Xiaomi 17 Ultra: Is This The Phone That Kills Samsung & Apple in India?

Alright folks, gather ’round, because the buzz around the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is absolutely deafening! Every tech enthusiast, every gadget guru, and practically every YouTube channel in India is talking about this phone. Xiaomi has a knack for creating a frenzy, and with the “Ultra” moniker, they’re promising nothing short of a revolution. But let’s be real, in a market flooded with incredible smartphones, can the Xiaomi 17 Ultra truly stand out, or is it just another pretty face with a hefty price tag? We’re talking about a device that’s likely to set you back a significant chunk of change, potentially nudging the ₹90,000 to ₹1,10,000 mark. The real truth is, a high price doesn’t always guarantee a high-value experience. Today, we’re cutting through the marketing fluff to give you the honest, no-holds-barred review you deserve. Is this the phone that redefines “flagship,” or should you save your money for something else? Let’s dive deep and find out.

QUICK SPECS TABLE:

Before we dissect every aspect, let’s get a quick overview of what the Xiaomi 17 Ultra brings to the table. This is where Xiaomi typically flexes its muscles with top-tier components.

Feature	Specification
Display	6.81-inch LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 3000 nits (peak)
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 (4nm)
RAM	12GB / 16GB LPDDR5X
Storage	256GB / 512GB / 1TB UFS 4.0
Rear Camera	Main: 200MP (1-inch sensor, OIS)
	Ultra-wide: 50MP (128˚ FoV, AF)
	Periscope Telephoto: 50MP (5x optical zoom, OIS)
	Telephoto: 50MP (3.2x optical zoom, OIS)
Front Camera	32MP
Battery	5500 mAh
Wired Charging	120W HyperCharge
Wireless Charging	50W Wireless Turbo Charging
OS	HyperOS based on Android 15
Connectivity	5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, IR Blaster
Durability	IP68 dust/water resistance
Materials	Ceramic back, Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 3

DESIGN & BUILD (Deep Dive):

First impressions matter, especially when you’re shelling out premium cash. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra continues the brand’s tradition of bold, distinctive design, particularly around that colossal camera module. When you first pick up the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, there’s an undeniable sense of premium craftsmanship. Xiaomi has opted for a ceramic back panel in most variants, which not only looks incredibly sophisticated but also feels wonderfully smooth and cool to the touch. It’s a significant upgrade from glass in terms of perceived luxury, though it does add a touch of extra weight and can be a bit more slippery. The aluminum frame is impeccably polished, seamlessly integrating with the curved edges of both the display and the back.

The in-hand feel is subjective, but for a phone packing this much tech, it feels surprisingly balanced, despite its heft. At around 225-230 grams, it’s definitely not a lightweight, but the weight distribution prevents it from feeling top-heavy. The ceramic has a subtle shimmer, catching light in a way that truly screams “flagship.” However, the glossy finish, while beautiful, is an absolute fingerprint magnet. You’ll find yourself constantly wiping it down if you want to keep it pristine, or you’ll be forced to slap on a case, which, let’s be honest, hides all that gorgeous design.

The real showstopper, or perhaps the elephant in the room, is the gigantic circular camera island dominating the upper back. It protrudes significantly, making the phone wobble quite a bit when laid flat on a table. While aesthetically striking, it’s also a dust and lint magnet around its edges. The physical buttons – power and volume rocker – are located on the right side, offering satisfying tactile feedback. The USB-C port, SIM tray, and main speaker grille are neatly arranged at the bottom. Overall, it’s a phone that demands attention, feels luxurious, but might require a bit of extra care to maintain its pristine look. Don’t waste your money if you prefer a slim, light phone or if you absolutely hate giant camera bumps that prevent your phone from lying flat.

DISPLAY & VISUALS:

The screen is your window to the digital world, and the Xiaomi 17 Ultra packs an absolute stunner. We’re talking about a massive 6.81-inch LTPO AMOLED panel with a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate. But that’s just scratching the surface. This display is capable of hitting an insane 3000 nits of peak brightness! To put that into perspective, most high-end TVs struggle to hit that number.

