Xiaomi 17: Flagship Phone with a Surprising Battery

Xiaomi has just unveiled two of its latest flagship phones, the Xiaomi 17 and 17 Ultra, along with a Leica-branded special edition of the Ultra. While the 17 Pro, which features an additional display next to the rear cameras, is notably absent from the global launch, the 17 and 17 Ultra are set to make their debut in the UK, Europe, and select other markets soon.

The Xiaomi 17, pitched as a rival to the likes of the iPhone 17 and Samsung Galaxy S26, will carry a price tag of £899 / €999 (approximately $1,200). In contrast, the larger and more capable Ultra model starts from £1,299 / €1,499 ($1,750). For those seeking an even more premium experience, the limited-edition Leitzphone version of the Ultra will be substantially more expensive.

One of the standout features of the Xiaomi 17 is its sizable battery that belies its relatively compact size. While the device may not be as diminutive as some of the latest ultra-compact offerings from other manufacturers, it still manages to pack a substantial power source, setting it apart from the competition.

Under the hood, the Xiaomi 17 is powered by Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, ensuring flagship-level performance. The device also boasts a high-resolution OLED display with a fast refresh rate, delivering a smooth and visually stunning experience for users.

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra, on the other hand, takes things up a notch with its larger display, more advanced camera system, and additional features. With a starting price of £1,299 / €1,499, the Ultra is positioned as a premium offering that aims to compete with the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus and other high-end smartphones.

One of the key selling points of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is its Leica-branded camera system, which promises to deliver exceptional image quality and versatility. The device is also expected to offer advanced computational photography features and a range of photographic tools to cater to the needs of photography enthusiasts.

While the absence of the 17 Pro from the global launch may disappoint some, the Xiaomi 17 and 17 Ultra still offer a compelling proposition for consumers seeking flagship-level performance and features. As Xiaomi continues to push the boundaries of smartphone design and capabilities, these new additions to the 17 series are sure to generate significant interest and attention in the highly competitive smartphone market.

Whether you're in the market for a more compact flagship or a larger, feature-rich device, the Xiaomi 17 and 17 Ultra are worth considering as viable options in the premium smartphone segment.