Xiaomi 17 Ultra: The Photo Flagship Will Have The Largest Sensor On The Market
Rumors are gaining momentum around the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, which is expected to launch in China before the end of the year. According to several leaks, this model will top the 17 series — already introduced by the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max — with a strong focus on photography.
According to recent information from famous leaker Digital Chat Station (DCS), the Xiaomi 17 Ultra could revolutionize mobile photography with the introduction of the largest camera sensor ever integrated into a smartphone.
Strong Foundations Inherited From The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max
According to the source, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra will share many elements with the 17 Pro Max, including:
- 6.9-inch 2K OLED display with 120 Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ compatibility,
- In-screen ultrasonic fingerprint sensor,
- High-fidelity stereo speakers,
- Premium linear motor for vibrations,
- Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, ensuring high-end performance.
In other words, Xiaomi retains the best features of its current flagship… to focus more on what will make all the difference: photography.
Unprecedented Camera Module
It is in the camera module that the Xiaomi 17 Ultra will make a radical departure. The smartphone will adopt a large circular block, similar to the Xiaomi 13 Ultra and Xiaomi 15 Ultra, but even more imposing and sophisticated.
According to DCS, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra will be equipped with the largest camera sensor ever seen on a smartphone, surpassing those from Sony and Samsung currently used in competing models. This 50-megapixel sensor will introduce a new generation of “in-sensor” optical zoom, allowing for lossless cropping between focal lengths, ensuring a smooth transition between wide-angle and telephoto.
A New Periscope Telephoto Lens Exclusive To Xiaomi
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra will also include a new periscope technology developed in-house by Xiaomi, offering a lossless zoom range, improved image quality at long distances, and unprecedented macro capabilities for the telephoto lens.
This combination would make the Xiaomi 17 Ultra one of the most versatile smartphones ever designed for photography, potentially outperforming the Galaxy S26 Ultra and Vivo X300 Pro.
Two Variants With Satellite Connectivity
As previously mentioned, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra will be available in two versions:
- Standard version: with UWB (Ultra-Wideband) for enhanced geolocation and connectivity.
- Premium version: featuring Tiantong satellite calling and Beidou messaging, allowing communication even without a mobile network — a rare function reserved for the highest-end models.
The smartphone will feature a luxurious design, dominated by the gigantic circular module. According to leaks, the expected colors include black, white, purple, and a new premium gold edition, a hallmark of the “Ultra” model.
With this setup, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra promises to surpass the photographic performance of the best current smartphones, push the boundaries of computational photography, and reinforce Xiaomi’s position as a major player in mobile imaging.
Expected Launch And Estimated Price
The announcement is anticipated for late 2025 in China, with a starting price of 6,000 yuan (~730 euros) for the base version. The global rollout is planned for the first quarter of 2026. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is shaping up to be a true technological showcase, a smartphone designed to redefine mobile photography.
If the rumors prove true, Xiaomi could very well dethrone Samsung and Apple in the realm of high-end imaging — marking a historic turning point for the “Ultra” line.