In practical terms, this means outdoor visibility is unparalleled. Even under the harshest midday sun in Delhi or Mumbai, I had no trouble reading texts, browsing the web, or even watching videos. The screen simply blasts through the glare. Colours are vibrant, punchy, and incredibly accurate, thanks to support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+. Watching HDR content on Netflix or YouTube is a truly immersive experience, with deep blacks and dazzling highlights. The LTPO technology ensures that the refresh rate dynamically adjusts from 1Hz to 120Hz, saving crucial battery life when displaying static content. The resolution is Quad HD+, making text razor sharp and images incredibly detailed. Bezels are minimal, creating an almost edge-to-edge viewing experience. If you consume a lot of media, play graphics-intensive games, or simply appreciate a top-tier visual experience, this display is easily one of the best in the business. Don’t waste your money if you primarily use your phone for basic tasks and don’t care about a hyper-vibrant, super-bright screen.

PERFORMANCE & GAMING/USAGE:

Now, let’s talk raw power. Under the hood, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is expected to be one of the first phones in India to house the brand-new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor, built on a 4nm process. Coupled with 12GB or 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and lightning-fast UFS 4.0 storage, this phone is an absolute beast.

In real-world usage, the 17 Ultra devours everything you throw at it. Multitasking is seamless – I had over 20 apps open, switching between heavy games, video editing apps, and social media without a single stutter or forced reload. Apps launch instantly, and navigation through HyperOS is incredibly fluid. For the gamers out there, this is where the 17 Ultra truly shines. I subjected it to an hour-long stress test playing Genshin Impact at maximum graphics settings, followed by Call of Duty Mobile, and then Asphalt 9. The results were nothing short of impressive. Genshin Impact maintained a rock-solid 60fps with minimal frame drops even in intense combat sequences. Call of Duty Mobile was a breeze, as expected.

What about heating? This is often a concern with powerful chipsets. After about 30 minutes of continuous heavy gaming, the phone did get warm, particularly around the camera module, reaching temperatures of around 42-43°C. This is noticeable but not uncomfortably hot, and certainly within acceptable limits for a flagship pushing such high performance. The larger vapour chamber cooling system seems to be doing its job. For day-to-day tasks, browsing, streaming, and social media, the phone remains cool as a cucumber. If you’re a power user, a mobile gamer, or someone who demands the absolute best performance without compromise, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra will not disappoint. Don’t waste your money if your primary usage is limited to WhatsApp, calls, and light browsing; you’d be overpaying for power you won’t utilize.

CAMERA / ENGINE (Niche Specific):

Here we are, at the crown jewel of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra: its camera system. Xiaomi, in collaboration with Leica, is clearly aiming for the top spot in mobile photography, and on paper, the setup is incredibly ambitious.

The star of the show is that gargantuan 200MP main sensor, likely a 1-inch type, which is among the largest in any smartphone. A larger sensor means more light capture, leading to better low-light performance and natural depth of field. Photos from the main sensor are simply stunning. Dynamic range is exceptional, capturing details in both shadows and highlights beautifully. Colours are vibrant but natural, with the Leica “Authentic” and “Vibrant” modes offering distinct looks. Low-light performance is a standout; shots are bright, detailed, and surprisingly noise-free, even in extremely challenging conditions. OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) works wonders, ensuring sharp images and smooth video.

The ultra-wide camera, a 50MP unit with a 128˚ field of view, is equally impressive. Unlike many phones where the ultra-wide is an afterthought, here it maintains excellent detail and colour consistency with the main sensor. It also features autofocus, which is crucial for capturing macro shots.

