Pros
Cons
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is presented as an ultra-premium flagship built around photography, led by a Leica-branded camera system with a 1-inch main sensor. Its standout upgrade is a 200MP telephoto with continuous optical zoom, aimed at delivering top-tier portrait and long-range results. Reviews also emphasize meaningful non-camera improvements, including a larger 6.9-inch flat LTPO AMOLED display and a 6,800mAh silicon-carbon battery. Performance is flagship-grade thanks to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and Adreno 840 graphics, alongside modern connectivity like Wi‑Fi 7 and extensive 5G band support. Durability and features are strong on paper with IP68/IP69 protection, stereo speakers, and HyperOS on Android 16. Caveats mentioned include the high ~950 euro price, substantial weight, and possible software limitations depending on the unit/region.
Specifications
Secondary Camera: 50 MPix (1/2.88", AF, f/2.2)
Price comparison
Average of 18 scores (from 52 reviews)
Reviews for the Xiaomi 17 Ultra
With its Leica camera setup, the new high-end phone from Xiaomi is once again a camera phone in a class of its own. Read our test report to find out whether the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is once again the best camera in the Android segment thanks to its optical zoom. However, care should be taken when choosing a Xiaomi phone to avoid disappointment.
Source: Tech Nave

Recently, Xiaomi officially launched the flagship Xiaomi 17 series in Malaysia. As the top-end model, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra continues to showcase Xiaomi's deep collaboration with Leica in imaging technology. This phone introduces several industry-first innovations, aiming to push the mobile photography experience to a whole new level.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 03/06/2026
Source: Expert Reviews

So not the best value proposition then, but I can’t overstate how fun it is to zoom in by rotating the camera wheel. Is it worth £1,699? The answer to that is between you and your deity of choice. If you end up on a yes, though, check out my Xiaomi 17 Ultra review to see what kind of hardware excellence you can expect.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 03/03/2026
Source: Unbox

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is one of the best camera phones on the market, featuring a gorgeous screen, insane performance, and a battery that lasts for days. If you want the very best and have the budget for it, this is the phone to buy. The next question will be its official price in the Philippines. Pricing in Europe is usually higher, and we hope Xiaomi Philippines gives it a very competitive price–along with compelling preorder offers.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 03/02/2026
Source: Hardware Zone

Some people might nitpick at Xiaomi’s decision to charge an extra S$100 for the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, but we think it’s a reasonable ask when considering the amount of upgrades in this phone. Additionally, Xiaomi has managed to keep prices the same over the last two years. If you really can’t bear to fork out that extra S$100, all you have to do is take advantage of the early bird discount to pay S$1,699. Whether it’s the new and more refined HyperOS 3, the improved Leica-branded cameras or the excellent hardware inside, Xiaomi has continued to do a lot of things right. But this year, there are even more competitors to fight against.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 03/01/2026
Rating: Total score: 85% price: 80% performance: 90% workmanship: 85%
Source: T3

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra feels, at times, like using a camera that happens to be an Android phone. Those who value what large sensors and Leica-approved optics can do are going to be in photography heaven here. On the flip side, however, there's the consideration of the noisy "rattle" from that new camera system when it's not active, the huge camera enclosure to the rear, and the simple fact that a 75-100mm mechanical zoom is only a marginal gain. Overall, though, photo aficionados will love the Xiaomi 17 Ultra for its unique features and image quality results. It's niche, but it's nifty.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 03/01/2026
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Mark Ellis Reviews

Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 02/28/2026
Source: TechTablets

Xiaomi 17 Ultra unboxing & review, the global version of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra review with camera test.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 02/28/2026
Source: CG Mag Online

With its outstanding camera system, bright flat display and reliable battery life, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra stands out as a serious creative tool rather than just another premium smartphone.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 02/28/2026
Rating: Total score: 85%
Source: ben's gadget reviews

Xiaomi has a pair of excellent photography kits for the 17 Ultra, so let's do an unboxing. This year, there's a Photography Kit Pro and a standard Photography Kit, each gives the phone a bit more grip for one-handed use and a dedicated camera shutter button. But personally, I think if you're going to invest in one, you might as well go Pro.
Hands-On, online available, Medium, Date: 02/28/2026
Source: ben's gadget reviews

This is the Xiaomi 17 Ultra review after two months* -- okay, okay, the two months isn't exactly accurate, because I tested the China Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica for a month and half, and then this global version of the standard Ultra for two weeks. But still, other than some superficial changes, the camera system of both models of the Ultra I tested are nearly identical, so hence I said I have been using it for two months. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra runs on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and features a top-tier camera system headlined by a 1-inch sensor main camera and a Periscope zoom with variable aperture between 75mm and 100mm.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 02/28/2026
Source: GSM Arena

