Xiaomi 17, Xiaomi 17 Ultra and Xiaomi Pad 8 to debut in India on March 11 Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi is set to expand its high-end product lineup in India with the launch of the Xiaomi 17, Xiaomi 17 Ultra, and Xiaomi Pad 8. The devices will officially debut in the country on March 11, following their global unveiling at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026 on February 28. The Xiaomi Pad 8 tablet will be released a day earlier on March 10, marking its first appearance in the Indian market. The Xiaomi 17 series, including the standard Xiaomi 17 and the premium Xiaomi 17 Ultra, will feature cutting-edge technology. The Ultra variant stands out with its collaboration with Leica for the camera system, which is expected to enhance photography capabilities. Both models are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, positioning them as flagship devices in Xiaomi’s portfolio. The Pad 8 tablet is anticipated to compete in the premium tablet segment, leveraging Xiaomi’s growing presence in the Indian market. The company’s strategy to introduce these devices reflects its focus on strengthening its position in the high-end segment, where competition from brands like Samsung and Apple remains intense. Xiaomi’s decision to launch the devices in India aligns with its broader plan to increase its market share in the region. The company has been investing heavily in local manufacturing and marketing efforts to cater to Indian consumers’ preferences. Analysts suggest that the launch of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, with its Leica branding, could attract photography enthusiasts and tech-savvy users looking for advanced features. The timing of the launch, just days after the MWC 2026 event, underscores Xiaomi’s global ambitions.#xiaomi_17 #xiaomi_17_ultra #xiaomi #xiaomi_pad_8 #mobile_world_congress
Xiaomi 17 Ultra Camera Tested on Phu Quoc Island Last week, Xiaomi India invited journalists to the Vietnamese island of Phu Quoc to evaluate the camera capabilities of the new Xiaomi 17 series phones. The trip aimed to test the devices in the island’s dynamic environment, which blends natural beauty with cultural landmarks. The visit began with a drive to the southern tip of the island, where European architectural influences are evident. Highlights included the Kiss Bridge, a unique structure split in the middle that requires visitors to cross from opposite sides to meet at the center. Nearby, the Dragon Staircase, a winding path through a wall of vines, offered a striking visual experience. The day concluded with a performance at the Kiss of the Sea show, which combined projected water imagery with live acts, followed by a fireworks display. On the second day, the group traveled to the northern tip of the island, specifically Rạch Vẹm. A short boat ride led to Starfish Beach, a serene coastal area with crystal-clear waters and an abundance of starfish along the shore. The day ended with a fire dance performance at the hotel. The hotel’s lobby featured a notable attraction: a vibrant school of koi fish, adding to the island’s charm. The focus remained on the Xiaomi 17 Ultra’s camera, particularly the 50MP ultra-wide lens. While not the phone’s sharpest camera, it provided a distinct perspective compared to the main wide-angle lens, with acceptable image quality and color accuracy. The device’s 200MP 75-100mm telephoto lens, part of its global release, was highlighted as a standout feature. The trip concluded with a reflection on the Xiaomi 17 Ultra’s strengths, emphasizing its balance of advanced camera technology and user-friendly design.#xiaomi #phu_quoc #kiss_bridge #dragon_staircase #kiss_of_the_sea
Went hands-on with the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, and it's more camera than phone The Xiaomi 17 Ultra feels less like a smartphone and more like a high-end camera, with its focus on advanced photography features. The phone’s 75–100mm focal length range delivers a compression effect that enhances portrait shots, as demonstrated by a test shot of a Greco-Roman statue framed against an arched colonnade. The background softened naturally, while the subject’s stone details remained sharp, achieved without relying on portrait mode or edge detection algorithms. The mechanical zoom between 75mm and 100mm operates subtly, with a 25mm range that doesn’t dramatically alter composition. While the engineering behind this continuous optical zoom is impressive for Xiaomi, it doesn’t fundamentally change how users approach photography. Beyond 17.2x, the phone’s AI zoom steps in, sharpening edges rather than inventing detail. At 30x and 60x, images appear crisp but lack the painterly texture of more dramatic zooms. These extreme shots serve as reference points rather than finished products, yet they hold up better than many competitors. The main camera, however, surprised the reviewer, who noted its ability to handle high-contrast scenes with ease. A harbor shot at golden hour, featuring palm fronds, fishing boats, and deep shadows, was captured without losing detail in either the bright sky or the dark foreground. The Leica Authentic mode, which reduces saturation and adds a mild vignette, rendered the scene in a cinematic, cooler tone. The 1-inch LOFIC sensor plays a key role in this performance, capturing a wide dynamic range in a single exposure. A late-night shot of a pink Vespa on a cobblestone street, with street lights casting a yellow glow and lit windows behind, was captured without over-processing.#xiaomi_17_ultra #xiaomi #snapdragon_8_elite_gen_5 #hyperos_3 #leica_authentic_mode
