Following an impressive launch in its domestic market, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra - widely considered one of the most powerful mobile photography devices available - is officially gearing up for a global rollout.

Xiaomi has confirmed that an international version of the device is on the way, meaning global users won’t have to wait long to get their hands on what many in the tech world are calling a “professional camera disguised as a smartphone.”

A smartphone that could replace your professional camera?

According to reliable sources, the international launch of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is expected to happen around January or February 2026. This strongly suggests the phone will make an appearance at MWC 2026 - an event Xiaomi has frequently used to showcase its latest innovations.

Although the company hasn’t revealed a specific date, all signs point to an imminent release, and global anticipation is steadily rising.

What makes this smartphone especially intriguing is the philosophy behind it. Xiaomi doesn’t just want to build a premium phone - it wants to create a device capable of replacing your entire photography gear setup.

The Chinese version of the phone already stunned fans with a massive 6,800mAh battery, promising exceptional longevity even with heavy use in photography and video recording.

While many current flagships offer only incremental camera improvements, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra takes an ambitious leap: pushing mobile camera hardware closer than ever to professional gear. With a 1-inch sensor and a 200MP periscope lens, it signals a new chapter in the “megapixel war,” where sensor size and optical capabilities take center stage.

If the Leica Edition makes it to international markets, it could be the biggest highlight. Featuring a mechanical zoom ring and luxurious vegan leather back, the device delivers a tactile experience reminiscent of traditional cameras. This isn’t just about image quality - it’s about how it feels to shoot, something even the most advanced touchscreens often fail to replicate.

Xiaomi wants more than just to catch up

In terms of competition, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is poised to go head-to-head with Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S series. Photography enthusiasts may find themselves torn: stay with Samsung’s reliable ecosystem or dive into Xiaomi’s daring world of high-end camera hardware?

The phone’s gigantic battery also addresses one of the biggest pain points in today’s flagship devices - battery life that fails to match their performance demands.

Still, what excites many the most is the possibility of the Leica Edition making it out of China. The mechanical zoom ring isn’t just a functional feature - it reintroduces the tangible joy of photography. It transforms snapping pictures on a smartphone into an emotional, engaging experience, rather than a mere screen tap.

Looking at how much Xiaomi is investing in the 17 Ultra, it’s clear the brand isn’t just trying to match Apple or Samsung in the usual ways. Instead, it’s carving out a new niche: devices for users who want a “professional camera that can make calls,” rather than just a good camera phone.

If everything lives up to expectations, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra could set a new benchmark for flagship phones - where performance, photography, and battery life all reach groundbreaking levels.

With its global debut confirmed for early 2026, the high-end smartphone race is about to get a lot more exciting.

Hai Phong