Xiaomi’s latest 17 Ultra flagship phone has officially landed on the global stage, and it’s arguably the most ambitious camera-centric smartphone we’ve seen this year. Check out our video review to learn ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW about the phone's top features, build and screen quality, battery life, performance, and camera image quality.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 02/28/2026
Source: GSM Arena

As it currently stands, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is likely the best camera phone outside of China. The Oppo Find X9 Ultra and the vivo X300 Ultra will be the only real competitors, if they make it outside of China. Maybe the video recording capability is the only thing that keeps us from giving this phone a perfect score.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 02/28/2026
Rating: Total score: 94%
Source: Android Police

This all brings me to the frustrating inconsistency with Xiaomi phones, which has been highlighted by my time with the 17 Ultra. The last Xiaomi phone I reviewed was the 15T Pro, where the battery life was stellar, Wi-Fi performance was strong, and the hardware felt durable and expensive. It’s a shame Xiaomi hasn’t nailed the fundamentals with the 17 Ultra, because the camera is fantastic, and a return to form after the 15 Ultra’s slight misstep.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 02/28/2026
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Android Central

There's no doubt that the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is one of the best camera phones of 2026. Xiaomi did a great job with the design this year, and the phone feels better to hold and use than its predecessors. The hardware is among the best you'll get, the bigger 6.9-inch OLED is a delight to use, and the 6,000mAh battery easily lasts a day.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 02/28/2026
Rating: Total score: 90%
Source: Android Headlines

If you want the very best Xiaomi has to offer, then get this phone. Yes, it is quite expensive, but it also offers a lot. Its performance is outstanding, and the same goes for the display. The audio output is great, and so is the battery life despite the fact that the capacity is lower than in a Chinese model.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 02/28/2026
Rating: Total score: 90%
Source: Canbuyornot

Xiaomi 17 Ultra review: Fantastic cameras As the latest in a line of great camera phones, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra has a lot to live up to. But the good news is this phone delivers, and in spades. Featuring a new 1-inch sensor with LOFIC (Lateral Overflow Integration Capacity) technology and a 200MP periscope 75-100mm zoom lens with mechanical optical zoom, this camera phone is one of the best available (until next year, I guess). Like last year's Xiaomi 15 Ultra (Xiaomi decided to skip the number 16 to match the iPhone 17 series), the phone features a circular bump at the back, but that's where the similarities end.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 02/28/2026
Rating: Total score: 100%
Source: Canbuyornot

All in all, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is one of the best camera phones I've tested, and there's no doubt there are a lot of technological improvements that make it excellent. While it doesn't pack a telephoto extender like the Vivo X300 for even more zoom, I'd argue that the current range in the 17 Ultra is more than enough, especially for street photography.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 02/28/2026
Source: CNet

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra (Leica Leitzphone) features a massive LOFIC sensor and a mechanical Master Zoom Ring for an authentic photography experience. We test whether the $2,300 price tag is justified by putting its professional-grade Leica optics and Snapdragon 8 Elite power to the ultimate test.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 02/28/2026
Source: GadgetMatch

Xiaomi 17 Ultra isn’t perfect. But as a camera? With a 1-inch sensor, continuous optical zoom, and Leica color science — this might be the most exciting camera phone I’ve used in years. If you care about photography more than polish, you’ll want to watch this review.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 02/28/2026
Source: Expert Reviews

I have my problems with the Xiaomi 17 Ultra – the software is still among my least favourites, the camera module is too chunky and the lower screen resolution and cheap feeling of the fiberglass rear don’t befit a phone of this price. But even still, it gets enough right elsewhere to earn my recommendation. Performance is among the best of any phone that we’ve tested to date, the cameras are sharp, versatile and accessible, battery life is decent and great strides have been made to deliver a slimmer, lighter and altogether more manageable flagship phone.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 02/28/2026
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Trusted Reviews

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is a well-rounded flagship that has something to offer in every area. Whether you’re looking for high-end gaming performance, a superb screen and speakers, solid battery life and speedy charging, or an incredible camera system, the 17 Ultra has you covered. It’s really those who are into photography and videomaking that will enjoy this phone the most, though. The camera system is truly excellent, and at times, this feels more like a camera than a phone.Of course, no product is perfect, and there are a few areas where Xiaomi is bested by the competition. For instance, both the Oppo Find X9 Pro and Honor Magic 8 Pro have better battery life (in my experience), and they’re better for macro photography, too. But does that mean they’re better choices? Not necessarily. Xiaomi’s image processing and filter selection mean I often prefer the shots from the 17 Ultra, and it has plenty to offer elsewhere, too. One thing’s for certain, this is among the best camera phones available right now.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 02/28/2026
Rating: Total score: 90%
Source: Phone Arena

