News

Xiaomi 17 Ultra is now available outside China

Xiaomi brings the Ultra again outside of the Mainland

Published

February 28, 2026

Vincenz

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Just when we thought brands are getting ready for the next year, Xiaomi wraps up their 2025 by announcing the Xiaomi 17 Ultra at the very last minute — specifically right during the Christmas Day.

New Camera Champ?

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra isn’t called “Ultra” for no major reason. Xiaomi’s all-new flagship boasts a mighty camera system in partnership with Leica.

First and foremost, there’s the Leica Optical Summilux High Speed Lens that’s backed by a 50MP f/1.67 main shooter powered by a 1-inch LightHunter 1050L image sensor.

ICYMI, the the Xiaomi 17 Pro and Pro Max feature a smaller 1/1.28-inch LightHunter 950L sensor.

Furthermore, Xiaomi brings back that dual variable aperture they have removed from the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. However this time, they have incorporated it into the latest telephoto camera instead of the main sensor.

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra highlights its 200MP telephoto shooter with a 1/1.4-inch Samsung ISOCELL HPE sensor and an adjustable aperture of f/2.39 ~ 2.96.

It also has a “continuous optical zoom” feature between 3.2x to 4.3x range (75mm to 100mm equivalent).

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

And for the first time, there’s Leica’s APO Optical Certification.

Ultra-wide angle camera is capped at 50MP f/2.2 with a 115-degree FoV (Field of View).

Macro shooting is possible on both the UWA and telephoto modes with minimum shooting distance of 5cm and 30cm respectively.

Front-facing camera is also a 50MP f/2.2 shooter but with a 90-degree FoV.

When it comes to video recording, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is capable of shooting up to 8K / 30fps or up to 120fps in 4K resolution.

Toning it down to 1080p Full HD or 720p will give better slo-mo options ranging between 120, 240, 480, 960, and 1920fps.

Full-Fledged Flagship

As expected, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra runs the latest and greatest from Qualcomm: the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 3nm SoC.

That’s paired with either a 12/16GB of LPDDR5X memory plus a 512GB or 1TB of UFS 4.1 high-speed storage.

Display is never forgotten. It has a 6.9-inch AMOLED 120Hz 2D display with Superpixel technology.

It’s promised to be sharper than a 2K Pentile display. It’s also more battery efficient with its smaller 1.5K display resolution. Brightness levels can even go as low 1 nit.

Other pro-grade display features include the DCI-P3 Wide Color Gamut, DC Dimming, as well as support for HDR Vivid, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision content.

Weirdly, despite that massive display, the Ultra variant only has a 6800mAh Si/C battery. For context, the base 17 and 17 Pro Max are equipped with 7000mAh and 7500mAh respectively.

That can be topped up either via 90W wired HyperCharge or 50W wireless HyperCharge standards. USB-C PD, QC, and PPS wired charging protocols are supported as well for non-Xiaomi chargers.

For data transfers, it has USB-C 3.2 Gen2 support for faster speeds of up to 10Gbps.

Durability-wise, the front is protected by Xiaomi’s Longjing Glass 3.0. That’s then backed by the flagship-grade triple IP resistance rating: IP66, IP68, and IP69.

Xiaomi was also able to trim down the 17 Ultra’s waist to just 8.29mm (versus 15 Ultra’s 9.3mm). This makes their slimmest Ultra flagship so far.

Lastly, it runs Xiaomi’s latest HyperOS 3 with all the new Android features and AI tools in mind. Cross-compatibility with Apple’s iOS, iPadOS, and macOS weren’t left behind.

Leica Limited

With the continuous partnership of the major Chinese AIoT brand and Germany’s premium camera maker, they have also launched a limited Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica.

The original Leica team was involved when making this Limited Edition unit. Thus, the inspiration of Leica M-series cameras.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

That dual-tone back panel incorporates a textured leather for added grip. The mid-frame then has the “LEICA CAMERA GERMANY” engraving that provides added anti-slip grip.

And, for the first time in forever, the signature Leica red dot badge is placed at the side of the camera instead of Xiaomi’s “Ultra” branding.

