Xiaomi 17 Ultra: dual trims with UWB, satellite calls, 200MP zoom

Xiaomi is preparing to release the flagship 17 Ultra in two versions. According to the insider Digital Chat Station, the phone has already cleared certification in China under the model numbers 2512BPNDAC and 25128PNA1C. Both variants will support ultra-wideband (UWB), while the top model will additionally enable satellite calling via the Tiantong system and short-message exchange through Beidou—useful for staying reachable in places with no cellular coverage.

Rumors point to a 6.8-inch 2K OLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate. At its core sits the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset for flagship-grade performance. Wireless charging support, IP68 water resistance, and a high-capacity next-generation Xiaomi Jinsha River battery are also expected.

The camera package takes center stage. A 50-megapixel main sensor with a large matrix will be paired with a 200-megapixel periscope telephoto capable of shooting at multiple focal lengths and even handling macro work. Sources say the phone will deliver detailed images in any lighting thanks to an extended dynamic range.

The model is set to arrive in black, white, and purple, with sales expected before the Chinese New Year. The base version is preliminarily priced at about 6,000 yuan (roughly US$845). With two trims and satellite connectivity on the table, the message is clear: Xiaomi is pushing deeper into the premium tier, positioning the Ultra as not just a smartphone but a reliable tool for challenging environments.