Poco X8 Pro series could debut globally on March 17, says new leak A leak suggests that Poco is preparing to launch its next line of performance-focused smartphones for the global market. According to an industry insider, the Poco X8 Pro and Poco X8 Pro Max are expected to debut worldwide on March 17, 2026. If the details are accurate, these models will follow Poco’s established strategy of adapting slightly modified versions of Xiaomi’s China-exclusive devices for international markets. The upcoming phones are anticipated to be based on the Redmi Turbo 5 and Redmi Turbo 5 Max, with adjustments tailored for global audiences. The Poco X8 Pro is confirmed to feature MediaTek’s Dimensity 8500 Ultra chipset, which is designed to deliver robust performance for gaming, multitasking, and everyday use. The device is expected to include a 6.59-inch OLED display with a 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, a specification that has become common in this segment. Camera hardware for the X8 Pro is described as typical for a mid-range performance-focused phone, with reports indicating a 50MP Sony IMX882 primary sensor, an 8MP ultrawide camera, and a 20MP front-facing selfie shooter. One of the more notable aspects of the X8 Pro is its battery capacity. The device is rumored to include a 7,560mAh battery, the same as the Redmi Turbo 5. This is considered unusually large for a phone in this category. The battery is also expected to support 100W fast charging, allowing users to recharge the device quickly. The Poco X8 Pro Max is anticipated to build upon the specifications of the Redmi Turbo 5 Max. It is expected to feature a larger 6.83-inch 1.5K display and a more powerful MediaTek Dimensity 9500s chipset.#xiaomi #poco_x8_pro #poco_x8_pro_max #redmi_turbo_5 #redmi_turbo_5_max
Xiaomi 17 Ultra Review: The Ultimate Camera Flagship? The Xiaomi 17 Ultra presents itself as a premium smartphone with a focus on advanced camera technology, refined design, and flagship-level performance. Its hardware includes a large AMOLED display, Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon processor, a substantial battery, and a camera system centered around a one-inch sensor. These components collectively position it as a strong contender in the high-end smartphone market. The phone’s design has been significantly refined compared to previous Ultra models. Both the front and back panels are flat, meeting a flat aluminum alloy frame that gives the device a modern, clean appearance. The rear panel uses a composite fiberglass material instead of traditional frosted glass, offering a matte-like finish that feels softer and warmer to the touch. While it resists fingerprints effectively, the surface can feel slightly slippery, suggesting the use of a case for added grip. The phone measures 8.29mm in thickness, a notable achievement for its size, though its weight makes it feel somewhat top-heavy due to the large camera module positioned near the top. The volume keys feature a rounded, retro design that stands out from the flatter buttons used by many competitors, offering a tactile and responsive experience. Durability is a key selling point, with the Xiaomi 17 Ultra rated for IP68 and IP69 protection against dust, water immersion, and high-pressure jets. The display is shielded by Xiaomi’s Shield Glass 3.0, which the company claims provides improved resistance to shattering. The phone’s build quality and premium feel contribute to its overall comfort and usability. The 6.9-inch AMOLED screen is a standout feature, capable of displaying over 68 billion colors via a 12-bit panel. While it falls into the 1.#xiaomi_17_ultra #qualcomm #xiaomi #snapdragon_8_elite_gen_5 #hyperos_3
Xiaomi 17 Ultra Launched in India With 200-Megapixel Leica Camera and Continuous Optical Zoom Xiaomi has launched the 17 Ultra in India, positioning it as the world’s first smartphone to feature Leica’s 1-inch LOFIC sensor. The device was unveiled alongside the standard Xiaomi 17 model during a global event in Barcelona, Spain, on February 28, and is now available for pre-orders in India. The phone will go on sale on March 18 via Amazon and Xiaomi’s official website, with options in black and white color variants. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, an octa-core processor with two performance cores clocked at 4.6GHz and six efficiency cores at 3.62GHz. It comes with 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM and 512GB of UFS 4.1 storage. The device also features an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, ensuring durability in various environments. The phone’s display is a 6.9-inch HyperRGB OLED panel with a resolution of 1,200x2,608 pixels, supporting up to 120Hz refresh rates, 300Hz touch sampling, and 3,500 nits peak brightness. It includes certifications for low blue light, flicker-free operation, and circadian-friendly lighting. The Wet Touch technology allows for usability even with wet fingers, enhancing practicality for users. The camera system is a standout feature, combining a 50-megapixel front camera with a triple rear setup. The primary sensor is a 200-megapixel Leica-tuned unit, paired with additional 50-megapixel lenses. The phone’s continuous optical zoom capability, enabled by the Leica partnership, is highlighted as a key innovation for photography enthusiasts. Battery life is supported by a 6,000mAh capacity, with 90W wired and 50W wireless fast charging options.#india #barcelona #amazon #xiaomi #leica
