After two weeks of using the Xiaomi 17 Ultra as my primary phone, I found it to be a significant upgrade that makes competitors like the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra feel obsolete. The experience was largely positive, with only minor software quirks, such as an app crashing issue that was easily resolved.
Xiaomi's software, based on Android 16, has shown marked improvement in reliability, addressing long-standing issues with memory and notifications. While the notification system could still learn from rivals like ColorOS, the overall software experience is now solid and user-friendly.
The hardware is where the Xiaomi 17 Ultra truly excels. Its camera system, developed in collaboration with Leica, is extraordinary. It features a 50MP main sensor, a groundbreaking 200MP telephoto lens with continuous optical zoom (3.2x to 4.3x), and a 50MP ultra-wide lens. The phone delivers stunning, true-to-life photos in almost any condition, excels in portrait mode, and captures excellent 4K60 Dolby Vision video.
The design is also a step forward, with a comfortable flat profile, exquisite green satin finish, and an IP68 rating. The 6.9-inch AMOLED display is vibrant and bright, perfect for media and gaming. Performance is top-tier with the latest chipset, 16GB of RAM, and a 6,000mAh battery that easily lasts a full day, supported by 90W fast charging.
While the global model misses the Chinese variant's larger battery and a dedicated mechanical zoom model, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra stands as one of 2026's best camera phones. It matches or surpasses key rivals like the Vivo X300 Pro and OPPO Find X9 Pro in technical prowess, making it a flagship that truly deserves your attention.