Xiaomi 17 Ultra review: A balancing act

Finest Costs Immediately: Xiaomi 17 Extremely

Xiaomi’s flagship vary of telephones is right here and, though we don’t get the flowery Professional fashions with a rear show within the West, the Extremely as soon as once more goals to be one of the best digital camera cellphone in the marketplace.

The system launches in a barely totally different format this yr, with each an Extremely and a brand new mannequin known as the ‘Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi’. The latter is a good higher-end handset, leaving the 17 Extremely as a extra ‘normal’ Extremely possibility.

The Xiaomi 17 Extremely continues to be co-developed with Leica and is without doubt one of the predominant options to the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Extremely, Google Pixel 10 Professional XL and Oppo Discover X9 Extremely.

Design & Construct

• Much less digital camera, extra cellphone
• New colors
• Thinner and lighter

Whereas the Xiaomi 17 Extremely has a well-known appear and feel to its predecessors, there are delicate adjustments that make it really feel extra like an everyday cellphone and fewer like a digital camera – primarily the transfer to flat sides and again.

There’s additionally no vegan leather-based on the again and no colored ring highlighting the (nonetheless big) digital camera module. The colourways are additionally extra in step with wider market tendencies and I fairly just like the Starlit Inexperienced mannequin I’ve – with a classy, not tacky, glittery end.

By the way in which, final yr’s mannequin was the 15 Extremely, as Xiaomi skipped 16 with a purpose to match the iPhone era quantity and seem extra present.

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It’s additionally thinner and lighter than the 15 Extremely at 8.4mm (over 1mm thinner) and 218.4g (or 219g if you happen to go for the inexperienced color possibility), in comparison with virtually 230g.

Different delicate adjustments embody new quantity buttons, that are separate and spherical. I wasn’t so positive about these at first, however I acquired used to them rapidly.

There’s not a lot else to speak about when it comes to standout design options – primarily simply its supplies and IP68/69 ranking.

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Like many telephones, the body is aluminium, however as an alternative of a glass again, it’s constituted of composite fibreglass, which Xiaomi says is drop-proof. It feels good to the contact, however the cellphone sounds a bit low-cost and hole if you happen to faucet the again together with your finger.

It’s maybe somewhat curious that Xiaomi hasn’t added some other buttons to the system, when so many rivals have some form of fast setting button or digital camera button, or each. I assume that is to make you extra probably to purchase one of many images kits (extra on these later).

Display & Audio system

• Flat 6.9-inch show
• Brighter however a decrease decision
• Superior audio

The display on the Xiaomi 17 Extremely is just like its predecessors, however there are a number of key variations.

After two generations of the ‘All Round Liquid Show’, Xiaomi has switched to a extra conventional flat panel. It is a disgrace as I actually appreciated one of the best of each worlds expertise of the earlier fashions – a flat panel with curved glass on high.

Nonetheless, the 17 Extremely’s display stays spectacular if you happen to like huge, daring panels. It’s even bigger at 6.9-inch, even brighter at a peak of 3500 nits and it’s coated in new Xiaomi Protect Glass 3.0.

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It additionally retains options such because the 1-120Hz refresh price, 12bit color depth and each HDR10+ and Dolby Imaginative and prescient help. There’s a slight drop in decision to 2608 x 1200, however it’s nonetheless crisp sufficient for my liking at 416ppi. When you should have a QHD+ display, this might be a deal-breaker.

For me, the Xiaomi 17 Extremely is a stable all-rounder on this space. It’s nothing particular (it could’t evaluate to the S26 Extremely’s Privateness Show), however it does the job and that decrease decision is probably going serving to with the wonderful battery life – extra on that later. If huge and daring is what you need, that is it.

Elsewhere on this space, the ultrasonic fingerprint scanner works very effectively certainly and the face scanning is serviceable too if that’s one thing you favor (though you must keep in mind that it’s much less safe).

Stereo audio system – the everyday setup of 1 subsequent to the USB port and the opposite utilizing the earpiece – are as soon as once more glorious, providing clear and crisp audio with a wealthy tone even at larger quantity ranges.

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There’s a touch of distortion if you happen to push it proper to the highest, however you shouldn’t have to transcend round 75%, in my expertise. There’s additionally nonetheless help for each Hello-Res and Hello-Res Audio Wi-fi, together with Dolby Atmos, which is the default audio mode.

Dive deeper and there are options akin to a graphic equaliser and immersive sound mode, though I discovered the latter made music sound worse, giving it a compelled and harsh tone.

