction of a new "Starry Green" color option for the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. Moving beyond the classic Black and White variants shown in initial teasers, this new finish is designed to evoke a celestial theme. Xiaomi's promotional tagline, "Vast starry sky, held in one hand," directly references the inspiration. The company has elaborated that the rear panel incorporates mineral particles to create a metallic, sparkling finish reminiscent of a starry night, adding a unique texture and visual depth to the device.
Announced Design & Color Details:
- Color Options: Starry Green, White, Black
- Starry Green Finish: Features mineral particles for a metallic, sparkly effect.
- Display: Flat 2D screen with "super-large R corners."
- Body: 8.29mm thick, claimed to be the thinnest Xiaomi Ultra.
- Design Features: Segmented volume buttons, wraparound middle frame, miniaturized rear camera deco.
Design Philosophy and Physical Specifications
Xiaomi is emphasizing a significant design evolution with the 17 Ultra, calling it "the most stunning Ultra phone" to date. The design incorporates several user-centric features aimed at improving handling and aesthetics. The phone will feature a flat 2D display with "super-large R corners," which typically refers to generously rounded display corners for a softer, more integrated look. The chassis is notably slim at 8.29mm, which Xiaomi claims makes it the thinnest Ultra model ever. Other detailed touches include a segmented volume button design and a wraparound middle frame. The rear camera module has undergone a "miniaturization" process to reduce protrusion, a design choice intended to prevent it from interfering with grip.
Expected Specifications and Global Availability
While official full specifications will be revealed at the launch event, credible rumors and teasers point to a high-end configuration. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is widely expected to be powered by Qualcomm's flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 system-on-chip. The camera system, developed in partnership with Leica, is rumored to be headlined by a 1-inch type main sensor and could feature a 200-megapixel periscope telephoto lens, aligning with the promised advancements in zoom and low-light photography. Beyond the Chinese launch on December 25, reports indicate that a global release for the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is planned for the coming months, expanding its reach to international markets.