But, the highlight of the show has got to be the Leica Camera Ring*. This is their way of putting the focus ring directly onto the Xiaomi 17 Ultra’s circular camera bump, mimicking how mirrorless camera lenses work when focusing prior shooting.

It’s also user-customizable as settings can be set between switching into different focal lengths, change f-stop (aperture), EV (Exposure Value), even triggering the camera app by fast-twisting the mechanism when locked.

Xiaomi and Leica made it possible by embedding 20 high-strength ball bearings and an internal optical displacement sensor. Those not only gives the tactility, it also gives smooth, fast, and precise focusing.

* FYI, don’t expect this feature to be in the regular Ultra units. This is only limited to the Leica variant.

It doesn’t stop there! It also features an exclusive Leica Essential Mode. This recreates the looks of the iconic Leica M3 and M9 cameras.

As for the process itself, it’s never simple. Xiaomi trained a “RAW-to-RGB” Style Transfer model which gives the closest authentic look possible (such as the Leica MONOPAN 50 film) — more than what regular filters provide.

Lastly, Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica introduces the mobile industry’s first CAI Photo Authenticity Protection technology.

It just means that in a photo taken with a digital signature, the original attributes are also stored in the phone’s dedicated security chip. This further ensures that the photograph was really taken through the lenses of the special phone and not by Generative AI.

Pricing and Availability

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra comes in Black, White, Cold Smoke Purple, and Starry Sky Green colorways.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

The latest smartphones comes in three configurations:

12 + 512GB = CNY 6999 (US$ 980 / EUR 835 / GBP 730 / SG$ 1260 / MYR 4130 / PhP 56,440 / INR 87,110)
16 + 512GB = CNY 7499 (US$ 1100 / EUR 900 / GBP 780 / SG$ 1345 / PhP 59,590 / INR 90,980)
16 + 1TB = CNY 8499 (US$ 1185 / EUR 1020 / GBP 870 / SG$ 1520 / PhP 67,670 / INR 101,930)

Leica Limited Edition is then available in Black or Off-White duotone shades with only two configurations:

16 + 512GB = CNY 7999 (US$ 1115 / EUR 960 / GBP 820 / SG$ 1430 / PhP 63,685 / INR 95,930)
16 + 1TB = CNY 8999 (US$ 1260 / EUR 1070 / GBP 920 / SG$ 600 / PhP 70,905 / INR 107,700)

* These are only estimated pricing conversions

The phone will be on-sale in Mainland China starting December 27, 2025 at 10AM. Global availability, just like Ultra releases of the past, were never mentioned.

Hopefully, they will consider international markets this time.

UPDATE: Global Release

Just today, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra makes its global debut in Barcelona, Spain. ICYMI, Xiaomi 13 Ultra was the last phone launched “globally.”

Pricing for the Xiaomi 17 Ultra starts at EUR 1499 with 512GB and 1TB options. However, purple is only China-exclusive as it did not make the cut for international markets.

Meanwhile, the Leica Edition (named Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi) retails for EUR 1999 and only comes in black and 1TB storage.

The Photography Kit and Photography Kit Pro are also being sold for EUR 99.99 and EUR 199.99 respectively.

Additionally, those who will purchase the any of the Xiaomi 17 phones in eligible markets will enjoy these exclusive benefits with no additional cost:

3-month trial of Google AI Pro + 2TB Google cloud storage
3-month trial of YouTube Premium
4-month trial of Spotify Premium

Accessories

CASETiFY x Tamagotchi brings back nostalgia

Retro pets meet modern accessories

Published

May 22, 2026

GadgetMatch

From phone cases to luggage, the collaboration turns the classic virtual pet into a lifestyle collection

CASETiFY has announced a new collaboration with Bandai Namco Entertainment inspired by Tamagotchi.

The collection mixes retro digital pet nostalgia with modern accessories. Designs feature bright colors, pixel-inspired graphics, and classic Tamagotchi characters.

First released in 1996, Tamagotchi became a global hit. The interactive virtual pet encouraged players to care for their digital companion. More than 100 million units have been sold worldwide.

