Global Launch Set for Late February 2026 Ahead of MWC

Xiaomi’s flagship Xiaomi 17 series, already a major success in China since its staggered 2025 launches, is on the verge of reaching international markets. As of February 15, 2026, reliable tipsters and leaks indicate the Xiaomi 17 (standard model) and Xiaomi 17 Ultra (premium flagship, including Leica Edition) will debut globally in late February 2026, just before the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026 kicks off March 2–5 in Barcelona.

Multiple sources, including Yogesh Brar, GSMArena, Gadgets 360, NotebookCheck, and Android Headlines, point to a European unveiling around February 28, with possible simultaneous or near-simultaneous reveals in other regions. Xiaomi has not issued an official announcement, but the consistent timeline across leaks suggests an imminent event—potentially a dedicated launch or press briefing in Europe. This early global rollout contrasts with past patterns where Xiaomi waited longer after China debuts.

China Launch Recap The Xiaomi 17 series launched in China in 2025: the standard Xiaomi 17 and Xiaomi 17 Pro (including Pro Max variant) on September 25, 2025, during founder Lei Jun’s annual speech, with availability starting September 27. The top-tier Xiaomi 17 Ultra followed on December 25, 2025, hitting shelves December 27. Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (or similar flagship chip), the lineup emphasized photography, battery endurance, and HyperOS 3 on Android 16.

The Xiaomi 17 features a compact design with a 6.36-inch LTPO AMOLED display, triple 50MP cameras, and up to 7,000mAh battery in China. The Ultra stands out with a 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED, quad-camera setup including a 200MP periscope telephoto with continuous zoom, mechanical ring for controls, and 6,800mAh battery supporting 100W charging.

Global Rollout Timeline Leaks from early February 2026 confirm Xiaomi will bring only the Xiaomi 17 and Xiaomi 17 Ultra (Leica Edition) to global markets, skipping the Pro and Pro Max models which remain China-exclusive. Yogesh Brar reported on February 2 that the pair will launch “ahead of MWC,” with the Leica Edition Ultra targeted by February 28. GSMArena and NotebookCheck corroborated renders and specs for global variants, noting a European event likely in late February.

India availability is expected in early March 2026, per Brar and Abhishek Yadav, aligning with past Xiaomi patterns. European pricing leaks suggest the Xiaomi 17 starts at around €999 (12GB+512GB), while the Ultra could hit €1,499 (similar config). This positions them directly against Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series (expected March 2026) and Apple’s iPhone lineup.

Key Differences for Global Models Global versions may include adjustments for regional regulations and certifications. A notable change: the Xiaomi 17’s battery could drop to about 6,330mAh (roughly 10% smaller than China’s 7,000mAh), as reported by PhoneArena on February 6. This downgrade, common for Xiaomi flagships due to battery regs or component tweaks, may slightly impact endurance but retains fast charging. Other specs like display, processor, and cameras appear consistent.

The Ultra’s global variant retains its photography focus: 50MP main + 200MP periscope + 50MP ultra-wide, Leica co-engineering, and mechanical zoom ring. Both models emphasize HyperOS 3 features, AI enhancements, and premium builds.

Why the Early Global Push? Xiaomi aims to capitalize on flagship momentum before MWC, where rivals unveil devices. Launching ahead allows hands-on demos, reviews, and pre-orders to build hype. The decision to limit global offerings to two models streamlines distribution and focuses on high-demand variants: the compact Xiaomi 17 for everyday premium users and the Ultra for photography enthusiasts.

Specs Highlights

• Xiaomi 17 (Global expected): 6.36-inch LTPO AMOLED, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, 12GB+ RAM options, triple 50MP cameras, ~6,330mAh battery, HyperOS 3, IP68 rating.
• Xiaomi 17 Ultra: 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED, same processor, up to 16GB RAM, quad cameras with 200MP periscope, 6,800mAh battery, 100W wired/50W wireless charging, Leica tuning.

Market Impact and CompetitionThe global Xiaomi 17 series enters a crowded premium segment. With aggressive pricing (under Samsung/Apple equivalents), strong cameras, and massive batteries, they challenge Galaxy S26 and iPhone 18 models. The Ultra’s Leica partnership and zoom prowess position it as a direct rival to Galaxy S Ultra and iPhone Pro Max in photography.

As MWC nears, expect official invites, teasers, or renders soon. Pre-orders could start immediately post-launch in select markets.

Xiaomi’s 17 series global debut in late February 2026 promises flagship performance at competitive prices. With leaks aligning on timing and specs, anticipation builds for what could be one of 2026’s strongest Android challengers.