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

News

HONOR Magic9 Pro Max launches in China with ARRI-powered imaging

ARRI tech meets mobile filmmaking

Published

September 28, 2026

GadgetMatch

HONOR has launched the Magic9 Pro Max in China. It’s the company’s latest flagship with an end-to-end professional cinema workflow co-engineered with ARRI.

The Magic9 Pro Max is positioned as a handheld cinema system, combining Dual 200MP cameras with selected elements of ARRI Image Science. The system includes ARRI LogC3, 10-bit color depth, ARRI Wide Gamut 3, and ARRI Looks.

Its 200MP Ultra Night Main Camera uses a 1/1.28-inch sensor, f/1.57 aperture, OIS, and 3-degree gimbal-level stabilization. It is paired with a 200MP Ultra Night Telephoto Camera with a 1/1.4-inch sensor, f/2.6 aperture, and OIS, alongside a 50MP ultra-wide camera. Both 200MP cameras achieve CIPA 8.0 stabilization performance.

The phone’s HONOR Imaging Chip H1 processes AI noise reduction in the RAW domain. HONOR says its testing showed an 8dB improvement in signal-to-noise ratio and support for up to 14 stops of cinematic dynamic range under defined test conditions.

ARRI CINEMA

For video, ARRI CINEMA Mode supports recording at up to 4K 60fps. The phone also includes 14 preset ARRI Looks, with the ARRI Look Library offering 87 predefined creative color gradings.

HONOR also adds Cinematic LiveVideo, which captures a three-second moving moment after the user presses and holds the record button. It supports up to 4K resolution. The phone also features a four-microphone Cinematic Directional Microphone system and Stereo Dual 1216 Speakers.

The cinematic workflow extends to optional accessories, including the HONOR SmallRig Mobile Video Kit and HONOR Teleconverter G200 and G500.

HONOR has also redesigned the Magic9 Pro Max around cinema-camera heritage. Its rear camera layout draws inspiration from ARRI’s three-lens turret ARRIFLEX cameras. The main, telephoto, and ultra-wide cameras arranged in a 1+2 configuration.

The phone is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 Mobile Platform and features an 8,800mAh battery with 100W wired and 80W wireless charging.

It also packs a 6.8-inch LTPO OLED display with up to 10,000 nits peak brightness, while MagicOS 11 introduces features such as YOYO Memory, Video Highlights, and YOYO Tasks.

Pricing and Availability

The HONOR Magic9 Pro Max is available in China in Shadow Black, Glacier Silver, and Moss Green.

It comes in four memory and storage configurations, with prices starting at CNY 6499.

HONOR says regional launches across Europe, Middle East and Africa, Southeast Asia, and other markets will be announced soon.

Her GadgetMatch

TECNO and Angélica Dass visit the Philippines next for its grand portrait project

100 Faces, 100 Stories

Published

September 28, 2026

Vincenz

A portrait can show what someone looks like, but what about the story behind the face?

TECNO and visual artist Angélica Dass are exploring that question through “100 Portraits of Becoming,” a two-year global portrait project featuring 100 people across Kenya, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Brazil.

The project begins with 20 portraits from Kenya, each paired with a personal story about identity, choices, change, and growth. Rather than having participants represent an entire culture or generation, the project focuses on their individual experiences.

Beyond inclusive imaging

The project builds on TECNO’s work with Universal Tone, its imaging technology designed to represent diverse skin tones more naturally and accurately.

But “100 Portraits of Becoming” takes that idea further. With AI increasingly involved in capturing, recognizing, and generating images of people, TECNO and Dass want to explore how technology can better represent the individual behind the image.

For Dass, meaningful portraiture starts with human connection.

“Meaningful portraits are never created by technology alone.”

She says her experience in Kenya reinforced the importance of trust, listening, and the willingness of people to share their stories.

The Philippines is next

Following Kenya, the project heads to the Philippines for a chapter called “Beyond Many Labels.”

It will feature 20 individuals, including working solo mothers and people whose lives are closely connected to solo parenthood.

Their stories will look beyond labels such as “single mother,” “breadwinner,” and “strong woman,” while exploring their ambitions, relationships, and personal growth.

The chapter will also explore “diskarte” — the ways Filipinos adapt, make choices, and find practical ways forward in everyday life.

After the Philippines, “100 Portraits of Becoming” will continue to Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Brazil.

By the end of the project, TECNO and Dass hope the 100 portraits will offer exactly what the title suggests: 100 different ways of seeing humanity.

Automotive

BYD says that way better EV batteries are coming next year

Solid-state batteries will debut with higher-end models in 2027.

Published

September 28, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

With gas prices reaching the edges of believability, electric and hybrid vehicles are turning into worthy upgrades. That said, the more casual consumer still has a lot of questions about going electric, primarily about the durability of the battery and range anxiety. Well, a major battery technology upgrade is coming in the next few years, and BYD has just committed to it for next year.

Via the Spanish outlet Carwow, BYD EVP Stella Li confirmed that the company will launch its first vehicle with a solid-state battery in 2027. Now, if you’re a regular consumer, a solid-state battery probably doesn’t make much sense to you. But here’s the basics: it’s smaller, safer, and can last longer on a single charge.

If you’re fine with technical explanations, a solid-state battery uses more solid components, as opposed to the liquid solution used by the current standard of lithium-ion batteries. Because it’s more solid, it has better energy density. Higher energy density means a smaller size is needed to achieve the same battery capacity as modern batteries. In turn, this means that a vehicle can pack more batteries inside, allowing for better capacity. Oh, and let’s not forget that these batteries are generally safer and less prone to incidents.

In the same interview, BYD says that the first model will arrive next year. Unfortunately, because of the battery’s cost to produce, the component will likely debut with the company’s higher-end models. Still, it’s an exciting sight to behold. The electric and hybrid market is already quite the temptation for users, so an even better battery will further push the segment to better heights.