On December 27 at 10:00 AM, sales of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra and Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition smartphones kicked off in China, with prices starting from 7999 yuan ($1130) – just 500 yuan ($70) more than the regular version with similar configuration. Unlike the standard model, the new version boasts a unique Leica design, exclusive camera capabilities, dual-satellite communication with Beidou + Tiantong, a data encryption chip, proprietary accessories, and the Master Zoom ring. The cameras in both versions are identical: a 50-megapixel main with a 1-inch sensor, a 50-megapixel ultra-wide, and a 200-megapixel with continuous optical zoom.
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition was immediately snapped up through pre-orders, after which resellers began offering smartphones at inflated prices on secondary platforms. It got to a point where some sellers set the astronomical price of $2850, while the top Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max with 2 TB is priced at $2550.
The smartphones come with a 6800 mAh battery, support for 90W fast charging, and are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip. Xu Fei, Vice President of Xiaomi Group, announced the imminent global release of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra.
Technological Advantage and Market Impact
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra and the Leica Edition come with a significant and unique camera experience due to the collaboration with Leica. They are expected to elevate Xiaomi’s position in the smartphone industry by focusing on superior camera technology and premium build design.
On the other hand, the iPhone 17 Pro Max, compared to the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, focuses on a different technology stack that prioritizes cohesive integration within Apple’s ecosystem, offering top-notch performance with its new A19 Bionic chip and a maximum storage of 2 TB.
Global Strategy and Consumer Expectations
Xiaomi’s global release strategy will be crucial for the success of the 17 Ultra series. By targeting both the high-end market and photography enthusiasts, Xiaomi is looking to challenge major players like Apple and Samsung, focusing initially on mature markets with high purchasing power.
