The wait for the next chapter in mobile photography is almost over. Xiaomi has officially confirmed that its latest flagship duo, the Xiaomi 17 and Xiaomi 17 Ultra, will make their global debut on February 28, 2026. The announcement came through an official teaser campaign titled “The New Wave of Imagery,” signaling that the brand is once again ready to push the boundaries of smartphone cameras in partnership with Leica.
The global launch event is scheduled to take place in Barcelona, Spain, just one day before the massive Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026 begins. For fans in India, the event will be livestreamed at 7:30 PM IST, offering a front row seat to the unveiling of what many expect to be the most advanced camera system of the year.
What to Expect from the Global Launch Event
While the Xiaomi 17 series originally debuted in China late last year, the global version often brings specific optimizations for international markets. According to the official landing page, Xiaomi is leaning heavily into its “Human x Car x Home” ecosystem, suggesting that these new smartphones will act as the central hub for a wider range of AIoT devices.
The teaser specifically highlights the Xiaomi 17 Ultra in a stunning Starry Green finish. Interestingly, while China saw the release of four models, current reports suggest that only the standard Xiaomi 17 and the top tier Ultra will head to global markets. The Pro and Pro Max models, famous for their unique secondary rear displays, appear to remain exclusive to the Chinese market for now.
Power and Performance Under the Hood
Both the Xiaomi 17 and the Ultra model are confirmed to run on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. This 3nm powerhouse promises a significant jump in efficiency and raw performance, allowing the devices to handle complex AI tasks and high resolution video editing with ease.
One of the most talked about upgrades for the global units is the battery capacity. The standard Xiaomi 17 is tipped to feature a massive 6,330mAh battery, a substantial increase over previous generations. Meanwhile, the Ultra model is expected to house an even larger 6,800mAh unit, ensuring that even the most demanding power users can get through a full day of photography and gaming without reaching for a charger.
The New Benchmark for Mobile Photography
The “Ultra” moniker in Xiaomi’s lineup has always been synonymous with professional grade cameras, and the 2026 model is no exception. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is rumored to feature a refined 1 inch main sensor and a groundbreaking 200MP periscope telephoto lens.
A major shift this year is the move toward a continuous optical zoom system. Instead of jumping between fixed lenses, the new hardware reportedly allows for smooth, high quality zooming between 75mm and 100mm. This flexibility, paired with Leica’s legendary color science and a dedicated photography kit accessory, positions the Xiaomi 17 Ultra as a serious tool for creators and enthusiasts alike.
Global Pricing and India Availability
Leaks regarding European pricing give us a clear idea of where these devices will sit in the premium market. The Xiaomi 17 is expected to start at 999 Euros (approximately 1.07 lakh rupees), while the Xiaomi 17 Ultra could command a price tag of 1,499 Euros (roughly 1.61 lakh rupees) for the 512GB storage variant.
While an exact India launch date has not been set in stone, a senior Xiaomi executive recently teased the arrival of “four new smartphones” for the Indian market. Given that the 17 series has already appeared on various certification sites, an India specific launch is expected to follow the global reveal within a few weeks. Early adopters can also look forward to perks like free screen replacements and extended quality assurance plans.
