Why is the Xiaomi 17 Ultra getting a Design Downgrade?

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra’s design has been officially unveiled, and it seems to be taking a less adventurous direction than anticipated.

Xiaomi has confirmed on Weibo that the launch of its latest super-flagship phone will take place on Christmas Day.

The choice of Christmas Day for a smartphone launch may seem unconventional, but it was expected. The focus, however, is on the design of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, which was showcased in the post and a brief hands-on video on YouTube.

It’s important to note that there is no cause for outrage regarding the Xiaomi 17 Ultra’s design. Some may debate whether the term ‘downgrade’ is suitable for the headline. However, in comparison to the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, the new model, although sleeker and sharper, feels like a step back in design.

Oh no, not another one

While the Xiaomi 17 Ultra may showcase impressive engineering, it seems to be following a more conventional and less innovative design path.

In a review of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, Tech Advisor’s Chris Martin praised the phone’s distinctive appearance and beveled edges, which set it apart from the trend of flat-sided smartphones. Despite being a powerhouse, it managed to embrace an iPhone-like design while maintaining its unique identity.

The OnePlus 15 has received positive reviews, but in my opinion, its new design lacks the character of its predecessor, the OnePlus 13. The OnePlus 13, whether loved or disliked, had a distinct look and feel.

Before making a final judgment, a hands-on experience with the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is necessary. However, there are concerns about the phone’s design potentially lacking the creativity seen in previous models.

Chris Martin / Foundry

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Go pro or go home

There is a strong argument for the Xiaomi Ultra line to maintain its bold aesthetic. These phones are known for their photography capabilities, drawing inspiration from classic camera technology both in function and appearance.

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra and its predecessor were praised for offering a converter kit that transformed them into high-end point-and-shoot cameras.

It would have been interesting to see Xiaomi embrace the ‘pro camera’ aspect further, integrating camera elements into the phone’s design. This could include textured materials for better grip, a finger rest for landscape photography, a prominent shutter button, or a built-in lanyard anchor point.

While some may argue this would limit the phone’s appeal, a £1,300 device with a significant camera module is already a niche product. For those seeking a more conventional flagship experience, Xiaomi offers the Xiaomi 17 and Xiaomi 17 Pro models.

Despite reservations about the design direction, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is anticipated for its performance, build quality, exceptional battery life, and outstanding camera capabilities.