Specs & Efficiency

• Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
• As much as 16GB/1TB
• Prime-notch wi-fi

As you’d anticipate from a high-end flagship cellphone costing effectively over £1,000, the 17 Extremely comes with some severe specs beneath the hood.

This begins with Qualcomm’s most up-to-date flagship processor, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, backed up by a really wholesome 16GB of RAM. When it comes to storage, you get a minimum of 512GB or you may double as much as 1TB if you happen to’re comfortable to pay an additional £200.

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Both manner, you get speedy UFS 4.1 storage once more and I’ve nothing damaging to say in regards to the efficiency of this cellphone. It handles the whole lot easily and I’ve not discovered any duties that trigger it to decelerate even somewhat.

In addition to these new elements, the cellphone has an upgraded cooling system – the Xiaomi 3D Twin-Channel IceLoop system. Fancy identify apart, the agency has tailored the vapour chamber to extend thermal conductivity by 50% in comparison with its predecessor and it appears to work a deal with.

Xiaomi 17 Extremely benchmarks

Transferring on from efficiency and searching on the different specs and options on supply, Xiaomi actually spares no expense. You get all the newest requirements, together with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, dual-band GPS and dual-SIM, with choices starting from two nano-SIM playing cards to 2 eSIMs (5G after all).

A secret weapon Xiaomi continues to supply, which just about all rivals don’t, is an infrared port. It was commonplace within the earlier days of smartphones, however most manufacturers dropped it a few years in the past.

It means the cellphone can act as a distant management on your TV, in addition to many different devices across the dwelling. It’s straightforward to arrange and an actual boon if, like me, you will have a chaotic family the place the bodily remotes are sometimes lacking (hidden by a toddler).

Cameras

• One much less digital camera on the rear
• Nonetheless spectacular tech and efficiency
• Some minor quibbles

A look on the 17 Extremely’s spec sheet may make it appear to have been downgraded from its predecessor, with solely three cameras on the rear versus the 4 on the 15 Extremely. Nevertheless, it’s not so simple as extra being higher.

This yr, Xiaomi has reengineered the way in which it handles the telephoto aspect of issues. So alongside 50Mp predominant and ultrawide cameras, there’s a brand new 200Mp (1/1.4-inch) periscope telephoto shooter.

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That’s the identical megapixel sensor as earlier than, however there’s a key distinction: this cellphone has a brand new mechanical optical zoom system. Inside, a small set of lenses bodily transfer as you alter the zoom degree, as you’d on a correct zoom lens connected to a DSLR.

It means you get extra optical zoom on the identical sensor moderately than switching between two totally different telephoto cameras. The vary is restricted to three.2-4.3x (or 75-100mm equal), however the massive sensor additionally means you may crop with out dramatically shedding high quality. The app provides you an 8.6x (200mm) possibility, which you’ll faucet once more to go to 400mm.

Beginning with the ultrawide – to get it out the way in which – it’s respectable as you’d anticipate at this worth. The 50Mp sensor takes good high quality photographs with minimal distortion once you wish to get heaps extra into the shot. As regular, its efficiency dips in decrease gentle, so it’s finest used throughout the day.

The principle digital camera additionally stays at 50Mp however sticks with an enormous 1-inch Mild Fusion 1050L sensor, quick f/1.67 aperture and OIS. It’s barely totally different to the 15 Extremely however nonetheless an absolute beast with the flexibility to pump out gorgeous pictures in all conditions, with dynamic vary in low gentle a selected spotlight.

I believe largely the samples (even resized for net) communicate for themselves and that goes for the brand new periscope telephoto digital camera too. As talked about, that is now one telephoto moderately than two, due to some new shifting components backed by a 200Mp Samsung HPE sensor.

The equal vary is 75-100ml, which isn’t that totally different, however the big sensor means you may crop for longer vary zooms and nonetheless get good high quality outcomes. In order for you true optical zoom at 5x or 10x, you’ll have to look elsewhere, however once more, the outcomes are spectacular – notably verify those I took at gigs in very tough circumstances.

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On the entrance, the selfie digital camera is upgraded to 50Mp and takes nice photographs. I notably take pleasure in the way in which it robotically switches to 0.8x after I’m making an attempt to suit extra in.

Transferring on to software program and the Xiaomi digital camera app is much more sophisticated than the likes of iPhone or Pixel, however that’s to be anticipated with all this equipment co-engineered with Leica. However equally, you may ignore the Professional mode and choices like UltraRAW and LOG codecs if these imply nothing to you.

