Xiaomi 17 ultra: leica magic or just expensive?
Xiaomi's latest flagship, the 17 Ultra, arrives with a bold claim: the best mobile photography on the market. It boasts a 200MP camera system co-engineered with Leica, a partnership that has generated considerable buzz. But does the 17 Ultra live up to the hype, or is it simply a premium device with a hefty price tag? I spent weeks putting this device through its paces and here's what I found.
The camera: where xiaomi shines
Let's address the elephant in the room: the camera. The collaboration with Leica is undeniable. The 50MP main sensor captures images with incredible detail, and the 200MP sensor allows for impressive cropping capabilities. Portraits are particularly noteworthy. Xiaomi's portrait mode, refined by Leica, produces natural-looking results with beautifully blurred backgrounds. The phone excels in both daylight and low-light conditions, delivering vibrant colors and sharp details. Even challenging scenarios, like nighttime cityscapes, are handled with surprising competence.
The telephoto lens is impressive, offering 10x optical zoom. While some competitors may offer slightly more zoom range, the 17 Ultra provides exceptional clarity and detail even at higher magnifications. The ultra-wide lens is equally capable, capturing expansive scenes with minimal distortion.
However, while the camera is excellent, it's not without its quirks. The color science sometimes leans towards oversaturation, and the computational processing can occasionally struggle with complex scenes. The 8.6x zoom, while impressive, does require a steady hand.
Performance and battery: powerhouse with a few hiccups
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, ensuring blazing-fast performance. Navigating the user interface is smooth, and demanding games run without a hitch. The battery life is adequate, lasting a full day with moderate use. However, the 90W wired charging is noticeably slower compared to some competing devices. Wireless charging, while available, is even slower.
The HyperOS, Xiaomi's custom Android skin, is clean and intuitive. While it includes a plethora of customization options, the pre-installed apps are a bit excessive. Fortunately, most of these can be uninstalled.
Design: a modern departure
Xiaomi has opted for a sleek, glass-backed design that departs from the more traditional camera module aesthetic of previous models. The Starlit Green finish is particularly eye-catching, though it may not appeal to everyone. The phone's size and weight are considerable; it is a large device. The button layout is functional, although the lack of a dedicated AI button might be a drawback for some users.
The camera module maintains a rounded shape, reminiscent of some competitors, but the design is more streamlined. The color reproduction is generally accurate, although some colors, such as the red lettering on a building, can appear slightly washed out.
Final thoughts
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra delivers a compelling camera experience, delivering exceptional image quality and versatility. The phone's performance is top-tier, and the software is clean and user-friendly. Despite some drawbacks, such as the slower charging speeds and the somewhat bulky design, the 17 Ultra is a strong contender in the premium smartphone market.
Ultimately, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is a powerful device, one that will likely satisfy users prioritizing camera performance above all else. It’s a testament to the potential of mobile photography, even if it doesn't quite surpass the competition.