The Xiaomi 17 series has officially been launched today (28 Feb, 2026): the Xiaomi 17 and Xiaomi 17 Ultra. Xiaomi has chosen to redefine what we expect from Android flagships in 2026. With a huge 1-inch Leica-tuned camera, cutting-edge Snapdragon performance, and batteries that last, this collection is designed for users who refuse to settle for less.
Xiaomi 17 Ultra: Built for Creators, Powered for the Future
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra makes a grand entrance, and it certainly embraces the spotlight. With a 6.9-inch 1.5K HyperRGB LTPO flat AMOLED display built by TCL CSOT (M10 panel), providing a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 1060 nits HBM brightness. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is protected by Xiaomi Shield Glass 3; the display is designed to be durable while still maintaining clarity. Whether you’re gaming, editing images, or watching HDR content, this screen is designed to deliver sharp, fluid, and vibrant visuals.
At the core of this device lies the impressive Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, Qualcomm’s newest flagship processor built on a 3nm architecture. Paired with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 storage, performance isn’t just about speed here; it’s about efficiency, AI processing, and thermal control. The Adreno 840 GPU takes care of graphics, providing a seamless experience for high-frame-rate gaming and intensive creative tasks.
In collaboration with Leica, Xiaomi has packed impressive photography technology into the 17 Ultra. The primary camera features a 50MP 1-inch LOFIC Omnivision Light Hunter 1050L sensor with OIS, a size typically found in professional compact cameras.
The telephoto lens 200MP Samsung S5KHPE periscope sensor provides a 3.2x to 4.3x optical zoom range of 75-100mm using a 3G + 5P three-group floating lens system, enabling you to take stunning DSLR-quality portraits and long-distance photos. The trio is completed by a 50MP Samsung JN5 ultra-wide lens, ideal for capturing vast landscapes and stunning architectural images. At the front, a 50MP OV50M Omnivision camera guarantees clear, detailed selfies and excellent quality for video calls.
With a 6000mAh battery, you can enjoy 90W wired and 50W wireless charging, allowing you to use your phone more and charge it less. Xiaomi has managed to maintain a slim design at only 8.29mm thickness (8.32mm on the Leica Leitz Phone) and weighing 219g (224g for the Leica variant), even with such a large battery. With an IP68 rating, this device is designed to withstand the challenges of real-world durability.
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is priced at €1,499 (approximately Rs. 160532.41) for the 16GB + 512GB version, while the exclusive Leica Leitz Phone edition comes in at €1,999 (approximately Rs. 160532.41) for the 16GB + 1TB version, pushing its flagship ambitions into the ultra-premium realm.
Operating on Android 16 with HyperOS 3, the Ultra guarantees enhanced AI integration, more fluid animations, and improved system optimization designed for premium hardware.
Xiaomi 17: Compact Power with Flagship DNA
The Xiaomi 17, equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, guarantees flagship-level performance without any compromises. Built on advanced architecture and equipped with LPDDR5X RAM alongside UFS 4.1 storage, this phone offers lightning-fast app launches, effortless multitasking, and a fluid gaming experience.
The robust Adreno 840 GPU takes care of graphics, making it perfect for high-frame-rate gaming and intensive visual tasks. It runs on Android 16 with HyperOS 3, which enhances AI integration, provides smoother animations, and improves system efficiency.
The display features a 6.3-inch 2656×1220 CrystalRes OLED TCL M10 flat LTPO panel size. With a refresh rate of 120Hz and a resolution of 1.5K, the screen guarantees both clarity and smoothness. A peak brightness that varies from 1060 to 6000 nits ensures that visibility outdoors will not be an issue, even in bright sunlight.
Xiaomi offers a flexible triple-lens camera system. The rear setup features a 50MP Light Fusion 950 main sensor with optical image stabilization, a 50MP OV50M ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP Samsung JN5 telephone camera, providing well-rounded performance for wide-angle shots, portraits, and zoomed images. For selfies and video conferencing, it includes a 50MP OV50M front camera that delivers crisp details and improved dynamic range.
The battery capacity of Xiaomi 17 is a 6,330mAh battery based on the model, along with a wired charging option of 100W and 50W for wireless charging. This combination places its endurance among the best in the flagship category.
The Xiaomi 17 is available for €999 (approximately Rs. 106985.91) for the 12GB + 256GB version, establishing it as a genuine compact flagship that doesn’t compromise on quality. With its slim 8.06mm profile and lightweight design at just 191g, this device packs powerful hardware within a polished and durable body with an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.
Xiaomi is promoting ultra-thin bezels measuring only 1.18mm. This device is not merely luxurious; it’s designed to withstand everyday use.
Final Thoughts
The Xiaomi 17 and Xiaomi 17 Ultra are more than mere upgrades; they embody Xiaomi’s goal to lead the ultra-premium market worldwide. Featuring Leica-enhanced photography, the latest Snapdragon 3nm processor, large batteries, and the intelligence of HyperOS 3, the flagship competition for 2026 has just become significantly more thrilling.
If this is Xiaomi’s kickoff for the year, competitors should definitely take notice.