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is a phone that sounds exceptional on paper, but using it in real life reveals some shortcomings that only become apparent when you handle the device yourself. The performance, the display, and the battery life are all excellent. If any of these are of great importance to you, then the Xiaomi 17 Ultra won't disappoint. The camera package is excellent and truly something to behold, giving you exceptional quality and versatility. The only problem? Well, the only issue is last year's Xiaomi 15 Ultra, which was a bit more consistent even though it lacked a vario periscope. If you haven't used the Xiaomi 15 Ultra or even the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, however, you'd be none the wiser. Another downside is the software, which feels like something out of 2020 for all the wrong reasons.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 02/28/2026
Rating: Total score: 80% performance: 86% display: 80% mobility: 90% workmanship: 80%
Source: Digital Camera World

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra has some of the best cameras I’ve ever used on a phone. The 1-inch sensor produces hugely detailed images with controlled highlights, especially at night, where the phone shines (not a pun). The overall look of images feels genuinely photographic. I love the Leica-tuned profiles that give images a professional tone that, to my eye, stands out from almost every other flagship right now. But it’s not flawless. The mechanical 75–100mm zoom is technically clever, yet in real use, I didn’t find the 25mm range enough to be transformative.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 02/28/2026
Rating: Total score: 80% price: 90% performance: 90% workmanship: 90%
Source: Petapixel

The Chinese tech industry is a colossus, but there is a distinct lack of access to many of the more interesting options in North America. While Chinese lens designs are fairly common in North America, we are largely ignorant of the mobile phone options, as they are so rarely available. Xiaomi is a huge tech company making everything from home electronics and appliances to EV vehicles, and of course, smartphones. It recently announced a flagship phone called the 17 Ultra that is now being released internationally, and they invited Jaron Schneider and me to get a hands-on experience with it in inland China.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 02/28/2026
Source: Stuff TV

With such gloriously uncompromising hardware, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra’s camera prowess was never really in doubt. It sets the standard for telephoto clarity, steps up its selfie game, and that lead lens remains a shortcut to bokeh brilliance. The film-like image processing and a selection of official accessories also help it stand out from less characterful rivals. You’re also getting flagship-grade performance, rapid charging speeds and a screen that’s simply gorgeous. It’s undeniably expensive, though. The more mainstream design and a battery that’s not quite class-leading also mean it’s perhaps not quite as special as earlier efforts were, though Leica lovers probably won’t mind too much.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 02/28/2026
Rating: Total score: 100%
Source: Yanko Design

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is one of the most complete camera-first flagships Xiaomi has shipped for the global market. It nails the fundamentals with a huge, bright display, top-tier performance, and charging that makes most rivals feel slow and old-fashioned. The bigger story is how coherent the imaging experience feels, since the main and telephoto cameras deliver natural color, wide dynamic range, and consistent results across lenses.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 02/28/2026
Rating: price: 70% performance: 80% ergonomy: 80%
Source: 91mobiles

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra makes one thing very clear: this is a camera-first flagship in every sense. From the 1-inch primary sensor to the new continuous optical zoom telephoto system, the phone is engineered around photography rather than just adding impressive specs for the sake of it. In both daylight and low light, it consistently delivers results that are among the best I’ve seen on a smartphone so far this year. Beyond the cameras, the upgrades are meaningful. A larger 6.9-inch flat display, a massive 6,800mAh battery without added bulk, and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset all make this a serious flagship package. The only caveat is that this Chinese unit has certain software limitations, so it’s hard to judge the full experience until the global version arrives.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 02/16/2026
Source: DxOMark

We put the Xiaomi 17 Ultra through our rigorous DXOMARK Camera test suite to measure its performance in photo, video, and zoom quality from an end-user perspective. This article breaks down how the device fared in a variety of tests and several common use cases and is intended to highlight the most important results of our testing with an extract of the captured data. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra delivers an excellent performance in the DXOMARK Camera tests. In many test areas it is a significant upgrade over its predecessor 15 Ultra and is getting close to the very best flagship devices on the market – without quite matching them, however. Photo performance is particularly impressive.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 02/11/2026
Source: GSM Arena

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra comes in two flavors - besides the standard phone, you also get this very special edition that we are reviewing today - Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica. What do you get extra with this edition, and is it worth paying extra for? To Leica or NOT to Leica? That is the question! Check out our video review to learn the answer, along with ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW about the phone's build and screen quality, battery life, performance, and camera image quality.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 01/24/2026
Source: Marques Brownlee

Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 01/23/2026
Source: GSM Arena