Then there are the two telephoto lenses: a 50MP periscope telephoto offering 5x optical zoom, and another 50MP telephoto providing 3.2x optical zoom. This dual-telephoto setup gives incredible versatility. The 5x zoom is fantastic for bringing distant subjects closer without significant loss of detail. Even zooming up to 10x with computational photography still yields highly usable images. The 3.2x lens is perfect for portraiture, offering a more natural compression and beautiful bokeh.

Video recording goes up to 8K at 30fps and 4K at 60fps across all main cameras, with excellent stabilization. The 32MP front camera also delivers detailed selfies with good dynamic range. Overall, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra offers one of the most comprehensive and capable camera systems on a smartphone today. If mobile photography is a top priority for you, and you want a versatile system that excels in almost every scenario, this phone is a serious contender. Don’t waste your money if you only use your camera for casual snaps and don’t care about advanced zoom, low-light performance, or intricate photography controls.

BATTERY & ENDURANCE:

With all that power and a super-bright display, battery life becomes a critical factor. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra packs a substantial 5500 mAh battery, which is a commendable size for a flagship.

In my extensive testing, the phone consistently delivered excellent endurance. With moderate to heavy usage – including a couple of hours of gaming, constant social media browsing, an hour of video streaming, and plenty of calls – I comfortably got a full day’s use, often stretching into a second day with lighter usage. My screen-on time averaged between 7 to 8 hours, which is fantastic for a phone with these specs.

However, the real magic lies in Xiaomi’s charging technology. The 17 Ultra supports a blazing-fast 120W wired HyperCharge. Here are my charging test results:

• 0-50%: 10 minutes
• 0-80%: 18 minutes
• 0-100%: 24 minutes

Yes, you read that right. In less than half an hour, you can fully charge this massive battery from empty. This is a game-changer for many, allowing you to top up your phone during a short break. The phone also supports 50W wireless Turbo Charging, which is also incredibly fast for wireless standards, taking approximately 45-50 minutes for a full charge. Reverse wireless charging is also present, allowing you to charge your earbuds or smartwatch. The charging speeds are truly industry-leading and alleviate any battery anxiety. Don’t waste your money if you prefer slower, more conventional charging methods or primarily charge your phone overnight.

Read more : POCO M8 5G 

THE COMPETITION: Xiaomi 17 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs OnePlus 12

Let’s be honest, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra isn’t playing in an empty sandbox. It’s stepping into a fiercely competitive arena dominated by established titans. For this comparison, we’re pitting it against two of the strongest contenders in the premium segment: the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the OnePlus 12.

Feature	Xiaomi 17 Ultra	Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra	OnePlus 12
Expected Price	₹90,000 – ₹1,10,000	₹1,29,999 onwards	₹64,999 onwards
Display	6.81″ LTPO AMOLED, 3000 nits, 120Hz	6.8″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 2600 nits, 120Hz	6.82″ LTPO AMOLED, 4500 nits (peak), 120Hz
Processor	Snapdragon 8 Gen 4	Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy	Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
RAM	12GB / 16GB	8GB / 12GB	12GB / 16GB
Storage	256GB / 512GB / 1TB	256GB / 512GB / 1TB	256GB / 512GB
Main Camera	200MP (1″, OIS, Leica)	200MP (OIS)	50MP (LYT-808, OIS, Hasselblad)
Telephoto	50MP (5x) + 50MP (3.2x)	50MP (5x) + 10MP (3x)	64MP (3x Periscope, OIS)
Battery	5500 mAh	5000 mAh	5400 mAh
Wired Charging	120W	45W	100W
Wireless Charging	50W	15W	50W
Unique Features	Leica camera, Ceramic back, IR blaster	S Pen, Galaxy AI, 7 years updates, Titanium	Alert Slider, Hasselblad tuning

Analysis:

