{"id":3967,"date":"2026-02-28T17:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-28T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.senses.se\/en\/review-xiaomi-17-ultra-3\/"},"modified":"2026-03-21T18:16:23","modified_gmt":"2026-03-21T17:16:23","slug":"review-xiaomi-17-ultra-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.senses.se\/en\/review-xiaomi-17-ultra-3\/","title":{"rendered":"Review: Xiaomi 17 Ultra"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Ever since we tested the Xiaomi 14 Ultra<\/a><\/strong>, the initial feeling was that the line between a real camera and a mobile camera was starting to blur. Xiaomi followed up with the Xiaomi 15 Ultra<\/a><\/strong>, where the technology was further improved and refined. It is now time to evaluate the next successor, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra <\/strong>(Xiaomi skipped number 16). Has the technology evolved even further, or is it merely a matter of more pixels and newer software? One detail that was pleasant from the start was that digital enhancement could take a back seat (though we shouldn’t kid ourselves, plenty of digital processing goes into every image) in favor of actual hardware expansion. With the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, for instance, we were impressed by the mechanical aperture. So, it is with great interest that we dive in to look at the details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A first impression \u2013 Xiaomi 17 Ultra<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Xiaomi 17 Ultra
\n(Photo: senses.se)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

From the start, we are pleased that Xiaomi continues to make the Ultra series look a bit special in terms of design. The unit we tested came in the color Starlit Green. However, the previous flirtation with a traditional camera aesthetic has disappeared, replaced by a somewhat busy badge emphasizing that it is an Ultra model. It has also become slightly wider, and while it’s a matter of habit, the original felt a bit more compact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This time, we didn’t get to try the accompanying Photography Kit<\/a><\/strong>, which was actually a good addition and not just a gimmick. Handling became easier, and the extra battery made it perfect for occasions when you knew you’d be taking a lot of photos. Like at a wedding. But it is available for those who feel the need. The box included a transparent case along with a charging cable. You’ll have to buy the wall plug yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Xiaomi 17 Ultra
\n(Photo: senses.se)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A good physical improvement is the buttons. Instead of joined +\/- buttons and a separate power button, as on both the Xiaomi 14 and 15, all three are now separated. They are sleek, easy to find, and also easier to press. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra has also become a notch tougher, maintaining an IP68 rating but now claimed to withstand being dropped in water to a depth of 6 meters instead of 1.5 meters. You still have to find it within half an hour, though.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Screen<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned, the screen has increased from 6.73 inches to 6.9 inches, but the resolution has been lowered to 1200 x 2608 pixels (approximately 416 ppi). Both previous versions had a resolution of 1440 x 3200 (approximately 522 ppi), so there is a difference, even if it is hard to tell with the naked eye. However, it has received a faster refresh rate of 1-120Hz LTPO (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) and has become brighter with a peak value of 3,500 nits. Just like its predecessors, the screen is slightly curved upwards, which gives a sleek impression, though with the downside that it’s easy to accidentally launch apps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Power Supply and Audio<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra has been equipped with a larger battery than its predecessors\u2014a 6,000 mAh battery. You can still fast-charge the phone at 90W, which in many cases, especially in the morning, can be a real lifesaver. However, if you have invested in Xiaomi’s substantial charger with a capacity of up to 80W wireless charging, you won’t be able to utilize it fully. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra only handles up to 50W wirelessly, unlike its predecessors which managed 80W. But it is a large battery, and combined with the fast charging, battery capacity is not something you’ll worry about. Sound-wise, all relevant codecs are in place, and the Xiaomi 17 Ultra naturally supports 24-bit\/192kHz. The ingenious share audio<\/em> feature is present\u2014something we were very excited about as far back as the Xiaomi 14 Ultra and which is also found on Xiaomi’s tablets\u2014allowing you to share audio to two pairs of headphones simultaneously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Operating System and Performance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra runs Android 16 at its core, layered with its HyperOS 3. Under the hood is the Snapdragon\u00ae 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform, which includes the 3rd generation Qualcomm Oryon\u2122 CPU, Qualcomm\u00ae Adreno\u2122 GPU, and Qualcomm\u00ae Hexagon\u2122 NPU.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Xiaomi 17 Ultra
\n(Photo: senses.se)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Camera \u2013 Xiaomi 17 Ultra<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Initially, we must marvel at how Xiaomi, together with Leica, has taken another step in camera development. With the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, you only get three cameras\u2014one fewer than in previous versions. But the addition is truly interesting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mobile Camera Challenges<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One major issue with mobile phone cameras is, first and foremost, the limited ability to take in light. When compared to a DSLR lens, this becomes extremely clear. But with the help of HDR\u2014where the phone takes a series of images, utilizes all cameras, and finally merges them\u2014much of this is compensated for. The images we see on our phones are, in many ways, “based on a true story.” The second problem is depth. A DSLR lens has virtually no limitations (as long as you’re willing to carry it), but a flat mobile phone does.<\/p>\n\n\n\n