Xiaomi 17 Ultra certified: the flagship will have satellite messaging and a 200-megapixel zoom
Xiaomi is gearing up to launch its Xiaomi 17 Ultra, a model that promises to be one of the most ambitious smartphones of 2026. According to a recent leak posted on Weibo by the well-known leaker Digital Chat Station (DCS), the device has just received certification in China — a clear indication that its official announcement is imminent.
Xiaomi 17 Ultra: Two Versions Are Planned
According to DCS, two variants of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra have been registered with Chinese authorities, bearing model numbers 2512BPNDAC and 25128PNA1C. Both versions share Ultra-Wideband (UWB) compatibility, but the higher-end model will also offer:
- Tiantong satellite calls,
- Short messaging via Beidou.
These features will allow users to make calls or send messages even without a mobile network, a valuable advantage for hikers, adventurers, or professionals in remote areas (deserts, seas, mountains).
According to details from several leaks, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is expected to feature a 6.8-inch flat OLED display with a 2K resolution and a refresh rate of 120 Hz, powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, a Xiaomi Jinsha River battery with high capacity, and support for wireless charging along with an IP68 rating (water and dust resistant).
In terms of connectivity, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra will utilize 5G, Wi-Fi 7, UWB, and satellite connectivity for the premium version. It is rumored to come in three colors: black, white, and purple, starting at 6,000 yuan (~ €790).
A Spectacular Camera Section
This is where Xiaomi aims to make a significant impact. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra boasts a massive circular camera module, featuring:
- A main 50-megapixel sensor, larger than that of the 14 Ultra, with in-sensor zoom capabilities,
- A 200-megapixel periscope telephoto lens, offering multiple focal lengths, extended optical zoom, and macro photography,
- Enhanced dynamic range and sharpness through new image processing.
In summary, Xiaomi is looking to push the boundaries of mobile photography, with a hybrid zoom that could surpass that of the Galaxy S26 Ultra or the Vivo X300 Pro.
Performance and Innovations
The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor (built on a 3 nm process) promises performance comparable to that of a compact laptop, with integrated AI for photography and energy optimization. The Jinsha River battery, introduced in previous models, would offer higher energy density while keeping the phone slim and lightweight.
Moreover, support for Ultra-Wideband (UWB) facilitates better communication between connected devices — like trackers, watches, or compatible cars.
Launch Date and Availability
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is expected to be unveiled before the Chinese New Year, likely between January and February 2026. A global release could follow a few weeks later, as was the case with the 14 Ultra.
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is shaping up to be an ultra-premium smartphone that combines raw power, satellite innovations, and photographic prowess. If all these features are confirmed, it could very well become the most advanced Android model of 2026 — capable of competing with the Galaxy S26 Ultra in photography and the Pixel 10 Pro Fold in AI capabilities.
