- Battery test score: 21:27
- Battery capacity: 6000mAh (global model)
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra had a comfortable place on this list for quite some time, but it’s only fitting that when it comes to the perfect mix of battery life and camera prowess, it’s the phone’s immediate successor that steps in to claim the crown. With a 6,000mAh battery under the hood, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra was able to run for a whopping 21 hours and 27 minutes in the PCMark battery test, making it one of the standout phones for longevity in 2026.
In everyday use, we were able to get the 17 Ultra to last for just over two days at a time before needing to be topped up, which is handy as you’ll want that level of juice in the tank given how the cameras practically invite you to explore their versatility at any chance you get. Even though it’s packing on less sensor than its predecessor, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is still one of the best camera phones we’ve ever tested.
There’s a mechanical zoom system on the phone which, through all the technical jargon, allows the user to take high-quality pics of subjects from a distance, so if you’re the type of person who can spot a great shot that just a bit out of reach for the main camera, then you’ll have the ability to capture it in a pinch.Â
The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset provides flagship-level performance that’s bolstered by the massive 6.9-inch display. It’s a brighter panel too that peaks at 3,500 nits for an easier experience outdoors. It’s a shame that such an expensive phone only carries five years of OS updates alongside six years of security patches, but given just how much the phone has to offer, all of that time will be well spent with the Xiaomi 17 Ultra in tow.
Who should buy the Xiaomi 17 Ultra?
Photographers who need a pro-level camera set-up in their pocket, alongside a multi-day battery to back it up.
Xiaomi 17 Ultra: Further considerations
With just five years of OS updates, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra has limited long-term value compared to what Samsung and Apple can provide.
