The Xiaomi 17 Ultra: A Camera Powerhouse
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra has some impressive add-ons that make snapping photos really fun, with a big camera bump that houses a versatile set of sensors, and a partnership with the storied German camera maker Leica to supply software-level changes and sensibilities to how scenes are shot.
Camera Options Galore
The camera has tons of options to choose from, ranging from different focal lengths on the hardware side to various filters and settings to change how the final image looks. Xiaomi has also released external add-ons that snap on like a cover to the camera, as well as a USB-based accessory that provides hardware buttons to shoot video or photos.
Hardware Description
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra uses Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processors, which will be the choice of flagships this year. On the front, there is a 6.9-inch AMOLED screen with 1200 x 2608 pixels resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. The screen is quite bright at a peak brightness of 3,500 nits, making it handy in operating the phone in bright conditions and also making for a good video-watching experience.
Battery Life
The 6,000 mAh battery is possibly one of the best outcomes of the Silicon/Carbon-Ion tech Xiaomi is using. Given the sheer size of the battery, it can last you a couple of days of light to medium usage, and also has good standby time. While the battery is big, the phone is still lighter than the iPhone Pro Max, so that is also a win for the company's engineering team.
Camera Add-Ons
The company's two add-ons are called The 17 Ultra Photography Kit and The 17 Ultra Photography Kit Pro. The base version acts like a cover and snaps to the phone directly. It connects to the phone through Bluetooth, has a two-stage shutter button (for autofocus and capturing shots), and a video recording button. The case uses contact charging for its battery.
Conclusion
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra will face competition in the global market from upcoming devices such as the Vivo X300 Ultra, which also has a swanky photography kit including a 2.35x telephoto extender, and the Oppo Find X9. But because of the earlier launch of its phone, Xiaomi might enjoy this momentum. The phone packs a punch if you are okay with a big camera housing on the back.
Pricing
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra starts at €1,499 in Europe. The Photography Kit is priced at €99.99, and the Photography Kit Pro is priced at €199.99.