Xiaomi 17 Ultra global model specs and pricing revealed

The global version of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra might disappoint users outside China, as it's set to be more expensive while offering less appealing specifications. According to a fresh leak, the European flagship model with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage will cost 1,499 euros, placing it in the same price bracket as top-tier models from Samsung and Apple.

Reportedly, the international Xiaomi 17 Ultra will feature a 6,000 mAh battery, while the Chinese variant gets a more capacious 6,800 mAh unit. On paper, that 800 mAh difference might not seem critical, but in real-world use, it could noticeably impact battery life, especially during intensive camera use and high-performance tasks.

This practice isn't new for Xiaomi. The company has previously released flagship phones with different battery capacities depending on the region. For instance, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra in China came with a 6,000 mAh battery, while the global version was equipped with a 5,410 mAh unit.

The reason for these limitations relates more to regulatory requirements than cost-saving. Outside China, particularly in Europe and the US, stricter certification, transportation, and safety standards apply to high-capacity lithium batteries. Using larger batteries complicates logistics and increases the costs of bringing a device to market.

Beyond the battery, the global Xiaomi 17 Ultra might also miss out on some color options. According to the leak, outside China, the smartphone will only be available in white, black, and green, while an additional light purple variant is prepared for the Chinese market.

Nevertheless, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra remains a powerful flagship focused on performance and mobile photography. However, at a price of 1,499 euros, these regional specification simplifications could be a critical factor for buyers expecting maximum capabilities without compromise.