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The Xiaomi 17 Series Debuts: The Ultra Model Takes Mobile Photography to New Heights
February has been a dynamic month for tech enthusiasts, bringing the launch of Xiaomi’s latest flagship smartphone lineup: the Xiaomi 17 series. Following closely on the heels of other major releases, this new family of devices, particularly the photography-focused Ultra model, is set to make a significant impact. This article delves into what the most advanced models from the Chinese manufacturer offer and their anticipated pricing.
Xiaomi 17: Compact Yet Powerful
Xiaomi has once again demonstrated its prowess in engineering by packing top-tier specifications into a remarkably compact design with the Xiaomi 17. Despite its small form factor, it houses the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, ensuring a smooth and responsive user experience.
- Dimensions & Weight: Measuring 151.1 mm x 71.8 mm x 8.06 mm and weighing a mere 191 grams, the Xiaomi 17 is designed for comfortable one-handed use.
- Display: The device features a vibrant 6.3-inch CystalRes OLED display with a resolution of 2656 × 1220 pixels. This panel boasts a dynamic refresh rate ranging from 1-120 Hz, offering fluid visuals, and reaches an impressive peak brightness of 3500 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright sunlight.
Advanced Camera System Co-Engineered with Leica
The Xiaomi 17’s distinct camera island proudly displays the Leica logo, signifying a collaboration that brings professional-grade photography to your pocket. Users will benefit from a versatile triple-camera setup:
- Main Camera: A 50 MP sensor with a wide f/1.67 aperture for stunning detail and low-light performance.
- Ultra-Wide Angle: A 50 MP ultra-wide lens with an f/2.4 aperture, perfect for expansive landscapes and group shots.
- Telephoto Lens: A 50 MP 60mm telephoto lens with an f/2.0 aperture, ideal for portraits and zooming in on distant subjects.
Performance and Battery Life
Under the hood, the Xiaomi 17 is equipped to handle demanding tasks and applications:
- Storage & RAM: Users won’t need to worry about space, as the Xiaomi 17 comes with either 256 GB or 512 GB of internal storage. Both variants are paired with 12 GB of LPDDR5X RAM for seamless multitasking.
- Battery: A robust 6330 mAh battery powers the device, supported by incredibly fast charging capabilities: up to 100 watts via wired connection and up to 50 watts wirelessly.
- Software: The smartphone runs on Android 16, overlaid with Xiaomi’s custom user interface, HyperOS 3, offering a refined and feature-rich experience.
Availability and Pricing
The Xiaomi 17 will be available in four stylish color options: black, blue, pink, and green. The recommended price for the base 12 GB RAM / 256 GB storage version is approximately $1050 USD. The more spacious 512 GB variant will be priced around $1175 USD.
As a launch offer, valid until March 31, customers purchasing a Xiaomi 17 will receive a Xiaomi Pad 8 (8 GB RAM / 128 GB storage) for just an additional $1 USD.
Xiaomi 17 Ultra: Celebrating 5 Years of Collaboration with Leica
The most advanced model in the lineup is undoubtedly the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, which also commemorates five years of partnership with Leica. This smartphone stands out with its enormous camera island, yet it remains the slimmest device among the manufacturer’s top-tier series, measuring 8.29 mm thick and weighing just under 219 grams.
The device is offered in black, white, and a distinctive green color option. Its construction and materials are undeniably flagship-grade, though users should be mindful of the prominent and protruding camera module.
Unparalleled Photography with a 200 MP Telephoto Lens
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra takes mobile photography to an unprecedented level:
- Main Camera: It features an identical 50 MP main camera (f/1.67) to the standard Xiaomi 17.
- Ultra-Wide Angle: The 50 MP ultra-wide-angle lens offers a wider f/2.2 aperture, enhancing low-light capture and depth.
- Revolutionary Telephoto: The standout feature is a 200 MP telephoto lens with a variable focal length ranging from 75-100 mm, allowing for incredible detail and flexibility in zoom shots. The specifications are impressive, and the photographic results are expected to be exceptional.
Immersive Display and Enhanced Performance
The larger chassis of the Ultra model accommodates an even more impressive display and greater memory:
- Display: A sprawling 6.9-inch Xiaomi HyperRGB OLED panel operates at a high resolution of 2608 × 1200 pixels. Other parameters, such as the refresh rate and maximum brightness, are identical to those of the standard Xiaomi 17.
- Processor & Memory: Powering the performance is the excellent Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. The Ultra model comes with more memory, starting with 512 GB of storage and 16 GB of RAM. A more capacious model offers a substantial 1 TB of storage.
- Battery & Charging: Curiously, the Ultra features a slightly smaller 6000 mAh battery compared to its sibling. While still a respectable capacity, it might result in shorter battery life than some competitors like OnePlus or OPPO. Wired charging is capped at 90 watts, while wireless power replenishment reaches up to 50 watts.
Availability and Pricing
The base version of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, with 16 GB RAM / 512 GB storage, starts at approximately $1625 USD. The top-tier model, featuring 1 TB of storage, is priced around $1750 USD.
As part of a promotional offer valid until March 14, customers can add either a Xiaomi Scooter 5 Max or a Xiaomi Pad 8 (8 GB RAM / 128 GB storage) to their cart for just an additional $1 USD.
Limited Edition Leitzphone Powered by Xiaomi: A Centennial Celebration
Beyond the standard and Ultra models, Xiaomi has prepared an even more exclusive offering: the Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi. This limited-edition variant of the Ultra model was released to commemorate Leica’s centenary, making it a true collector’s item.
The most significant differentiator is its unique construction. The smartphone boasts an aluminum chassis with a nickel-anodized finish and distinctive notches along its sides, providing a tactile and premium feel.
While the Leica Leitzphone is equipped with identical camera sensors to the Ultra, the camera island itself is distinct. On the exterior, the manufacturer has incorporated a rotating Leica Camera Ring. The camera application also includes an exclusive Leica Essential photography mode, designed to replicate the classic photographic styles found in iconic Leica cameras such as the M9 and M3.
This exclusive device is priced at a staggering approximately $2250 USD.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the key differences between the Xiaomi 17 and Xiaomi 17 Ultra?
The Xiaomi 17 is a compact flagship with a 6.3-inch display and a triple 50 MP camera setup, including a 60mm telephoto. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is larger with a 6.9-inch display, a more advanced camera system featuring a 200 MP variable focal length telephoto lens, and more RAM/storage options. The Ultra also has a slightly smaller battery but faster wired charging.
What makes the Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi special?
The Leica Leitzphone is a limited-edition version of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, celebrating Leica’s centenary. It features a unique aluminum body with a nickel-anodized finish, a rotating Leica Camera Ring on its camera module, and an exclusive Leica Essential photography mode that emulates classic Leica camera styles.
What kind of processor powers the Xiaomi 17 series?
Both the Xiaomi 17 and Xiaomi 17 Ultra are powered by the high-performance Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, ensuring top-tier speed and efficiency for all tasks.
Source: Xiaomi
Opening photo: Gemini
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