Xiaomi has officially unveiled its new flagship smartphone, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, in its home market of China. The launch, which occurred on Christmas Day (December 25th) in China as previously teased, brings a significant hardware upgrade and a special Leica Edition variant to the competitive high-end smartphone segment. This release marks a key year-end push for the brand, aiming to solidify its position with top-tier specifications and advanced imaging capabilities.
Unveiling and Availability
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra was officially announced on December 25th, 2025, in China, with sales set to begin on December 27th. This strategic launch timing capitalizes on the holiday shopping period in its home market. Alongside the standard model, Xiaomi introduced a special Leica Edition, which features distinct design elements and a unique physical control ring for camera adjustments, setting it apart for photography enthusiasts.
Core Specifications and Performance
At the heart of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, built on an advanced 3nm process. This is paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.1 storage, promising top-tier performance for demanding applications and multitasking. The device is equipped with an enhanced cooling system, reportedly improving thermal efficiency by 50% over its predecessor to maintain sustained performance under load.
Key Specifications at a Glance:
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3nm)
- Display: 6.9-inch AMOLED, 120Hz LTPO, 2608 x 1200, 3500 nits peak
- RAM/Storage: Up to 16GB LPDDR5X / 1TB UFS 4.1
- Battery & Charging: 6,800mAh, 90W wired, 50W wireless, 22.5W reverse
- Rear Cameras: 50MP main (OIS) + 200MP periscope telephoto (75-100mm optical zoom) + 50MP ultra-wide (macro)
- Front Camera: 50MP
- OS: Xiaomi HyperOS 3.0
- Durability: IP66 / IP68 / IP69 rated
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0
Display and Design
The phone features a large 6.9-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and a resolution of 2608 x 1200 pixels. A standout feature is its claimed peak brightness of 3,500 nits, which should ensure excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. The standard model is available in several colors, while the Leica Edition adopts a two-tone design inspired by classic Leica cameras, complete with prominent branding.
Battery and Charging
One of the most notable upgrades is the substantial 6,800mAh battery, a significant increase from previous models. This is supported by 90W wired fast charging and 50W wireless charging, promising quick power top-ups. The device also supports 22.5W reverse wired charging, allowing it to function as a power bank for other devices.
Camera System and Imaging
The imaging suite is a major focus, developed in partnership with Leica. The rear camera array includes a triple-lens setup: a primary 50MP sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 200MP periscope telephoto lens offering continuous optical zoom from 75mm to 100mm, and a 50MP ultra-wide-angle lens with macro capabilities. The Leica Edition adds a unique mechanical ring around the camera module, allowing for direct control over focal length, exposure, and white balance—a feature aimed squarely at pro-level users.
Software, Connectivity, and Durability
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra runs on the company's own Xiaomi HyperOS 3.0. For connectivity, it supports the latest Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0 standards. The device boasts a comprehensive set of durability ratings, being IP66, IP68, and IP69 certified, which indicates strong resistance against dust, water jets, and high-pressure water from different angles.
Pricing and Market Position
Pricing for the Xiaomi 17 Ultra in China starts at CNY 6,999 (approximately USD 980) for the 12GB/512GB model and goes up to CNY 8,499 (approximately USD 1,190) for the 16GB/1TB configuration. The Leica Edition is priced at a premium, starting at CNY 7,999 (approximately USD 1,120) for the 16GB/512GB variant and CNY 8,999 (approximately USD 1,260) for the top-tier 16GB/1TB model. As of now, pricing and availability details for markets outside of China have not been announced.
Pricing in China (CNY / ~USD):
| Model | Configuration | Price (CNY) | Approx. USD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 17 Ultra | 12GB + 512GB | 6,999 | ~980 |
| Xiaomi 17 Ultra | 16GB + 1TB | 8,499 | ~1,190 |
| Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition | 16GB + 512GB | 7,999 | ~1,120 |
| Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition | 16GB + 1TB | 8,999 | ~1,260 |
| Sales begin December 27, 2025. International pricing TBA. |
Conclusion
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra represents a comprehensive flagship package, pushing boundaries with its massive battery, powerful new chipset, and sophisticated Leica-co-engineered camera system. The introduction of the Leica Edition with its dedicated control ring highlights Xiaomi's ambition to cater to professional creatives. While its initial launch is confined to China, the specifications set a high bar for the 2026 flagship smartphone market, and its eventual global release will be keenly watched by consumers and competitors alike.