For Xiaomi, this year has truly marked a turning point where it has taken the lead in the flagship smartphone arena. Consequently, in terms of sales, it trails only Apple and stands head and shoulders above all domestic Android rivals, a dominance that is projected to endure. Having savored success, there's no incentive to relinquish this edge. The secret weapon, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, is rumored to have two possible launch windows, with the earliest being before year-end and a more conservative estimate pointing to a pre-Lunar New Year release. This move could easily throw competitors off balance. Once Xiaomi makes further inroads into the Ultra segment, its lead could expand beyond expectations.

Should Xiaomi indeed adopt such a bold strategy by introducing two Ultra models within a single year, it would be unprecedented in the entire smartphone industry. The Ultra variant is a pivotal indicator of a smartphone brand's stature. Even if it entails operating at a loss, manufacturers are compelled to produce it. The latest leaks suggest that Xiaomi 17 Ultra's stance of rivaling Apple remains unmistakable.

3D facial recognition is set to make a comeback on Xiaomi smartphones. Naturally, this isn't a groundbreaking technology for Xiaomi, as it was already featured in the Xiaomi 8 Transparent Explorer Edition back in 2018. Its reintroduction can be viewed as a strategic move to cement its position in the high-end smartphone market and bolster the Ultra model's competitiveness. However, the adoption of a 1.5K screen on the flagship model is perceived by many as a potential sales obstacle. Nevertheless, since Xiaomi has opted for this route, it will undoubtedly equip the Xiaomi 17 Ultra with super pixels, which excel in delivering a 2K screen display effect while consuming power akin to a 1.5K screen.

The resurgence of 1.5K screens among flagship models from various manufacturers also reflects an industry trend, primarily fueled by escalating hardware costs and the imperative to manage expenses. Secondly, influenced by technological advancements, 1.5K screens can now deliver display effects on par with those of 2K screens. However, curved screens might deter some buyers. In terms of imaging, it's rumored to debut with the Light and Shadow Hunter 1050L one-inch main camera, offering an enhanced dynamic range.

It will also flaunt an ultra-large, high-performance 200-megapixel periscope telephoto lens, and the battery capacity will see a substantial boost to 7000mAh. Moreover, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is rumored to come in two variants (with the primary distinction expected to be satellite communication capabilities) and will incorporate a brand-new sensor to support industry-leading zoom capabilities. The relevant new technology has been hailed by leakers as a super evolution in smartphone imaging, and it's presumably the product that Xiaomi's product manager recently claimed online could rival cameras and offer a revolutionary optical experience in the industry.

Some skeptics argue that Xiaomi is merely boasting, but given the product manager's bold statement, there must be some substance to it. Unless one has exceptionally high demands, I personally believe that ordinary users may not truly require such a high-end product as the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. This is purely a top-tier device for Xiaomi to flaunt its prowess and cater to professional users. The overall design is likely to retain that of the 15 Ultra, but there will be enhancements in materials, utilizing glass fiber with a more robust texture.

The anticipated starting price is set to soar to nearly 7,000 yuan, which, I believe, will deter a significant number of users.