Despite the hefty price tag, which is even higher than last year, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is one of the best flagship cameraphones you can get right now. Just like the rest of the flagship phones, the 17 Ultra has an excellent display, fast chipset, snappy charging and long battery life, although that last bit isn't a given. However, the improved telephoto and selfie cameras, along with the exceptional main camera performance, make the device one of the best in its class. We also didn't feel the absence of the second 3x telephoto camera either, as the current 200MP telephoto shooter with continuous optical zoom and close-distance focusing covers all bases.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 01/21/2026
Rating: Total score: 92%
Source: Tech X Reviews

Xiaomi really caught everyone off guard by dropping the Xiaomi 17 Ultra months ahead of schedule. Usually, we have to wait until spring for the "Ultra" flagship, but it's already here to kick off 2026 with some massive changes. The design has seen a complete overhaul. The curved screen is gone, replaced by a fully flat display that feels much more like the Pro Max. It’s significantly better for gaming and applying screen protectors, even if the flat back feels a bit sharper in the hand compared to the older 15 Ultra. But the real controversy is the camera system.
Comparison, online available, Medium, Date: 01/02/2026
Source: OI Spice Tech News

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra was announced on December 25, 2025, and released just two days later, positioning itself firmly in the ultra-premium flagship segment. It comes in two versions, including a Leica Edition with a mechanical zoom ring, which immediately sets it apart for camera enthusiasts. The phone feels solid and premium with its glass front, aluminum frame, and fiber-reinforced plastic or eco-leather back. At 230 grams and 8.5 mm thickness, it is heavy but well-balanced.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 12/29/2025
Source: Tech X Reviews

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra has finally landed, and it’s doing something we haven't seen from an "Ultra" phone in years—it actually went on a diet. After generations of massive, heavy camera bricks, Xiaomi managed to pack a ridiculously powerful imaging system into a chassis that’s only 8.29mm thick. But the real story here isn't just the improved ergonomics; it's the brand-new 200MP variable telephoto lens that changes how we shoot portraits..
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 12/28/2025
Source: ben's gadget reviews

The clunkily named Xiaomi 17 Ultra By Leica edition is here and I managed to get a unit from Trinity Electronics in Hong Kong. The phone packs an improved camera system with the newest Qualcomm Snapdragon chip and more.
Hands-On, online available, Very Long, Date: 12/28/2025
Foreign Reviews
Source: Allround-PC.com
DE→ENSingle Review, online available, Medium, Date: 02/28/2026
Source: Smartzone
DE→ENSingle Review, online available, Long, Date: 01/25/2026
Rating: Total score: 94% performance: 90% display: 95% mobility: 95% workmanship: 90%
Source: HDblog.it
IT→ENSingle Review, online available, Long, Date: 02/28/2026
Rating: price: 54% features: 93%
Source: Batista70Phone
IT→ENSingle Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 02/18/2026
Rating: Total score: 89% price: 79% features: 93% display: 87% mobility: 92% workmanship: 90%
Source: Journal du Geek
FR→ENSingle Review, online available, Long, Date: 02/28/2026
Rating: Total score: 95%
Source: Hi-Tech Mail
RU→ENSingle Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 02/13/2026
Source: The Gioididong
VN→ENSingle Review, online available, Short, Date: 03/01/2026
Source: Genk
VN→ENSingle Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 02/28/2026
Source: Vat Vo Studio
VN→ENComparison, online available, Medium, Date: 02/28/2026
Source: Vat Vo Studio
VN→ENSingle Review, online available, Short, Date: 02/26/2026
Source: FPT shop
VN→ENComparison, online available, Short, Date: 02/02/2026
Source: Vat Vo Studio
VN→ENSingle Review, online available, Long, Date: 01/24/2026
Source: Vat Vo Studio
VN→ENComparison, online available, Long, Date: 01/22/2026
Source: XT Mobile
VN→ENHands-On, online available, Short, Date: 01/13/2026
Source: XT Mobile
VN→ENSingle Review, online available, Short, Date: 01/06/2026
Source: XT Mobile
VN→ENSingle Review, online available, Short, Date: 12/27/2025
Source: Tik Gadget
JA→ENSingle Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 01/10/2026
Comment
Qualcomm Adreno 840: Integrated graphics unit in the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC for smartphones with three slices at 1.2 GHz each. According to Qualcomm, 23% faster than the previous generation (Adreno 830).
Modern games should be playable with these graphics cards at low settings and resolutions. Casual gamers may be happy with these cards.
» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Graphics Cards and the corresponding Benchmark List.
SD 8 Elite Gen 5: High-end SoC (System on a Chip) for smartphones which was introduced at the end of 2025. It integrates two fast Oryon Gen 3 Prime Cores with up to 4.6 GHz and 6 smaller Oryon Gen 3 Performance Cores with up to 3.62 GHz.» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Processsors.
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