Xiaomi is gearing up for a significant year-end product reveal, confirming the launch of its next flagship smartphone. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra, a device heavily focused on photographic prowess through its deepened partnership with Leica, will be unveiled on a notable date: Christmas Day in China. Alongside the announcement, the company has teased a striking new color variant, setting the stage for what promises to be a major hardware and imaging showcase.
Official Launch Date and New 'Starry Green' Colorway
Xiaomi has officially confirmed that the Xiaomi 17 Ultra will be launched on 25 December 2025 at 19:00 local time in China. The event, titled "Xiaomi × Leica Imaging Strategic Cooperation Upgrade and Xiaomi 17 Ultra New Product Launch," signals a continued and potentially deepened collaboration between the tech giant and the legendary camera maker. In preparation for the launch, a company executive revealed a new color option named "Starry Green." This finish is designed with inspiration from the night sky, utilizing a special glittering powder process on the glass back. This treatment creates a sparkling visual effect under light, which Xiaomi poetically describes as holding the vast starry sky in one's hand. It joins the previously shown classic black and white models, offering a more distinctive and mysterious aesthetic choice for consumers.
Key Specifications (Rumored & Confirmed):
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
- Display: ~6.85-inch / 6.9-inch LTPO OLED, 120Hz, ultra-narrow bezels
- Battery: 6800mAh (Silicon-Carbon Anode)
- Charging: 100W wired fast charging, Wireless charging
- Dimensions: ~8mm thick, ~227g weight
- Rear Cameras: 200MP Periscope Telephoto + 50MP + 50MP (rumored)
- Launch Date: 25 December 2025, 19:00 (China time)
- New Color: "Starry Green" (joins Black & White)
Design and Build Details
Official images provide a clear look at the Xiaomi 17 Ultra's design philosophy. The rear camera module appears to house a triple-camera array, contrary to some expectations of a quad-camera setup from earlier renders. A closer inspection of promotional material suggests a fourth circular element on the module is not an actual lens. The design also shows a change in the button layout, with the volume rocker split into two separate, unusually small buttons. Combined, they occupy less space than the single, larger power button positioned below them. Reports indicate that despite its high-end specs, Xiaomi has managed to keep the body profile relatively sleek, with a thickness potentially around 8mm and a weight of approximately 227 grams.
Anticipated Hardware and Performance Specifications
Based on information from official teasers and industry leaks, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is expected to be a powerhouse. It is widely anticipated to be powered by Qualcomm's top-tier Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 mobile platform. The device is said to feature a large, high-quality display, rumored to be a 6.85-inch or 6.9-inch LTPO OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and an ultra-narrow bezel design. A major highlight is the substantial 6800mAh silicon-carbon anode battery, which should offer exceptional endurance. This is complemented by support for 100W wired fast charging and wireless charging, addressing both battery life and quick top-up needs effectively.
The Core Focus: Revolutionary Camera System
The central narrative of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra launch is a groundbreaking advancement in mobile photography. Xiaomi has pre-announced a new "Xiaomi Nocturnal" periscope telephoto optical system, promising disruptive innovation and a massive leap in night scene image quality. Leaks align with this, suggesting a formidable triple-camera setup on the rear led by a 200-megapixel periscope telephoto lens. This would be supported by two additional 50-megapixel sensors, likely handling ultra-wide and main shooting duties. The Christmas Day event is poised to detail these specifications and demonstrate the real-world imaging capabilities born from the upgraded Leica partnership.
Event Context: The launch event, "Xiaomi × Leica Imaging Strategic Cooperation Upgrade and Xiaomi 17 Ultra New Product Launch," is scheduled for Christmas Day in China (25 December). This timing is strategic for a major domestic announcement but may affect the immediacy of international media coverage due to the holiday period in many Western countries.
Availability and What's Next
The launch event is scheduled for 7 PM on 25 December 2025. While the Chinese launch details are now firm, information regarding global pricing and availability outside of China is expected to follow at a later date. Some reports suggest a potential global rollout could begin in January 2026. For tech enthusiasts and photography fans, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra represents a compelling blend of bold design, cutting-edge performance, and a focused ambition to redefine smartphone camera limits, making its imminent unveiling one of the most anticipated tech events closing out the year.