The new collaboration includes phone cases, tech accessories, straps, charms, and customizable luggage.

One of the highlights is the CASETiFY Travel Tamagotchi luggage collection. Customers can choose their favorite Tamagotchi character and add custom text using the franchise’s signature font style.

The 21-inch Carry-On Bounce Suitcase comes in Primrose Pink and Cobalt Blue.

The collection also introduces a CASETiFY-exclusive Tamagotchi device. It features a custom CASETiFY shell design.

Fans can also pick up the Tamagotchi Plush Earbuds Pouch designed by Bandai. CASETiFY is also offering themed straps and charms for added personalization.

Accessories include a 3-Way Strap with adjustable lengths and a silicone phone charm with a detachable plush accessory. A Tamagotchi-shaped metal charm hook is also available.

CASETiFY is also launching Tamagotchi Chase Cards alongside the collection. The collectible cards come in seven rarity levels. These range from Common to Supreme Ultra Rare.

To celebrate the launch, CASETiFY will host activations at its Shibuya PARCO store in Tokyo and its Dosan flagship store in Seoul.

Visitors can try the exclusive CASETiFY Tamagotchi device and enjoy interactive photo activities.

Price and availability

The CASETiFY x Tamagotchi collection starts at US$36. It launches on May 29 through CASETiFY and select CASETiFY STUDiO stores worldwide.

Gaming

Kingdom Come devs are working on a Lord of the Rings RPG

This is alongside a new adventure in the Kingdom Come universe.

Published

May 21, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Proven by both entries in the duology, Kingdom Come: Deliverance is the quintessential medieval life simulator, bolstered by an engaging story to go along with its impressive gameplay. Despite having the series as the only items in its resume, Warhorse Studios has emerged as a developer you’d want to believe in, no matter what. And now, the studio is asking fans to stick with it in an entirely new world: Middle-earth.

Through now-viral posts on social media, Warhorse Studios announced two upcoming projects after Kingdom Come: Deliverance II. Firstly, the studio will return to the Holy Roman Empire in “a new Kingdom Come adventure.”

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A return to the series that made them famous is notable enough. After all, the two games were worthy candidates for their respective Game of the Year awards. However, the bigger news is the announcement of an upcoming open-world Middle-earth RPG.

Yes, that’s the same Middle-earth as The Lord of the Rings. Beyond that single description, Warhorse Studios has not announced anything else about the upcoming title, but there’s naturally a lot of excitement for the game.

Tolkien’s world has had a rough history littered with lackluster titles and outright flops like Return to Moria and Gollum. The last Middle-earth games that truly made heads turn in a good way were Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War, which were both open-world RPGs.

There’s a lot of pressure riding on yet another Middle-earth game. Then again, Warhorse Studios has the chops to make it work.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance is a more rigorous RPG that has players learning to do everything including how to read. Will the Middle-earth RPG follow the same style?

Computers

AMD expands Ryzen PRO 9000 series processor lineup

AMD brings 3D V-Cache technology to commercial segment

Published

May 20, 2026

GadgetMatch

AMD has announced an expansion of its enterprise desktop lineup with new Ryzen PRO 9000 Series processors. These are built on the Zen 5 architecture and set to debut in the second half of 2026.

This is the first time AMD is bringing its high-bandwidth 3D V-Cache technology into the commercial workstation segment.

This way, the company unlocks massive performance leaps for data-heavy professional industries.

The introduction of 3D V-Cache directly targets power users handling complex, intensive digital pipelines.

By vertically stacking additional last-level cache directly onto the processor die, the hardware drastically cuts down memory latency and accelerates data access.

Primary beneficiaries of this architecture are creative and technical professionals, including:

video editors and animators
3D artists and VFX creators
engineers and architects
developers and data scientists

The expanded hardware lineup spans configurations from six to 16 performance cores. Power limits break past traditional limits, or up to a sustained 170 watts to maintain peak clock speeds during overnight renders.

The range also makes the lineup scalable from compact desktop systems to full-scale tower workstation systems.

The AMD Ryzen PRO 9000 series also supports up to 256GB of memory to prevent system crashes. Enterprise system rollouts are expected to begin later this year.