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Xiaomi 17 Ultra set to launch in China this week with upgraded chip and battery

An earlier launch could give Xiaomi an advantage in the premium Android race heading into 2026.

by Ejiro Onose

Updated December 22, 2025

Xiaomi has hinted that the Xiaomi 17 Ultra will launch in China on the 25th of December, with a global debut planned for Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026 in March. Alongside the launch date, the company revealed a new Starry Green color option and a redesigned circular camera module, part of what Xiaomi describes as its ceramic-focused “Isle of the Dragon” design direction.

From what we know so far, the device is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, placing it firmly in the same performance tier as upcoming flagship rivals like the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. The processor upgrade is expected to support more advanced on-device AI features and sustained high-end performance.

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is also expected to feature a 6.82-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a pixel density of 515ppi. The panel is said to use improved super-pixel technology to deliver a resolution above 2K while reducing power consumption. An ultrasonic under-display fingerprint scanner is also included.

Photography remains a central focus. Xiaomi continues its partnership with Leica, equipping the 17 Ultra with a 1-inch Omnivision OV50X main sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide camera, and a 200MP periscope telephoto lens offering 5x optical zoom. The camera system has reportedly been tuned for improved low-light performance and high dynamic range, particularly when shooting at longer focal lengths.

Despite a thickness of just 8.29mm, the phone is expected to include a 7,000mAh battery. Charging support reportedly includes 100W wired and 80W wireless charging, a combination that exceeds what most current flagship phones offer.

Report from Gizmochina suggest the Xiaomi 17 Ultra will start at 6,599 yuan (~$920), reflecting rising component costs at the high end of the smartphone market. While the device will be available to Chinese buyers from December 25, international availability is expected to follow in the first quarter of 2026.