Xiaomi 17 vs 17 Ultra Comparison: Why You Should Consider the Standard Model

Xiaomi’s flagship smartphone game has significantly improved, with the Xiaomi 17 lineup showcasing the brand’s progress. When compared to other smartphones in the market, it’s challenging to find many faults with these devices.

Having spent time using the recently-launched Xiaomi 17, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by its performance. While Alex Walker-Todd conducted our full review, my hands-on experience with the device highlights its superiority over the competition, including its pricier counterpart, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra.

After comparing the Xiaomi 17 and Xiaomi 17 Ultra extensively, it’s somewhat unexpected that the Xiaomi 17 emerges as the preferred choice. It offers almost everything one would expect from a flagship device while providing significant cost savings, starting at £899 compared to the £1,299 price tag of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra.

Additionally, the compact nature of the Xiaomi 17 is a standout feature, as genuinely compact flagship phones are becoming increasingly rare. With a 6.3-inch display, the Xiaomi 17 bucks the trend of larger displays seen in most modern flagships, providing a comfortable and easy one-handed user experience.

So, does the Xiaomi 17 strike the right balance when compared to the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, or is it worth investing more in the larger flagship? Let’s delve into the details.

1. Identical Performance Levels

One of the primary reasons to choose the Xiaomi 17 over the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is performance. Both devices are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor, Qualcomm’s latest flagship chip manufactured using a 3 nm process. With identical chipsets, there’s no discernible difference in real-world performance between the two, with the main distinction being the price.

Having tested both phones extensively with demanding mobile games like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Mobile, I found no noticeable lag or stutter on either device. The gaming experience was smooth and consistent across both models. Moreover, both phones feature LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 storage technologies, ensuring fast app loading times, seamless multitasking, and rapid file transfers.

The key variation lies in the configuration options, with the Xiaomi 17 offering 12GB RAM and either 256GB or 512GB storage, while the Xiaomi 17 Ultra goes up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage. For most users, the Xiaomi 17 delivers an equivalent performance experience without the need for the highest RAM and storage capacities.

2. Superior Form Factor

Having a preference for smaller phones, I find devices with displays around 6.2- or 6.3-inches to be ideal. The Xiaomi 17 fits this category perfectly with its 6.3-inch display, offering a flagship display experience within a compact body.

The OLED panel of the Xiaomi 17, protected by Xiaomi Shield Glass, delivers durability and quality. Featuring a 120Hz LTPO refresh rate that dynamically adjusts between 1Hz and 120Hz, the display enhances the user experience during gaming, social media browsing, and navigation.

With a peak brightness of 3500 nits, the display ensures excellent visibility even in bright sunlight. Additional display features include HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and DC dimming, further enhancing the visual experience.

The balanced design of the Xiaomi 17 allows for comfortable one-handed use, enabling seamless scrolling, messaging, photography, and video recording. In contrast, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra’s larger camera island can make one-handed usage awkward and top-heavy, hindering the overall user experience.

3. Enhanced Battery Life and Charging Speeds

While one might assume that the pricier Xiaomi 17 Ultra offers superior battery life and faster charging capabilities, the reality is quite the opposite.

The Xiaomi 17 boasts a 6330mAh battery, slightly larger than the 6000mAh battery found in the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, despite its more compact form factor. Additionally, the Xiaomi 17 supports 100W wired charging and 50W wireless charging, outperforming the Ultra’s 90W wired charging and 15W wireless charging capabilities.

During testing, the Xiaomi 17 excelled with over 35 hours of video playback and consistent all-day performance under regular usage, including browsing, streaming, multitasking, video recording, and gaming.

Charging performance was equally impressive, with the Xiaomi 17 reaching 50 percent charge in just 22 minutes, ensuring quick top-ups for extended usage. In comparison, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra took around 30 minutes to reach 60 percent charge, impacted by its larger display size and power consumption.

Conclusion: Xiaomi 17 is the Ideal Choice

For individuals not requiring DSLR-level camera capabilities, the Xiaomi 17 emerges as the preferred option. With its compact design, impressive display, and excellent performance, the Xiaomi 17 offers a compelling package. Furthermore, the device features a triple-camera setup with 50+50+50MP lenses, capable of delivering exceptional results in most scenarios.

Ultimately, the Xiaomi 17 provides a well-rounded flagship experience at a more affordable price point, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of users.