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| The Xiaomi 17 Ultra. |
The wait is almost over for Xiaomi enthusiasts. The Chinese tech giant has officially confirmed the imminent launch of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, set to debut this week in China as the company's most premium offering for this generation. True to form, the device has already been spotted in the wild, giving us a clear look at what to expect from 2024's top-tier Xiaomi flagship.
As the first real-world images, shared widely on platforms like Weibo, reveal, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is sticking to a proven design philosophy. The phone maintains the distinctive circular camera module first popularized by the Xiaomi 12S Ultra, a signature look that has come to define the Ultra series. This marks a clear departure from the squared camera plateau and secondary rear display seen on the standard Xiaomi 17 Pro.
A Familiar Yet Refined Look
At first glance, the 17 Ultra appears nearly identical to its predecessor, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, and even shares a strong resemblance with competitors like the Vivo X300 Pro. However, keen-eyed observers note a subtle refinement: the iconic circular camera housing seems slightly more compact this year.
This size reduction isn't just an aesthetic tweak. It's directly tied to a significant strategic shift in the camera system. As previously rumored and now visually confirmed, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is moving away from a dual-telephoto setup.
Leaked images and speculations from industry insiders, like those shared by Sahil Karoul on X, suggest a major camera overhaul is coming. You can see some of the early visual evidence here.
The Big Camera Bet: One Telephoto to Rule Them All
Gone are the two dedicated telephoto lenses of the 15 Ultra. Instead, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra will feature a single, but significantly larger, periscope-style telephoto camera. Xiaomi's gamble is clear: by consolidating resources into one superior sensor with advanced software processing, they aim to deliver unmatched zoom quality and low-light performance, potentially outperforming the more fragmented multi-camera approach of its predecessor.
This bold move has sparked intense debate among mobile photography fans. Will one powerful lens provide more versatility than two specialized ones? Early analysis, such as the details compiled by tipster Ishan Agarwal, points towards high confidence from Xiaomi's engineering team.
Display and the Cost of Advancement
On the front, whispers from the supply chain indicate a win for fans of flat screens. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is expected to sport a completely flat display, coupled with rounded edges on the phone's frame for a comfortable grip. This could appeal to users who prefer the practicality of flat screens for easier screen protector application and avoidance of accidental touches.
However, the news isn't all about refinements and flat displays. In a move that may give potential buyers pause, Xiaomi's CEO, Lei Jun, has personally confirmed that the 17 Ultra will launch with a higher price tag than the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. The official communication, as reported by Sina Finance, cites increased costs of advanced components and technologies as the primary reason for the bump.
This pricing strategy places the 17 Ultra in an even more competitive bracket, challenging the likes of Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra and Apple's iPhone Pro Max models directly on both features and cost.
What This Means for Buyers
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is shaping up to be an iterative yet confident evolution. It refines the beloved design, makes a daring bet on camera simplification for quality, and embraces a flat display. Yet, these advancements come at a literal cost.
For those seeking cutting-edge technology from Xiaomi's top tier, the 17 Ultra promises to be a powerhouse. However, the confirmed price increase may lead some to consider its still-excellent predecessor or other flagships in the market.
*In the meantime, if you're looking for a fantastic value-for-money Xiaomi device available right now, the Xiaomi 15T Pro remains a stellar choice for its performance and camera system.*
The official launch event this week will reveal all the details on specs, international availability, and the final price. One thing is certain: Xiaomi is not playing it safe with its 2024 Ultra, and the smartphone battle at the top just got more interesting.
