Xiaomi 17, 17 Ultra and Leica Variant Set for Global Debut on February 28
Xiaomi has confirmed that its flagship Xiaomi 17 series will launch globally on 28 February, in Barcelona, Spain, just ahead of Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026. The lineup is expected to include the Xiaomi 17 and Xiaomi 17 Ultra, with a Leica Edition of the Ultra model also tipped to arrive under a different name internationally.
Launch Event and Timing
The global debut is scheduled to take place at 2:00 PM Barcelona time (GMT+1) on 28 February, with Xiaomi teasing the event under the theme “The New Wave of Imagery is Arriving.” Malaysian viewers can catch the event live at 9:00 PM Malaysia time (GMT+8) on the same day.
What’s Expected to Be Announced
The global launch will focus on the standard Xiaomi 17 and its larger flagship sibling, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. While the Pro and Pro Max models debuted in China in 2025, they are not expected to be part of the global rollout.
A third variant, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition, has already been certified in Thailand with the model number 25128PNA1G and appears set to arrive internationally under a new name, reportedly the Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi.
Specs Preview (China Models)
Details from the Chinese versions provide a glimpse of what might come to global markets, although specifications are not guaranteed to be identical:
Xiaomi 17 (China)
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
- Display: ~6.3-inch 1.5K AMOLED, 120Hz
- RAM/Storage: Up to 16 GB / 1 TB
- Battery: ~7,000 mAh (global version expected around 6,330 mAh)
- Cameras: Multiple high-resolution sensors with Leica tuning
Xiaomi 17 Ultra (China)
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
- Display: ~6.9-inch 1.5K AMOLED, 120Hz
- Rear Cameras: 50 MP main with 1-inch sensor + 200 MP periscope + 50 MP ultra-wide
- Battery: ~6,800 mAh (rumoured ~6,000 mAh for global)
- Other: Leica-co-engineered imaging suite for advanced photography
Because global variants sometimes differ in battery size and specific features, especially to meet regional regulations and market expectations, the final specs for Malaysia and other markets could vary from the Chinese models.
The certification hinting at the Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi name suggests Xiaomi is leaning into its long-running camera partnership with Leica while giving the Ultra variant a distinct identity outside China.
The Xiaomi 17 series is widely expected to be one of the year’s flagship smartphone highlights, combining top-tier performance hardware with advanced Leica-tuned imaging and premium design. Launching just before MWC positions it for maximum global visibility among rivals from Samsung, Google, and others.
