Xiaomi 17 Ultra goes global with 200MP 75-100mm camera, Xiaomi 17 joins it with a 6,330mAh battery

Xiaomi is finally bringing its 17 series to global markets, ending the exclusivity that kept these impressive flagship phones confined to China since their launch in late 2025. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra and Xiaomi 17 are now available internationally, though with some notable changes from their Chinese counterparts.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra: Camera Innovation Takes Center Stage

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is the star of the show, bringing serious camera hardware that pushes mobile photography boundaries. At its core is a 50MP 1-inch Light Fusion 1050L sensor with LOFIC HDR technology, delivering exceptional image quality in various lighting conditions. But the real headline feature is the 200MP telephoto camera with a variable focal length lens that smoothly transitions between 75mm and 100mm. This innovative approach gives photographers more compositional flexibility without switching lenses.

The rear camera setup is completed by a 50MP 115° ultra-wide lens and a 50MP front-facing camera for selfies. Video capabilities are equally impressive, with support for Dolby Vision and Log recording at up to 4K 120fps, making this phone a serious tool for content creators.

Physically, the 17 Ultra is thinner than its predecessor at 8.3mm (down from 9.4mm), and features a larger 6.9-inch LTPO display with a unique HyperRGB panel that uses full RGB stripe technology. The resolution is technically lower at 1,200 x 2,608px compared to the previous 1,440 x 3,200px, but the HyperRGB technology ensures excellent color reproduction and clarity.

Xiaomi Shield Glass 3.0 provides 30% more drop resistance than the previous generation, addressing durability concerns. The phone comes in three finishes: Starlit Green with mineral flecks, and Black and White options using composite fiberglass material.

For photography enthusiasts, Xiaomi offers two dedicated camera grips. The standard Photography Kit weighs just 48g and includes a customizable two-stage shutter button and video recording button. The Pro version takes inspiration from Leica cameras, featuring grippy PU leather, thumb support, a detachable shutter button, and a 2,000mAh battery to extend shooting time.

Xiaomi 17: Compact Powerhouse with Exceptional Battery Life

The Xiaomi 17 caters to users who prefer more compact devices without sacrificing performance. It's powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and features a 6.3-inch 1-120Hz LTPO display, making it significantly more pocketable than the Ultra model.

Where the 17 truly shines is its battery capacity. The global model packs a massive 6,330mAh battery, larger than many tablets and easily outlasting most flagship smartphones. This is even bigger than the 17 Ultra's 6,000mAh battery in the global version. Both phones support 100W wired charging (with PPS compatibility), 50W wireless charging, and 22.5W reverse wired charging.

The camera system differs from the Ultra, featuring a 50MP Light Fusion 950 main sensor (1/1.31-inch), a 2.6x/60mm 50MP telephoto with floating lens for macro shots as close as 10cm, a 50MP 102° ultra-wide, and a 50MP selfie camera. Notably absent is the rear display found on the Chinese 17 Pro model, which also featured a longer 5x/115mm telephoto lens.

The 17 has a 6M42 aluminum frame with Xiaomi Shield glass on the front and matte glass on the back. Color options include Ice Blue, Alpine Pink, Black, and the new Venture Green.

Pricing and Availability

Global pricing positions these phones competitively in the premium segment. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra starts at €1,499/£1,299 for the 16GB/512GB base configuration, with a 1TB storage option available. The Xiaomi 17 begins at €999/£899 for the 12GB/256GB model, with a 12GB/512GB variant also offered.

Xiaomi is also launching dedicated photography kits for the 17 Ultra, priced at $199 for the standard version (available in Black, White, and Purple) and €199 for the Pro variant (Black only).

What's Missing: The 17 Pro Dilemma

One notable omission from the global launch is the 17 Pro model, which was available in China. This decision has disappointed some fans, particularly given that the 17 Pro featured a unique rear display and longer telephoto lens that aren't available in any global variant.

Additionally, both global models have reduced battery capacities compared to their Chinese counterparts (6,000mAh vs 6,800mAh for the Ultra, and 6,330mAh vs 7,000mAh for the 17), likely due to different regulatory requirements or component availability in international markets.

Ecosystem Expansion

Alongside the 17 series, Xiaomi is launching several other products globally including the Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro, Watch S5, Redmi Buds 8 Pro, and Xiaomi Tag. These additions strengthen Xiaomi's ecosystem play, offering users a more integrated experience across devices.

The global launch of the 17 series represents Xiaomi's renewed commitment to international markets after focusing heavily on its domestic Chinese business in recent years. With competitive pricing, innovative camera technology, and impressive battery life, these phones could help Xiaomi regain momentum in the premium smartphone segment outside of China.

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra and 17 are now available through various retailers, with pricing and availability varying by region. For photography enthusiasts and power users seeking alternatives to Samsung and Apple's offerings, these devices present compelling options with their unique feature combinations and competitive pricing.