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| Xiaomi is already promoting power bank functionality as one of the features of its Xiaomi 15 Ultra Photography Kit. (Image source: Xiaomi) |
The rumor mill is churning at full speed, and all eyes are on Xiaomi's next flagship contender. Fresh whispers suggest the highly anticipated Xiaomi 17 Ultra is being prepped for a Chinese debut as soon as next month. However, for international fans eagerly waiting to get their hands on the device, the news is mixed, with a potential significant delay on the horizon that could see it launching only after Samsung's next-generation Galaxy S25 Ultra.
In the meantime, a prolific and often accurate leaker known as Digital Chat Station has shed new light on what we can expect from the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, offering tantalizing details about a revamped Photography Kit and a surprising last-minute change to its primary camera sensor.
The International Wait: A Strategic Game of Flagship Chess?
If the latest industry chatter holds true, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra's journey to global markets might be a patient one. The current speculation points to an international release after Samsung has unveiled and begun shipping its Galaxy S25 Ultra.
This potential delay is a strategic move often seen in the competitive smartphone landscape. By launching after Samsung's next big flagship, Xiaomi could be positioning the 17 Ultra as a direct, feature-for-feature competitor, allowing it to potentially undercut the Galaxy S25 Ultra on price or highlight superior specifications. For now, those outside of China looking for a top-tier Android experience may want to keep an eye on the current champion, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (now at a discounted $899 on Amazon), while they wait.
The Photography Kit Evolves: More Than Just a Grip
One of the most distinctive features of Xiaomi's Ultra series has been its optional Photography Kit, which transforms the phone into a handheld camera-like device. This accessory is getting a significant upgrade for the 17 Ultra.
According to a certification document spotted by Digital Chat Station, the new Photography Kit is more than just an aesthetic and functional grip. The leaker revealed that the accessory will feature a built-in battery capable of charging the Xiaomi 17 Ultra at 15W.
This clever integration effectively turns the Photography Kit into a portable power bank, ensuring that your extended photography sessions aren't cut short by a drained phone battery. This isn't a entirely new concept for Xiaomi, as the feature is already advertised for the current Xiaomi 15 Ultra's Photography Kit, but its continuation confirms it's a valued part of the experience. The accessory was also pictured earlier this week in two color variants, suggesting users will have some aesthetic choice.
A Sensor Shake-Up: OV50X In, Mysterious OVX10500U Out
Perhaps the most significant technical revelation concerns the phone's main camera. In a surprising pivot, Digital Chat Station claims that Xiaomi has opted to leverage OmniVision's OV50X sensor for the 17 Ultra's primary shooter.
This is a notable shift from rumors that circulated just two months ago, which pointed to a different, unannounced sensor dubbed the OVX10500U. The leaker states on Weibo that the chosen OV50X sensor will deliver impressive imaging capabilities, including:
- Over 100 dB of Dynamic Range: This allows the camera to capture a wider range of tones in a single shot, preserving detail in both the brightest highlights and the darkest shadows.
- 16 Exposure Values (EVs): This provides immense flexibility for HDR (High Dynamic Range) processing, resulting in more balanced and true-to-life photos in high-contrast scenes.
- A 1-Inch Optical Format: This large sensor size is crucial for capturing more light, which directly translates to better image quality, especially in low-light conditions.
While OmniVision officially launched the OV50X back in April, the company has remained completely silent on the existence of the previously rumored OVX10500U, leaving its status a mystery.
The Bottom Line
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is shaping up to be a formidable flagship, refining its unique photography-centric identity with a more versatile accessory and what appears to be a powerful, large-sensor camera. While the potential for an international delay will be disappointing for many, the detailed leaks provide a clear picture of what's to come. Xiaomi seems to be doubling down on its philosophy of offering a specialized, powerful mobile photography tool that isn't afraid to challenge the established giants—even if we have to wait a little longer to see it in person globally.
You can check out the current flagship competitor, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, here on Amazon to see what the Xiaomi 17 Ultra will be up against.
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| (Image source: 3C via Digital Chat Station) |