Everybody has a simple option to change between the Leica Genuine and Vibrant profiles, relying on whether or not you need extra true-to-life outcomes or bolder, popping color (see the distinction beneath). The button is within the high nook, making it straightforward to cut and alter as you shoot.

Regardless of an overwhelmingly constructive expertise, there are some caveats to say right here, beginning with the way in which the digital camera rattles once you’re simply carrying the cellphone round. That is regular (it’s not damaged), however it’s far more noticeable than each different cellphone I’ve skilled it on.

That’s simpler to stay with than my finger usually getting in the way in which of photographs. With such an enormous cellphone, it is sensible to make use of the digital camera bump as someplace to relaxation your finger and help the system, however the primary and ultrawide sensors are positioned near this fringe of the module.

It means you get a blurry finger far too usually, leading to a irritating quantity of retakes or cropping later.

Images Kits

For years, Xiaomi has been providing a images equipment with its Extremely cellphone and this yr there are two to select from – an everyday mannequin and a professional possibility.

I’ve been testing the common one, which is available in at £99 and is successfully a case you connect which gives a extra camera-like type, together with vegan leather-based lacking from all colourways of the cellphone itself, in addition to a digital camera grip and two buttons.

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There’s a two-stage shutter button and one to launch video mode and begin recording. It’s okay, however I’d advocate upgrading to the Professional equipment if you happen to’re severe about it, which I’ve liked on the earlier two generations.

It’s £179, however that’s value it as this common mannequin has a number of flaws. The 2-stage button has barely any distinction between the steps, making it tough to make use of; it has an ungainly proprietary charger and connects to the cellphone through Bluetooth, that means it’s not immediately out there just like the Professional equipment, nor capable of cost the cellphone like an influence financial institution.

Battery Life & Charging

• 6000mAh battery
• Snug two-day utilization
• 90/50W wired and wi-fi speeds

It’s not stunning that the 17 Extremely is a stable performer relating to stamina and charging.

Xiaomi has elevated the battery capability to 6000mAh (a minimum of when in comparison with the worldwide 15 Extremely, which was 5410mAh), and in my testing, it lasted for 48+ hours of use with relative ease, usually going additional earlier than I wanted to cost. I’m not an enormous cell gamer, although, so anticipate much less if you happen to’re going to be pulling the set off on the common.

A results of 21 hours and 27 minutes in our regular PCMark battery benchmark is without doubt one of the high outcomes we’ve seen from a cellphone.

In the case of charging, the cellphone as soon as once more provides very quick 90W wired speeds. You don’t get a charger within the field, after all, however when you’ve got a appropriate one, you may get a whopping 75% cost in simply half-hour.

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Wi-fi charging is much less spectacular in comparison with the 15 Extremely, dropping from 80- to 50W, however in all honesty, 50W is the quickest wi-fi charger I’ve anyway and it’s a lot quick sufficient.

You can even reverse cost to high up different gadgets at 22.5W wired and 10W wi-fi.

The principle disappointment is that there are not any Qi2 magnets right here, which we thought flagship telephones in 2026 would virtually definitely supply, following the Pixel 10 vary final yr.

Nevertheless, that’s not the case, with even the Galaxy S26 vary omitting MagSafe-style tech. Additionally, observe that you would be able to’t use wi-fi charging when you’ve got both of the images kits connected.

Software program & Apps

• HyperOS 3 primarily based on Android 16
• HyperIsland and HyperAI
• Improved software program help

One other yr, one other OS model – so, with the 17 Extremely, you get Android 16 with Xiaomi’s newest overlay in HyperOS 3.

Now three variations in, HyperOS feels far much less like a easy rebranding of the older MIUI and really a lot its personal factor. And I imply that in a great way. MIUI was one thing of a messy consumer expertise, however HyperOS 3 is much extra polished and easy.

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Maybe it’s partly as a result of I’ve been testing Xiaomi telephones for thus a few years, however I additionally assume anybody new to the UI would be capable of discover their manner round pretty rapidly. HyperOS 3 takes inspiration from numerous elements of iOS whereas providing what makes Android nice.

You continue to get the cut up notification and fast settings panels – each of which I fairly like – and Xiaomi has even borrowed Apple’s Dynamic Island characteristic and made it into HyperIsland. This offers you some info across the front-facing digital camera when utilizing sure apps (I discovered it notably helpful on the airport), in addition to a shortcut to open these apps. Sure, it’s a replica, however it’s not one I’m complaining about.

