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Xiaomi 17 Ultra unboxing: High-end smartphone with USB-A accessories in 2026

Xiaomi 17 Ultra review. (Image source: Marcus Herbrich)
Xiaomi 17 Ultra review. (Image source: Marcus Herbrich)
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is positioned as a serious alternative to the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max. Equipped with the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, the flagship impresses with cutting-edge technology and impressive performance. In our detailed review, you can find out whether the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is worth buying and how it compares directly with the leading models on the market.

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra achieved an outstanding overall rating of over 90% in our review. However, the high-end smartphone is currently only available via import from China. Price-wise, the Ultra model is quite attractive for the performance it offers – just over $1000 is the asking price for the base model with a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor from our loan provider, Trading Shenzhen.

The predecessor has a recommended retail price of at least $1,345, so a global Xiaomi 17 Ultra will likely also enter this price range. A global launch is expected at the Mobile World Congress in March, but Xiaomi has not yet confirmed this.

Android smartphone with fast charging power adapter and case

Upon unpacking, it is immediately apparent that the packaging of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is heavier and larger than that of a Galaxy S25 Ultra. This is primarily due to the included fast charger, which, however, is likely only included with the Chinese model. Buyers of the international model will most likely have to do without a power adapter and purchase the corresponding accessory from Xiaomi's online store if need be.

A fairly high-quality protective case, not made of soft silicone, is also included with the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. The transparent design of the hard case preserves the color and design of the Xiaomi smartphone. Weighing approximately 17 grams, the clear case is also very lightweight.

The included HyperCharge charger for our test device supports a charging power of up to 100 watts and weighs approximately 113 grams. The high-end phone itself can be charged at up to 90 watts, but a full charge takes quite a while for our liking. Find out here just how long the Xiaomi 17 Ultra needs to stay plugged into a wall outlet or power bank.

Also somewhat annoying is the fact that Xiaomi, even in 2026, continues to think rather "traditionally" in terms of the USB type of the data and charging cable. The included adapter between the phone and computer again has a USB-A connector, which is rather counterproductive in times of notebooks with more modern USB-C ports without a USB-A interface.
 

Xiaomi 17 Ultra review. (Image source: Marcus Herbrich)
Xiaomi 17 Ultra review. (Image source: Marcus Herbrich)
Xiaomi 17 Ultra review. (Image source: Marcus Herbrich)
Xiaomi 17 Ultra review. (Image source: Marcus Herbrich)
Xiaomi 17 Ultra review. (Image source: Marcus Herbrich)
Xiaomi 17 Ultra review. (Image source: Marcus Herbrich)
Xiaomi 17 Ultra review. (Image source: Marcus Herbrich)

Source(s)

Review of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2026 01 > Xiaomi 17 Ultra unboxing: High-end smartphone with USB-A accessories in 2026
Marcus Herbrich, 2026-01-26 (Update: 2026-01-26)