Xiaomi 17 Ultra Review: A Balancing Act
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is the latest flagship phone from Xiaomi, aiming to be one of the best camera phones on the market. Co-developed with Leica, this phone offers top specs and performance in a sleek and stylish design.
Design & Build:
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra features a new design with flat sides and a fibreglass back, moving away from the camera-style design of its predecessors. The phone is thinner and lighter than the previous model, with new colour options and a more modern look. The frame is made of aluminium, while the back is made of composite fibreglass, giving it a premium feel. The phone is IP68/69 rated for water and dust resistance.
Screen & Speakers:
The phone boasts a 6.9-inch flat display with a peak brightness of 3500 nits and new Xiaomi Shield Glass 3.0. The screen offers a lower resolution but still provides crisp visuals. The phone features stereo speakers that offer clear and crisp audio with a rich tone, even at higher volume levels.
Specs & Performance:
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor with 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage. The phone offers top-notch wireless connectivity with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, and dual-band GPS. It also features an infrared port for remote control capabilities. The phone’s performance is smooth and handles all tasks with ease.
Cameras:
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra features a 50Mp main camera, a 50Mp ultrawide camera, and a new 200Mp periscope telephoto camera. The cameras offer impressive performance with high-quality photos in various lighting conditions. The phone also features a 50Mp front-facing camera for high-quality selfies.
Battery Life & Charging:
The phone is equipped with a 6000mAh battery that offers excellent stamina, lasting for over 48 hours with regular use. The phone supports 90W wired charging, providing a 75% charge in just 30 minutes. Wireless charging is also available at 50W speeds, along with reverse wireless charging.
Software & Apps:
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra runs on Android 16 with Xiaomi’s HyperOS 3.0 overlay. The software is clean and polished, offering a smooth user experience. The phone comes with a five-year OS support promise and six years of security updates.
Price & Availability:
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is priced at £1,299 for the base model with 16/512GB storage. The phone is available from Xiaomi with various offers, including a free 90W fast charger. It is not officially available in the US but can be imported. The phone competes with other flagship devices like the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and iPhone 17 Pro Max.
In conclusion, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra offers a fantastic camera system, top-tier performance, and excellent battery life. It is a solid choice for those looking for a flagship phone with premium features and capabilities.
