Xiaomi 17 Ultra Launch Raises Questions Despite Advanced Camera
Xiaomi launches the 17 Ultra ahead of schedule, but camera improvements and design tweaks may not justify the high price for many users.
Xiaomi Launches the 17 Ultra: A Refined Flagship With Cutting-Edge Camera Technology
Xiaomi has once again raised the bar for smartphone imaging with the early release of its annual flagship, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. Unlike previous years, this device arrived more than two months ahead of schedule, marking a significant shift in Xiaomi’s release strategy.
Xiaomi has once again raised the bar for smartphone imaging with the early release of its annual flagship, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. Unlike previous years, this device arrived more than two months ahead of schedule, marking a significant shift in Xiaomi’s release strategy.
This is also notable because it is the second Ultra model launched within a single year, reflecting the company’s aggressive push in the high-end smartphone market.
So, what does the Xiaomi 17 Ultra bring to the table this time?
Design and Build
At first glance, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra retains the recognizable “Ultra” identity, featuring the iconic Ultra logo in the top-right corner and the signature red ring around the camera lens. However, this generation prioritizes ergonomics and handling more than ever.With a thickness of just 8.29 mm, it is the thinnest Ultra model to date, while the overall dimensions have been carefully optimized for a better in-hand feel.
One of the design changes that users will immediately notice is the repositioning of the entire camera module slightly higher on the back. This small adjustment significantly increases the area available for gripping the phone with one hand - a crucial factor for an Ultra model featuring a large Oreo-style camera bump.
Another significant update is the adoption of a 6.9-inch flat display. Unlike the curved panels used in previous Ultra models, this screen shares its foundation with the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max, promising similar high-end visual performance without compromising on usability. In addition, the volume buttons have received a subtle but interesting redesign: Xiaomi has returned to a retro round shape, bringing a hint of nostalgia while improving tactile feedback.
The overall design language has become cleaner, with refined lines and the same R-corner bassband frame seen in the 17 series. Holding the 17 Ultra, one can immediately sense Xiaomi’s intent to combine simplicity with premium craftsmanship.
Camera
Xiaomi’s Ultra series has always been synonymous with pushing the limits of smartphone photography, and the 17 Ultra continues that tradition. While it features fewer lenses than some of its predecessors, the real-world imaging performance remains impressive.The phone continues to use a large 1-inch main sensor, now paired with ultra-high dynamic range technology. Sample shots reveal sharper detail and higher resolution compared to the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max, with textures of buildings and other intricate elements noticeably clearer, even in suboptimal weather conditions.
Night photography has also seen a significant enhancement. While many manufacturers rely heavily on algorithmic processing for low-light shots, sometimes resulting in artificial or “plastic” looking images - Xiaomi has emphasized optical performance.
With the new Light Hunter sensor, night shots retain more natural detail, preserving both highlights and shadows. The 17 Ultra also features dedicated scene adaptation for challenging situations, such as shooting flames, further enhancing its versatility.
The ultra-wide lens has been upgraded with a larger aperture than the 17 Pro Max, offering a wider field of view and improved low-light performance. This allows for brighter, clearer shots with better detail retention in darker areas, reducing noise while maintaining natural color reproduction.
The telephoto lens is perhaps the most significant camera upgrade in this generation. Equipped with a 200-megapixel sensor, it overcomes traditional limitations of mid-telephoto and telephoto photography, offering four specific focal lengths: 3.2x, 3.7x, 3.9x, and 4.3x optical zoom. This provides far greater compositional flexibility than a single fixed telephoto lens and ensures lossless zoom across multiple focal lengths without color shift.
Indoor and outdoor samples, including those taken under complex lighting conditions, demonstrate consistent color accuracy, impressive resolution, and strong shadow detail preservation.
Even in low-light conditions, the telephoto lens performs exceptionally well. It combines a large sensor with a wide aperture in the 75 to 100 mm range, producing clear and pure images at night with well-controlled highlights. The 17 Ultra also supports 200-megapixel mode for ultra-high-resolution shots, further reinforcing its credentials as a top-tier imaging device.
For video enthusiasts, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra supports up to 30x zoom and retains the four golden telephoto focal lengths for telephoto video recording. Additional features such as subject tracking, red carpet tracking, and free-form tracking allow flexible focal length adjustments while filming, highlighting the phone’s all-around imaging capabilities.
Performance and Battery Life
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is powered by the fifth-generation Snapdragon 8 Supreme Edition processor, coupled with the Ultra-exclusive ring-shaped cold pump cooling system. In tests, the device remained cool even during extended gaming sessions, with a maximum temperature of just 38.8°C after 30 minutes and 82% battery remaining after two hours of heavy use.Battery capacity has also been increased to 6,800 mAh, up from previous models, offering a noticeable improvement in endurance. Fast charging capabilities are robust, with 90W wired charging, 50W wireless charging, and support for 90W PPS fast charging.
Additional improvements include triple waterproof certification, enhanced speakers, and more stable signal reception, making the 17 Ultra a well-rounded flagship beyond just its imaging prowess.
A Broader Appeal
With the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, the company has not only enhanced camera performance but also refined the device’s design and overall usability. The improved feel in hand, combined with thoughtful ergonomics and a sleeker body, could broaden the Ultra’s appeal beyond photography enthusiasts to a wider audience.The early launch, timed around the new year and spring festival holidays, positions Xiaomi strategically to maintain momentum in the premium segment. Considering the device’s strong imaging capabilities, versatile focal lengths, and premium design, it could easily become a leading choice for consumers looking for an all-round flagship in 2025.
What the Xiaomi 17 Ultra means for users
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra demonstrates that the Ultra series remains at the forefront of smartphone imaging technology. Its combination of a refined, user-friendly design, powerful camera sensors, versatile focal lengths, and strong overall performance makes it a noteworthy addition to the flagship segment.Whether for photography, videography, or general day-to-day use, the 17 Ultra showcases Xiaomi’s ongoing commitment to innovation, quality, and user-centric design.
With these improvements, Xiaomi has delivered a device that not only competes with other flagship smartphones but also sets new standards in camera performance and design refinement. For anyone considering a high-end camera-focused smartphone in the coming year, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is positioned as a compelling choice.