Xiaomi has officially unveiled its 2026 flagship contender, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, in a headline-grabbing event in China tonight. Shattering traditional Android barriers, the new device not only debuts a massive 6,800mAh battery and a physical “Master Zoom Ring” on the Leica Edition but also introduces unprecedented cross-ecosystem connectivity with Apple devices. With claims of housing the “Strongest Main Camera of 2026,” Xiaomi is clearly aiming to dominate the premium smartphone market.
Design Shift: Thinner, Flatter, Tougher
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra marks a distinct departure from the curved aesthetics of its predecessors.
- Form Factor: It is the first “Ultra” model to adopt a completely flat 2D screen and vertical frame, achieving a thickness of just 8.29mm, the company’s thinnest Ultra yet.
- Display: A stunning 6.9-inch M10 OLED LTPO panel offers a 2K resolution (2608 x 1200), a 1-120Hz variable refresh rate, and a blinding peak brightness of 3,500 nits.
- Durability: The device is built to survive extreme conditions with a trifecta of ratings: IP66, IP68, and IP69K, ensuring protection against dust, submersion, and high-pressure water jets.
- Colors: Options include Classic Black, White, Cool Smoke Purple, and a unique Starry Green with a mineral grain texture.
The “Strongest Camera of 2026”
Xiaomi’s partnership with Leica has evolved significantly, focusing on hardware-level light mastery rather than just software tuning.
1. Main Camera: The Light Master
The primary shooter uses a 50MP 1-inch Light Fusion 1050L sensor.
- LOFIC Technology: This sensor integrates Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor (LOFIC) tech, which prevents overexposure in bright areas while retaining shadow details.
- Result: A native dynamic range of 14EV, making it exceptional for high-contrast scenes like sunsets or city nightscapes.
2. Telephoto: 200MP Continuous Zoom
The headline feature is the 200MP Periscope Telephoto lens.
- Sensor: Uses a large 1/1.4″ HPE sensor.
- Continuous Optical Zoom: Unlike fixed telephoto lenses, this system optically shifts from 75mm to 100mm, ensuring lossless quality at any point in between.
- Reach: It supports up to 400mm hybrid zoom and includes a 30cm Telephoto Macro mode for close-ups.
Performance: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
Under the hood, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is a powerhouse.
- Processor: Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3nm), promising top-tier efficiency and AI processing speeds.
- Battery: A massive 6,800mAh battery squeezed into a thin frame, supporting 90W wired and 50W wireless charging.
- Connectivity: A new antenna array with five enhancement chips ensures stable 5G and UWB connections.
The Surprise: Apple Ecosystem Integration
In a move that surprised the tech world, Xiaomi announced native support for Apple devices.
- Control Center: You can now mirror and control your iPhone, iPad, or Mac directly from the Xiaomi 17 Ultra.
- Functionality: This allows for seamless file drag-and-drop, clipboard sharing, and even controlling apps across operating systems, breaking down the infamous “walled garden.”
Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition: For Purists
For photography enthusiasts, Xiaomi introduced a specialized Leica Edition.
- Master Zoom Ring: A physical, mechanical rotary dial on the camera module that mimics a real camera lens. It controls focal length, exposure, or white balance with tactile precision.
- Design: Inspired by Leica M-series cameras, featuring a two-tone Black and Off-White finish and a knurled mid-frame.
- Exclusive Tech: Includes a dedicated security chip and support for BeiDou + TianTong dual-satellite communication.
Pricing and Availability
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra series goes on sale in China starting December 27.
| Model | Configuration | Price (CNY) | Price (Est. USD) | Price (Est. INR) |
| Standard | 12GB + 512GB | ¥6,999 | ~$995 | ~₹89,455 |
| Standard | 16GB + 512GB | ¥7,499 | ~$1,066 | ~₹95,845 |
| Standard | 16GB + 1TB | ¥8,499 | ~$1,209 | ~₹1,08,625 |
| Leica Ed. | 16GB + 512GB | ¥7,999 | ~$1,138 | ~₹1,02,235 |
| Leica Ed. | 16GB + 1TB | ¥8,999 | ~$1,280 | ~₹1,15,015 |
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra launch has set a high bar for 2026 flagships. By combining a 200MP continuous zoom camera, a massive 6,800mAh battery, and the audacity to integrate with Apple’s ecosystem, Xiaomi is offering a device that appeals to both creative professionals and practical power users. If the global pricing remains competitive, this could be the definitive “Ultra” phone of the year.
Tags: Xiaomi 17 Ultra launch, Xiaomi 17 Ultra price, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, 200MP continuous zoom, Xiaomi Leica Edition, Light Fusion 1050L, Xiaomi Apple connectivity, best camera phone 2026.
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