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| The Xiaomi 17 Ultra starts at around $996 in China. Pictured: a promo picture of the phone. |
After a week of strategic teasers that set the tech world abuzz, Xiaomi has finally pulled back the curtain on its latest imaging champion: the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. Officially launched in China, this device isn't just another flagship; it’s being positioned as the undisputed photography king within Xiaomi's current lineup, built around a revolutionary camera system co-engineered with Leica.
At the heart of its photographic prowess is the much-discussed 1-inch primary sensor, a hallmark of ultra-high-end camera phones. But Xiaomi isn’t just using any 1-inch sensor. The Light Hunter 1050L is enhanced with LOFIC (Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor) technology, a breakthrough designed to capture drastically improved dynamic range. This means breathtaking highlights and detailed shadows in high-contrast scenes, all backed by a bright f/1.67 aperture for superb low-light performance.
However, the primary camera is only part of the story. The true star might be the revolutionary Leica 200 MP periscope telephoto lens. Utilizing Samsung's HPE technology with a sizable 1/1.4-inch sensor, this isn't just a high-megapixel gimmick. Early samples demonstrate astonishing clarity in zoomed-in shots, making it a versatile tool for everything from distant landscapes to intimate portraits. Its unique ability to switch between 75 mm and 100 mm focal lengths without a noticeable drop in detail is a game-changer, offering optical-quality flexibility rarely seen on a phone. It even supports telephoto macro photography, opening up a new world of close-up creativity.
Completing the triple-camera suite is a Leica ultra-wide sensor with a 14 mm focal length, ensuring every part of the scene can be captured with the brand's iconic color science and rendering. The entire system proudly carries the Leica APO certification, a promise of superior lens construction to minimize chromatic aberration and deliver true-to-life color fidelity.
Of course, a device this capable needs a formidable engine. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, Qualcomm's most powerful and efficient flagship platform to date. Xiaomi hints that the Ultra's tuning pushes performance even beyond other models in the 17 series, including the Pro Max, making it a beast for gaming, multitasking, and on-device AI photo processing.
Users will view and interact with all this content on a stunning 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED display that boasts an eye-searing 3,500-nit peak brightness, ensuring perfect visibility even under direct sunlight. Keeping the lights on is a massive 6,800 mAh battery, supported by incredibly versatile charging: 90W wired and 50W wireless fast charging. For those seeking the absolute fastest top-up, the phone supports the PPS protocol, compatible with high-wattage chargers like the 150W Anker Prime charger (currently $115.99 on Amazon) for maximum flexibility.
Xiaomi has also focused on the fundamentals, boasting an improved cooling system over its predecessor for sustained performance and remarkably narrow screen bezels for an immersive view.
Interested in seeing the design up close? Check out the official product page on Mi.com for more visuals and specs.
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra launches in four elegant colorways. The base model starts at CNY 6,999 (approximately $996), offering 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. The top-tier variant, priced at CNY 8,499 (around $1,209), upgrades to 16GB of RAM and a full 1TB of storage.
With its boundary-pushing camera system, top-tier performance, and robust battery life, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra makes a compelling case for the title of 2024's ultimate camera phone. It’s a clear statement that Xiaomi is all-in on redefining mobile photography.
*Looking for a compatible high-wattage charger to pair with your new flagship? You can find the powerful Anker Prime 150W charger on Amazon via this link.*
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| Main highlights of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra |
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| Camera setup of the phone |