For the longest time, Xiaomi was best known for doing the impossible — packing solid hardware into smartphones that were surprisingly affordable. That reputation helped the brand build a loyal following, but over the past few years, it’s clear Xiaomi has been aiming much higher. With each new generation, the company has steadily carved out a place for itself in the premium segment, a space once dominated almost entirely by the usual heavyweights.
A big part of that transformation has been Xiaomi’s partnership with Leica, which signalled the brand’s serious commitment to pushing its camera technology to the next level. The collaboration hasn’t just been for show either — Xiaomi’s recent flagship models have consistently delivered impressive hardware and imaging capabilities that genuinely rival the best in the industry.
Having previously used the Xiaomi 13 Pro (Review) as my daily driver for two years, I’ve always had a soft spot for Xiaomi’s high-end devices. That phone left a strong impression on me with its balance of performance and photography, so naturally, I was curious to see how far the company could push things with the new Xiaomi 17 Ultra. After spending some time with it, it quickly became clear that Xiaomi isn’t just participating in the flagship race anymore — it’s aiming to lead it.
Xiaomi 17 Ultra: Design
That flagship ambition also extends to the phone’s design. At first glance, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra carries a familiar look, especially if you’ve seen its predecessor, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. The large circular camera island remains a defining feature, instantly signalling that this is a device built with photography in mind. However, Xiaomi hasn’t simply copied the previous design — it has refined it in meaningful ways.
The phone is now slightly larger overall, partly to accommodate a bigger display, but interestingly it’s also noticeably slimmer at just 8.3mm, compared to the 9.4mm thickness of the 15 Ultra. In fact, that makes it the thinnest Ultra model Xiaomi has released so far, which is quite impressive considering the powerful hardware packed inside. In hand, the slimmer profile gives the device a sleeker feel without compromising its flagship presence.
Build quality is exactly what you’d expect from a premium device. The aluminium alloy frame provides a sturdy backbone, while the fibreglass back adds a distinctive texture and keeps the phone feeling comfortable to hold for extended periods. My review unit comes in White, which looks clean and understated, but Xiaomi also offers a striking Starlit Green option alongside a classic Black variant for those who prefer something more traditional.
Turning to the front of the phone, the experience only gets better once the screen lights up. After spending some time with the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, I found the display to be one of those features that quietly elevates everyday use. It feels expansive and immersive, making everything from reading articles to watching videos far more enjoyable.
What stood out to me most is how smooth the overall experience feels. Scrolling through apps, navigating menus, or flipping through photos all happens with a fluidity that quickly becomes second nature. Brightness is another highlight. Even when I was using the phone outdoors under strong sunlight, the screen remained clear and easy to read without needing to hunt for shade. Colours also look vibrant yet natural, which makes viewing photos, streaming shows, or even casually browsing social media feel visually pleasing.
Xiaomi 17 Ultra: Performance
A display this immersive naturally invites you to spend more time on the phone, and thankfully the Xiaomi 17 Ultra has the performance to keep everything running effortlessly. In daily use, the phone feels incredibly quick and responsive, whether I’m jumping between apps, editing photos, or simply browsing through social media. Everything loads swiftly and transitions feel seamless, giving the overall experience a reassuring flagship polish.
Under the hood, it’s powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, and the difference is noticeable when you start pushing the phone a little harder. Games run smoothly, demanding apps open without hesitation, and multitasking feels almost effortless. Even after extended use, the phone remains comfortable to hold thanks to Xiaomi’s 3D Dual-Channel IceLoop cooling system, which helps manage heat effectively during longer gaming or camera sessions.
My unit comes with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, which feels more than generous for everyday use. It allows me to keep multiple apps running in the background without slowdowns, while the large storage capacity means there’s plenty of room for photos, videos, and apps without constantly worrying about clearing space.
Battery life has also been excellent during my time with the phone. The 6,000mAh battery comfortably powers through a full day of heavy use, and often stretches well into the next morning with lighter usage. When it finally does need a recharge, 90W wired HyperCharge gets the battery back up quickly, while 50W wireless HyperCharge offers a convenient cable-free option when I’m at my desk.
Xiaomi 17 Ultra: Cameras
Of course, with a phone like the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, the cameras are always going to be a major talking point. Xiaomi continues its collaboration with Leica, and the result is a triple-camera system paired with Leica Summilux optical lenses that clearly prioritises image quality and character. After spending time shooting with it, it’s easy to see how much attention has gone into refining the photography experience.
During my recent trip to Ruins of St. Paul’s in Macau, the 50MP main camera with its large 1-inch sensor really impressed me. The photos captured there were rich in detail, with natural colours and excellent dynamic range — especially when photographing the intricate textures of the historic façade under bright daylight. Even when the lighting started to soften later in the evening, the camera continued to produce clean and balanced images without needing much effort.
@playfuldroid Xiaomi 17 Ultra impressive zooming capability ? #Xiaomi17Ultra #Xiaomi17Series #Xiaomi #Smartphone ? Tiger – ErGuuu ????
The 200MP telephoto camera on the other hand, adds another level of versatility. Whenever I was shooting from a distance, I was able to zoom in surprisingly far while still retaining impressive clarity. The phone can go up to 120x digital zoom, which is truly remarkable. While extreme zoom levels are usually a hit or miss even on flagship devices, I was genuinely amazed by how the Xiaomi 17 Ultra still manages to capture surprisingly clear shots even when pushed all the way to 120x zoom. You can see some of those examples in the video above.
Rounding out the setup is the 50MP ultra-wide camera, which proved handy when trying to capture the full scale of Macau’s vibrant cityscape. Whether it was wide street scenes, large buildings, or group shots, the camera managed to fit more into the frame while maintaining pleasing colours that remain largely consistent with the main sensor.
The Verdict
After spending time with the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, one thing became very clear to me: Xiaomi’s flagship phones just keep getting better with every generation. Each year I go in with high expectations, and somehow the company still manages to push things further. This time is no different — the 17 Ultra genuinely surpassed what I was expecting, especially in areas like camera performance, overall refinement, and day-to-day usability.
What stands out most to me is how complete the experience feels. From the premium design and vibrant display to the powerful performance and incredibly versatile camera system co-developed with Leica, everything comes together in a way that feels confident and mature. It’s a phone that not only performs like a flagship but also carries the kind of polish that makes you enjoy using it every day.
At S$1,799 in Singapore, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra certainly sits firmly in flagship territory, but it also fully lives up to the “Ultra” moniker. For me, it’s easily one of the top flagship smartphones available today, and a strong reminder that Xiaomi is no longer just competing in the premium space — it’s helping define it.
For those who are interested, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra will be available for purchase in Singapore through mi.com, official stores on Shopee and Lazada, and Xiaomi Stores.
