Xiaomi is generating significant buzz in the mobile tech world with the imminent launch of its next flagship camera phone. Just days before its official debut, the company has pulled back the curtain on a stunning new color variant and shared the first photographic evidence of its imaging prowess, setting high expectations for its December 25th unveiling.
A Striking New Design in Starry Green
Xiaomi has introduced a new "Starry Green" color for the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, which it boldly claims is its most visually striking Ultra model to date. This variant features a textured finish created with mineral-like particles, giving it a unique, premium look that joins the previously announced black and white options. Beyond aesthetics, the design focuses on ergonomics and refinement. The phone boasts an 8.29mm thick body, making it the slimmest Ultra smartphone Xiaomi has ever produced. It utilizes a wraparound frame and a segmented circular volume button for a distinctive feel. The rear camera module has been made more compact to improve grip comfort, and the front features a flat 2D display with large-radius curved corners for a modern look.
Key Specifications (Rumored & Confirmed):
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
- Display: Flat 2D panel with large-radius corners
- Design: 8.29mm thickness (thinnest Xiaomi Ultra), Starry Green/Black/White colors, mineral-like particle finish, wraparound frame
- Main Camera: 1-inch OmniVision OV50X (50MP) with LOFIC technology, f/1.67 aperture, Leica optics
- Periscope Telephoto: 200MP Samsung sensor with Leica APO optics
- Battery: 6,800mAh with 100W wired fast charging & wireless charging
- Launch Date: December 25, 2025, 7:00 PM (China)
- Estimated Starting Price: ~CNY 6,999 (~USD 994)
Camera Hardware Promises a Photographic Leap
The heart of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is its camera system, which is poised for what the company calls a "disruptive innovation" in long-range optics. The primary sensor is a new 1-inch type OmniVision Light Hunter 1050L, a 50MP sensor featuring Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor (LOFIC) technology. This advanced sensor design is key to the phone's promised performance, as it significantly enhances dynamic range and improves noise reduction, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. For telephoto capabilities, Xiaomi is equipping the 17 Ultra with a formidable 200MP periscope lens from Samsung, which is paired with Leica APO (Apochromatic) optics. This combination is engineered to deliver superior sharpness and color accuracy at high zoom levels, aiming to set a new standard for mobile telephoto photography.
First Glimpse at Imaging Performance
Ahead of the launch, Xiaomi has released a batch of camera samples from the 17 Ultra's main sensor, providing a tangible preview of its capabilities. The shared images demonstrate strong color reproduction, accurate detail retention, and notably excellent dynamic range. The samples suggest the LOFIC technology is effective in managing high-contrast scenes, preserving details in both shadows and highlights without overexposure. This early look reinforces Xiaomi's positioning of the 17 Ultra as "the new generation Xiaomi Night God," with a focus on delivering a massive leap in low-light and night photography performance.
Flagship Performance and Launch Details
Under the hood, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is expected to be powered by the flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, ensuring top-tier performance for applications and gaming. It is rumored to pack a substantial 6,800mAh battery, supporting both 100W wired fast charging and wireless charging. The official launch event is scheduled for December 25th at 7:00 PM local time in China. This date coincides with Christmas Day, a major holiday in China and many Western countries, which is a strategic choice for a high-profile product announcement. Pricing for the Chinese market is anticipated to start around CNY 6,999 (approximately USD 994), positioning it firmly in the premium flagship segment. As the first device under an upgraded Xiaomi and Leica imaging partnership, the 17 Ultra represents a critical step in Xiaomi's ambition to dominate the high-end camera phone market.