Barcelona is once again the showcase chosen by Xiaomi to present its most advanced mobile phones to the world. Coinciding with the Mobile World Congress 2026The brand has officially announced the international launch of the new series Xiaomi 17 and 17 Ultra, which had already been sold in China for a few months.
The company is repeating its strategy: Only two models arrive in EuropeThe standard and Ultra versions are included, again leaving out the Pro variant with a rear screen. In return, it adds a very special version created in collaboration with Leica, the Leica Leitzphone powered by XiaomiIn addition to complementing the proposal with specific photographic kits and a good range of ecosystem accessories.
Launch at MWC 2026: a clear focus on the high-end market
The global announcement of the series has been made in a Xiaomi's own event inside of the MWC 2026 of Barcelona, with a gala broadcast live on Saturday, February 28th at 14:00 PM Spanish time. In that scenario, the brand has focused its efforts on two ideas: high-level photography and battery life well above average.
According to the company itself, the Xiaomi 17 and 17 Ultra They have been designed to compete head-to-head with the flagship devices of other Android manufacturers, with special attention to Europe and SpainNot surprisingly, the message has been clear: there are no aggressive pre-sale campaigns or massive giveaways, but rather definitive prices from day one and immediate availability in our market.
During the presentation, Xiaomi emphasized the importance of its collaboration with Leica, which no longer limits itself to signing lenses, but to co-design both the photographic hardware and software of the new models. The result is most noticeable in the Xiaomi 17 Ultra and the Leica Leitzphone, where photography closely resembles the performance of a traditional camera.
The event also served to reiterate the brand's strategy within the ecosystem: HyperOS 3 as a meeting point between mobiles, tablets, watches, vehicles and other connected devices, with tools for integrated artificial intelligence and increasing interoperability with other systems, including Apple's.
Xiaomi 17: the "compact" model that wants to be top of the range
Far from being a cut-down high-end model, the Xiaomi 17 It arrives in Spain as a very complete model that opts for a more compact size without sacrificing cutting-edge specifications in processor, screen, camera and battery.
In terms of design, the device boasts a body of 8,06 mm thick and 191 grams of weightwith very narrow bezels of just 1,18 mm on the front. The back uses high-strength matte glass and it relies on the structure Xiaomi Guardianwhich combines a reinforced chassis, glass Xiaomi Shield Glass and certification IP68K against water and dust.
The camera module has been completely redesigned and now leave the three sensors visiblewithout such a bulky island as in previous generations. The aim is to visually differentiate it from its predecessor and continue emphasizing its photographic character, but without sacrificing a cleaner, flatter look that makes it easier to grip.
In Spain, the Xiaomi 17 is sold at four colorsBlack, Venture Green, Alpine Pink, and Ice Blue. They all share the same durable construction. Award-winning finish in hand and a clear focus on those looking for a powerful mobile phone without an excessive size.
Smaller, more efficient screen with extremely high brightness
The Xiaomi 17's panel is a screen 6,3 inch LTPO OLED With Full HD+ resolution and a density of around 460 pixels per inch, it's slightly more compact than the Xiaomi 15's screen, but the reduction is minimal and compensated for by clear improvements in brightness and energy efficiency.
The refresh rate is adaptive between 1 and 120 HzThis allows for adjusting the refresh rate based on the content to save battery when maximum speed isn't needed. Furthermore, Xiaomi claims the panel is capable of achieving a Peak brightness up to 3.500 nits, a very high figure that should help outdoors in strong sunlight.
The screen supports Dolby Vision and HDR10 +and uses a custom M10 panel which, according to the brand's data, reduces energy consumption by around 23% compared to the previous generationIn addition, there are TÃœV certifications aimed at reducing eye strain, with controls on blue light emission and panel flicker.
In the Ultra model, the stakes are raised a little higher: we have a panel 6,9-inch HyperRGB OLED, flat, with 1.5K+/2K resolution and also LTPO 1-120HzThe maximum brightness remains around 3.500 nits And the brand's idea is to offer a viewing experience very close to that of a reference monitor, especially for those who record and edit video directly on their mobile phone.
Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and top-tier hardware
Both the Xiaomi 17 and the 17 Ultra share the same brain: the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5Qualcomm's most powerful chipset for Android at the moment, manufactured on a 3nm process. The configuration is based on eight cores, with two high-performance cores that can reach up to 4,6 GHz and six others focused on energy efficiency, accompanied by the Adreno GPU 840 and a next-generation Hexagon NPU for artificial intelligence tasks.