Xiaomi 17, 17 Ultra Set for March 11 Launch, Pad 8 Debuts at ₹30,999 Xiaomi has announced the launch dates for its latest devices, with the Xiaomi Pad 8 set to debut on March 10, 2026, followed by the flagship smartphones Xiaomi 17 and 17 Ultra on March 11. The devices, which were first showcased at the MWC 2026 event, are expected to feature advanced specifications, including the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset and a "Strategic Co-creation" camera model developed in collaboration with Leica. The Xiaomi Pad 8 will be available for purchase starting March 17, with sales beginning on the same date. It will be sold through major platforms such as Amazon, Xiaomi retail stores, and Mi.com. The smartphones, Xiaomi 17 and 17 Ultra, are scheduled to launch on March 11, with availability expected to follow the event. Specific pricing details for the Indian market and exact retail sale dates are set to be confirmed during the March 11 launch keynote. The Pad 8 is priced at ₹30,999, marking its debut in the market. Details about the smartphones’ pricing, specifications, and color options will be revealed during the launch event. The devices are anticipated to compete in the premium smartphone segment, leveraging their advanced hardware and camera partnerships. Xiaomi’s launch strategy emphasizes expanding its presence in the Indian market, with a focus on both online and offline retail channels. The company has also highlighted its commitment to providing customers with access to its products through multiple platforms, ensuring broad availability. As the launch approaches, anticipation remains high among tech enthusiasts and consumers awaiting the new devices.#xiaomi_17 #xiaomi_17_ultra #xiaomi #xiaomi_pad_8 #mwc_2026
Xiaomi 17 Ultra and Xiaomi 17 Launched in India Xiaomi introduced its 17 series in India on March 11, 2026, featuring two flagship smartphones: the Xiaomi 17 Ultra and the Xiaomi 17. Both models are equipped with optical systems co-engineered with Leica, a German lens manufacturer. The launch marks Xiaomi’s continued expansion in the Indian market with advanced technology and competitive pricing. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra boasts a 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate and 3,500 nits peak brightness. It weighs 218.4 grams and features an aluminum alloy frame, along with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The device is available in White, Black, and Starlit Green. The Xiaomi 17, meanwhile, has a 6.3-inch LTPO AMOLED display with the same 120 Hz refresh rate and 3,500 nits brightness. It weighs 191 grams and is offered in Venture Green, Alpine Pink, Ice Blue, and Black. Both models share the IP68 certification for durability. Battery and charging capabilities are highlighted as key selling points. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra includes a 6,000 mAh battery with 90W wired charging and 50W wireless support. The Xiaomi 17 features a slightly larger 6,300 mAh battery, paired with 100W wired charging and 50W wireless charging. These specifications aim to provide extended usage and faster recharge times. Performance-wise, both devices are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, ensuring smooth operation and efficient multitasking. They run on Xiaomi HyperOS 3.5 out of the box, offering users a refined user experience with updated features. Pricing details were also announced. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is priced at ₹1,29,999, while the Xiaomi 17 starts at ₹89,999. Both models will be available for purchase starting March 18 through Amazon, Xiaomi’s official website, and physical retail stores.#india #xiaomi_17 #xiaomi_17_ultra #xiaomi #leica
Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Leitzphone Review: A Dream Camera Phone The Xiaomi Leica Leitzphone is the best, most exciting camera phone I have ever used. And I've used them all, including Apple's iPhone 17 Pro and Samsung's Galaxy S25 Ultra. And while they're both great phone cameras for most people, Xiaomi and Leica's latest collaboration has resulted in a handset that's arguably more camera than it is phone. It bears the Leica red dot logo, has Leica etching on the sides, a host of Leica filmic color styles to shoot with and it has a functional hardware wheel on the back of the phone that actually turns to control camera settings. It'll even be sold in Leica's own physical stores here in the UK. It costs £1,700 in the UK, which converts to roughly $2,300 (though it won't be officially sold in the US), so it doesn't come cheap, but nothing with a Leica logo does. However, if you're looking for the ultimate imaging experience in a phone, pay attention. Let's dive in deeper and take a look at the most important part: the camera. Xiaomi's Leitzphone Looks Exactly Like a Leica Phone Should The phone's main camera uses something called a LOFIC image sensor, which stands for Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor. It's basically a brand-new sensor technology designed to deliver much better dynamic range in a single image. That's helped, too, by the sensor's large size and the high-quality Leica Summilux lens sitting in front of it. A bird flying past a building Taken with the main camera in the Leica Chrome color profile, I love how this pigeon has been frozen in action, with pleasing contrast throughout the image. Using the 8x hybrid zoom I was able to fill the frame with these seagulls. The Chrome color profile resulted in beautiful tones in this image. I love being able to quickly snap away at low angles using a phone.#uk #xiaomi #leica #leitzphone #qualcomm