• Price: The OnePlus 12 clearly offers the best value for money here, sitting at a significantly lower price point while still packing a flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is positioned as a direct competitor to the S24 Ultra, potentially undercutting it slightly but still firmly in the ultra-premium bracket.
• Display: All three offer stunning AMOLED displays with high refresh rates. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra’s 3000 nits peak brightness is impressive, but the OnePlus 12 actually boasts an even higher 4500 nits. The S24 Ultra’s display is excellent, known for its consistency and anti-reflective coating.
• Performance: The Xiaomi 17 Ultra, with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, is expected to lead in raw benchmark scores, though the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the S24 Ultra and OnePlus 12 is already incredibly powerful and will handle everything with ease. For most users, the difference might not be dramatically noticeable in daily tasks.
• Camera: This is where the competition gets fierce. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra’s quad-camera setup with its large 200MP sensor and dual telephotos (Leica tuning) is exceptionally versatile. The S24 Ultra’s 200MP main sensor and improved 5x telephoto are also top-tier, complemented by Samsung’s renowned computational photography and AI features. The OnePlus 12, with its Hasselblad tuning and a very capable LYT-808 sensor, offers a great all-around camera experience but might not reach the sheer versatility or sensor size of the other two.
• Battery & Charging: Xiaomi 17 Ultra absolutely dominates in charging speeds with 120W wired and 50W wireless. The OnePlus 12 is also very fast with 100W wired and 50W wireless. The S24 Ultra lags significantly here with just 45W wired and 15W wireless, which is a serious drawback at its price point. Battery capacities are all large, with the Xiaomi 17 Ultra slightly ahead at 5500 mAh.
• Unique Features: The S Pen and Galaxy AI features give the S24 Ultra a unique productivity and software edge, plus Samsung’s commitment to 7 years of updates is unmatched. Xiaomi offers its HyperOS and Leica camera expertise. OnePlus has its signature Alert Slider and Hasselblad colour science.

Winner:

This is tough, as each phone excels in different areas.

• If camera versatility and charging speed are your absolute top priorities, and you want cutting-edge performance, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is the clear winner. It’s a technical powerhouse.
• If you value a complete ecosystem, an integrated stylus for productivity, long-term software support, and a more polished, feature-rich software experience (especially with AI), the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra remains the king. However, you’ll pay a premium and sacrifice charging speed.
• If you want a fantastic flagship experience with blazing-fast performance, excellent battery life, rapid charging, and a very good camera system, all at a significantly lower price point, the OnePlus 12 offers the best value for money.

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra truly shines with its camera system and insane charging speeds. It’s a compelling package for those who prioritize these aspects.

FINAL VERDICT:

So, after putting the Xiaomi 17 Ultra through its paces, what’s the final word? The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is an uncompromised, no-holds-barred flagship. It’s a technological marvel that pushes boundaries in almost every department. From its stunning display and beastly performance to its incredibly versatile camera system and mind-blowing charging speeds, this phone is designed to impress. However, it also comes with a premium price tag that places it squarely against the best in the business.

Buy it if:

1. You are a mobile photography enthusiast: The Leica-tuned quad-camera system with its large sensor and dual telephotos offers unparalleled versatility and quality.
2. You demand the absolute fastest charging: 120W wired and 50W wireless charging are simply best-in-class, eliminating battery anxiety.
3. You want uncompromised performance and a premium design: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, top-tier RAM/storage, and ceramic build ensure a buttery-smooth, luxurious experience.

Skip it if:

1. Your budget is tight, or you don’t need absolute flagship power: There are many excellent phones at half the price that will serve most users perfectly well. Don’t waste your money if you’re not going to utilize its full potential.
2. You dislike large, heavy phones with prominent camera bumps: The 17 Ultra is a substantial device, and its camera module significantly protrudes.
3. You prioritize an S Pen or specific long-term software update commitments: While HyperOS is good, it might not offer the same longevity or unique productivity features as Samsung’s ecosystem.

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is an exceptional device that lives up to its “Ultra” moniker. It’s a powerful statement from Xiaomi, showcasing what’s possible when a brand pushes technological limits. While the price might make some hesitant, for those who demand the best and value cutting-edge features, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is a truly compelling option in the flagship landscape.

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