In Europe, the Xiaomi 17 is offered with 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and options of 256 or 512 GB of UFS 4.1 storageXiaomi has decided to exclude the 16GB RAM and 1TB storage variant from our market, a decision the brand has not explained in detail, although the price situation and memory availability are cited as a possible reason.
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra, meanwhile, comes standard with 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM y 512 GB or 1 TB of UFS 4.1 storageIn other words, here they are aiming for maximum capacity and memory from day one for the most expensive model in the family.
To keep temperatures under control, both phones include advanced cooling systems. The Xiaomi 17 uses a system of 3D IceLoop refrigerationwhile the Ultra goes a step further with a solution 3D Dual-Channel IceLoop with a large vapor chamber, designed for long gaming sessions, 4K or 8K video recording and intensive AI use.
The software is provided by Android 16 with HyperOS 3 in both models. The interface introduces the call Xiaomi HyperIslandHeavily inspired by Apple's dynamic island, which acts as an animated notification center and interactive zone at the top of the screen. In addition, new AI features are included under the umbrella of Xiaomi HyperAI, such as smart searches, dynamic backgrounds, advanced writing tools, and voice enhancement.
Xiaomi 17 cameras: triple 50MP sensor with Leica seal
The standard version doesn't fall short in photography either. Xiaomi 17 maintains collaboration with Leica and assembles a system of three 50-megapixel rear cameras each one, although the real difference compared to the previous model lies more in the processing and software than in the radical change of sensors.
La main camera uses a sensor Light Fusion 950 1/1,31 inchwith 2,4μm 4-in-1 pixels, f/1,67 aperture, optical image stabilization (OIS), and a 23mm equivalent focal length. Xiaomi and Leica promise a dynamic range of 13,5 EV and clear improvements in low light situations, supported by new processing algorithms.
El 60mm floating Leica telephoto lens It also features a 50MP camera with an f/2,0 aperture, OIS, and a Samsung JN5 sensor. It allows for a 5x optical zoom and it can be used for macro photography at about 10 centimeters, which greatly expands the possibilities when playing with close-ups and details.
The third sensor is a 50 MP ultra wide angle with an f/2,4 aperture and a 102° field of view. Here, Xiaomi has chosen to slightly reduce the width compared to previous generations (from 115° to 102°) to limit edge deformations and improve color calibration between cameras.
In video, the Xiaomi 17 can record in 4K at 60 fps with Dolby VisionIt supports Log profiles in 4K 60 fps and is capable of recording 8K video at 30fpsOptical stabilization is maintained on the two main rear sensors, with electronic stabilization support in various modes.
The front camera also takes a significant leap forward: we now have a sensor of 50 MP with f / 2,2 apertureImproved autofocus at different distances and automatic framing. This is one of the highest resolution figures for selfies in the current high-end range.
Xiaomi 17 Ultra: the flagship designed with an advanced camera
If the Xiaomi 17 already comes well-equipped, the Xiaomi 17Ultra It's the model that incorporates the brand's greatest innovations, especially in photography. Xiaomi presents it as its most ambitious smartphone to date, with a clear focus on users who want a mobile phone capable of replacing, at least partially, a dedicated camera.
In terms of design, the Ultra opts for a larger but relatively compact body for its screen size: 162,9 x 77,6 x 8,29 mm and 218 gramsAccording to the company itself, it is the Ultra lighter and thinner which they have launched so far, something remarkable considering the size of the camera module and the battery capacity.
The chassis combines aerospace-grade aluminum and fiberglass, with glass Xiaomi Shield Glass 3.0 on the front and back. This glass promises superior resistance, with a hardness of around level 6 on the Mohs scale, and the entire construction achieves IP68/IP69 certificationwhich further reinforces protection against water and dust.
The brand names this reinforced structure as Xiaomi GuardianAnd the intention is to make it clear that, despite the advanced photographic component, this is not a particularly fragile device. The bezels remain flat, and the rear module retains the traditional camera aesthetic that Xiaomi has been reinforcing in previous Ultra models.
In hand, first impressions point to a large but reasonably manageable terminal For those accustomed to phones with nearly seven-inch screens. The weight has been adjusted to not exceed 220 grams, a competitive figure when compared to other flagship phones of similar size.
1-inch LOFIC sensor and 200MP periscope zoom
The biggest difference with the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is the camera. The rear system combines three 50MP sensors and one 200MP sensor, all made by [Brand Name/Company Name]. Leica and accompanied by opticians Leica Summilux and Leica UltraPuredesigned to maximize image quality and light control.