Total, issues are simply cleaner and whereas there’s bloatware, it’s not almost as unhealthy because it was. The best way I arrange the cellphone, they’re neatly stashed in a folder known as ‘extra apps’, from which you’ll rapidly delete any you don’t need. Xiaomi nonetheless gives loads of Google duplicates I didn’t want, like Mi Browser, however there are additionally helpful system apps which I do like.

Those that wish to tinker can customise to their coronary heart’s content material with personalisation choices from complete themes to particular tweaks such because the font and icons. A lot of it I like, however it’s irritating to seek out, for instance, a lockscreen template I actually like, however the technique for switching adverts off is buried deep within the settings.

As you’d anticipate, there are many AI options out there beneath the banner of HyperAI. As soon as once more, I’m not overly impressed right here as a lot of it’s hidden away within the settings, switched off with little signposting. For my private wants, built-in Google Gemini provides greater than sufficient AI.

On a extra constructive observe, Xiaomi provides a stable five-year OS help promise, in addition to six years of safety updates. It’s not fairly so long as some rivals, however it’s a yr greater than the 15 Extremely on the OS entrance.

Value & Availability

It’s uncommon in 2026 to be writing a few cellphone that hasn’t modified worth, however that’s the case for the Xiaomi 17 Extremely. It sticks at £1,299 identical to the 15 Extremely, and this will get you a good 16/512GB mannequin.

In order for you the mannequin with 1TB of storage, that may set you again £1,499. And that Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi mannequin I talked about earlier is a whopping £1,699.

In order for you one of many images kits, you’ll have to pay a further £99 for the common model and £179 for the Images Package Professional.

You should buy the 17 Extremely from Xiaomi with numerous provides, together with a free 90W quick charger on the time of writing, or head to retailers like Amazon, however it’s not extensively out there. As regular, it’s not formally on sale within the US, so that you’d should import it.

Naturally, the value places it on the high finish of the cellphone market, the place it has to compete with the likes of the Galaxy S26 Extremely evaluation, Pixel 10 Professional XL, iPhone 17 Professional Max and extra.

Must you purchase the Xiaomi 17 Extremely?

Each era, I appear to take pleasure in Xiaomi’s Extremely effort for various causes, however I’m glad the agency isn’t, like some rivals, simply pumping out the identical system yr after yr.

For the 17 Extremely, the main change is a extra acquainted phone-style design, with flat sides and a fibreglass again, moderately than the camera- type with vegan leather-based again. I’d wish to see each out there as choices, as per final yr, however the Starlit Inexperienced mannequin I’ve seems to be good and isn’t merely orange as a result of an iPhone is.

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So long as you just like the design right here, the 17 Extremely ticks all of the bins you’d anticipate for a top-tier flagship: it has a blinding display, silky easy efficiency, the newest wi-fi elements, extras like an IR blaster you don’t discover elsewhere, and among the best digital camera programs in any cellphone proper now. And that’s with out factoring within the non-compulsory images kits, which, in comparison with the likes of Samsung and Google, continues to be its secret weapon.

Xiaomi has even saved the value the identical as its predecessor, the 15 Extremely, which bucks the 2026 development. Even so, in case your coronary heart isn’t set on an virtually 7-inch cellphone with DSLR-like cameras, you may get related efficiency for lots much less cash – the common Xiaomi 17 being a major instance.

These wanting all of the extras received’t be disenchanted with the Xiaomi 17 Extremely, although.

Specs

• Android 16 w/ HyperOS 3.0
• 6.9-inch Xiaomi HyperRGB OLED show, 1-120Hz show, 300Hz contact sampling, Dolby Imaginative and prescient, HDR10+
• In-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor
• Xiaomi Protect 3.0 glass entrance
• Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
• 16GB RAM LPDDR5X
• 512GB/1TB UFS 4.1 non-expandable storage
• 50Mp, f/1.67 predominant digital camera with OIS
• 50Mp, f/2.2 ultrawide digital camera
• 200Mp, f/2.39-2.96 periscope telephoto, 3.2-4.3x with OIS
• 50Mp, f/2.2 front-facing digital camera
• Twin audio system with Dolby Atmos
• Hello-Res & Hello-Res Audio Wi-fi certification
• 5G
• WiFi 7
• Bluetooth 6.0
• USB-C port
• IR blaster
• NFC
• Twin-SIM (inc eSIM)
• 6000mAh battery
• 90W quick charging
• 50W wi-fi charging
• Reverse wi-fi charging
• IP68
• 162.9 x 77.6 x 8.29mm
• 218.4g (Black and White) / 219g (Starlit Inexperienced)
• Launch colors: Black, White, Starlit Inexperienced