The protagonist is the new 1-inch Light Fusion 1050L main sensor with technology LOFIC HDRThe first of its kind on a Xiaomi phone. This solution aims to capture more light and expand the dynamic range without needing to resort so much to aggressive processing, something especially relevant in night scenes, backlighting and high contrast situations.
Next to the main sensor we find a 50 MP ultra wide angle and an advanced focusing system with laser and ToF 3D to improve depth calculation and focus in challenging conditions. But the real game-changer is the telephoto lens.
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra features a 200 MP periscope to continuous mechanical optical zoom between 3,2x and 4,3xwhich in terms of focal length is approximately equivalent to 75 and 100 mmThe use of a mechanical mechanism allows movement between both distances. no loss of quality between intermediate steps, something unusual in mobile phones where zoom usually depends heavily on digital cropping.
This telephoto lens features a Leica APO lens and a 1/1,4-inch sensor, a combination designed to reduce aberrations and improve sharpness across the entire zoom range. Xiaomi emphasizes that, to date, There is no other similar solution in the market with this type of continuous mechanical telephoto lens and such high resolution.
In video, the 17 Ultra adds options typically found in more professional cameras: it can record in Dolby Vision up to 4K at 120 fpsIn addition to offering Log modes and 8K video support, the brand speaks of "ultradynamic videography" and an experience close to the cinematic environment, especially by combining the new LOFIC sensor with advanced Leica color profiles.
Photography Kit and Leica Leitzphone: when your mobile phone looks even more like a camera
For those who want to go a step further, Xiaomi has introduced the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Photography Kit, two accessories that turn the Ultra into something very similar to an advanced compact camera, with a grip, physical shutter release and additional battery.
El Photography Kit Standard includes a lighter and more compact gripIt features a wrist strap, a two-stage shutter release, and a dedicated video button. It's designed for those who prioritize ergonomics and physical control during photo and video sessions.
El Photography Kit Pro It goes a step further: it adds a PU leather grip to 2.000 mAh built-in battery and a mode called FastshotDesigned for very quick, street-photography-style shots. In Spain, these kits will be sold for 99,99 Euros y 199,99 Euros respectively through mi.com and official distributors.
Above all this is the Leica Leitzphone powered by XiaomiA special edition based on the 17 Ultra and designed for those seeking an experience even closer to traditional photography. This model uses a aluminum alloy body with nickel anodized finisha whirlpool bath, camera interface tuned by Leica and a key element: the Leica Camera Ringa physical ring around the camera module that allows Adjust parameters such as focus, zoom, or white balance by rotating it by hand..
The Leitzphone also includes specific shooting modes such as Leica Essential Modefocused on reproducing the brand's classic aesthetic. In terms of price, this edition is positioned at the higher end of the range: in Europe it is priced around 1.999 Euros, with a single configuration of 16 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage.
Within the software, the Leica edition adds exclusive features such as Leica Moment Mode 1x tap-to-zoom or Leica Instant Mode, geared towards quick one-touch shooting, very much in line with the street photography that Leica has popularized for decades.
HyperOS 3, HyperAI and a major update for the 17 Ultra
The Xiaomi 17 arrives with HyperOS 3 based on Android 16The brand's own interface aims to be more than just a simple fork of Android. The company is increasingly integrating artificial intelligence tools, relying on both its own models and those of other platforms. Geminiwith features ranging from assisted writing to AI-powered calls and dynamic backgrounds.
During the deployment in China, the Xiaomi 17Ultra It has received a very notable update: the firmware HyperOS 3.0.15.0.WPACNXM, of about 9,4 GB in size. This patch introduces improvements to both the system and the camera, and also incorporates the February 2026 security patch.
At the system level, the following is optimized: use of automatic brightness in night scenes And specific issues with unresponsiveness when launching some applications have been fixed. The overall stability and security of the device have also been improved, which is especially important for a model positioned in the higher price range.
The most noticeable changes are in the camera. The update adds a new Dual View mode To record video simultaneously with the front and rear cameras, it incorporates a Standard watermark for 200MP photos and improve the Dolby Vision recording experience, adjusting the dynamic range of screen brightness during capture.
The operation of the moving photosThis option is now enabled by default when shooting during video recording, and can be switched to still photos in the camera settings. The Leica edition of the 17 Ultra also adds a mode Leica Moment Mode 1x tap-to-zoomdesigned for quick shooting in street photography or dynamic scenes.
It remains to be seen how this update will be handled in the global version, although everything points to it The new features will also arrive in European models.either through a specific patch shortly after launch or integrated as standard in the units that go on sale in our continent.
High-capacity batteries and fast charging across the entire range
One of the areas where Xiaomi has sought to differentiate itself is battery life. Both the Xiaomi 17 and 17 Ultra feature large capacity batteries if we compare them with many of their direct rivals, although there are nuances between the Chinese and European versions.
In the case of the Xiaomi 17, the overall battery capacity is 6.330 mAh, slightly below the 7.000 mAh found in the Chinese variant, but still well above the segment average. Xiaomi uses a silicon-carbon chemistry with 16% siliconThis allows for maintaining high capacity without increasing the thickness or weight of the device.
Fast wired charging reaches 100 W, while wireless charging goes up to 50 WIn addition, the terminal supports 22,5W reverse wired charging It's also compatible with the 100W PPS standard, which is useful for those using third-party chargers. Reverse wireless charging is also available, albeit at a lower power output.
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra, meanwhile, is equipped with a battery of 6.000 mAh in the international version, compared to the 6.800 mAh of the variant destined for China. Fast charging reaches 90W per cable and keeps the 50W in wireless mode, with support for reverse charging both wired and wireless.
These differences in capacity between markets have generated some debate, since This is not the first time a Chinese brand has cut mAh when bringing its phones to Europe.Regulatory and certification issues are often cited as possible causes, although there is no clear official explanation. In any case, the figures remain competitive compared to other flagship models that offer around 5.000 mAh.
The company itself has shown internal comparisons where, after more than eleven hours of intensive use, the Xiaomi 17 still maintains around 20% battery compared to direct rivals like a latest-generation iPhone. We'll have to see how these figures hold up in independent tests, but the proposal, on paper, is ambitious.
Differences between the Chinese and European versions
As is often the case with major releases that debut first in Asia, the Xiaomi 17 intended for Europe They feature some adjustments compared to the versions presented months earlier in China.
The most obvious change is in the battery capacityIn the case of the Ultra, the global variant loses some 800 mAh and reduces in 30 W Wireless charging compared to the Chinese model. The standard Xiaomi 17 has some features cut back. 650 mAhBeyond this, the differences in pure specifications are minimal.
The brand has not publicly detailed the reason for these adjustments, although it is not the only one applying this strategy when landing in Europe. Regulations, certification processes, and design decisions specific to each market They are usually behind these changes, although from the outside it is difficult to understand why capacity is being reduced in such a visible area as autonomy.
In any case, Xiaomi insists that, even with these cutbacks, its new models still offer larger batteries than most direct competitorsThis, combined with improvements in processor and screen efficiency, should translate into reliable battery life for everyday use.
Prices and availability in Spain
The Xiaomi 17 and 17 Ultra They arrive in Spain immediately after their presentation at MWC 2026, without long pre-sale periods. Unlike other years, the brand hasn't planned large launch campaigns with gifts or discounts, but rather opt for a fixed price from the outset.
These are the official configurations and prices for our country:
- Xiaomi 17 with 12GB of RAM + 256GB storage: 999 Euros.
- Xiaomi 17 with 12GB of RAM + 512GB storage: 1.099 Euros.
- Xiaomi 17 Ultra with 16 GB of RAM + 512 GB: 1.499 Euros.
- Xiaomi 17 Ultra with 16GB of RAM + 1TB: 1.699 Euros.
- Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi with 16 GB + 1 TB: 1.999 Euros.
Mobile phones can be purchased through the Xiaomi official websiteauthorized distributors and the usual channels in Spain. The available colors for the Xiaomi 17 are: Black, Venture Green, Alpine Pink and Ice Blue, while the 17 Ultra is offered in Black, White and Starlit GreenThe more exclusive Leitzphone comes with a black finish.
In parallel, the company will market two official photo kits for the Ultra:
- Xiaomi 17 Ultra Photography Kit: 99,99 euros.
- Xiaomi 17 Ultra Photography Kit Pro: 199,99 euros.
Both will be available at mi.com and select retailers, with different color combinations depending on the model, including options such as Silver, White and Purple for the standard kit, and black for the Pro version.
With this new generation, Xiaomi reinforces its presence in the high-end range in Spain and Europe by combining cutting-edge processor, very bright screens, large batteries and a particularly ambitious camera system in the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. All of this is complemented by a standard version that remains relatively compact without sacrificing much, and a niche model like the Leica Leitzphone, aimed at photography enthusiasts who want to take the mobile shooting experience a step further.
