If you buy a phone for its camera, this comparison is for you. On one side - the iPhone 18 Pro with a variable aperture, on the other - the Xiaomi 17 Ultra with a 1-inch sensor and a 200 MP Leica telephoto. Who wins?
Short answer
Xiaomi 17 Ultra - for photographers who want "a camera in a phone": a big sensor, powerful zoom, a 6000 mAh battery and 90 W charging. iPhone 18 Pro - for those who want a compact phone with the best video and the Apple ecosystem.
Key differences
| Spec | iPhone 18 Pro | Xiaomi 17 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.3", up to 3000 nits | 6.9", LTPO OLED, up to 3500 nits |
| Chip | A20 Pro | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 |
| Main camera | 48 MP, f/1.48-f/4.0 | 50 MP, 1", f/1.67 |
| Telephoto | 48 MP, 4× | 200 MP, 75-100 mm |
| Ultra-wide | 48 MP | 50 MP |
| Video | 4K/60 + ProRes | up to 8K/30 and 4K/120 |
| Battery | 4056 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Charging | wireless 25 W | 90 W wired, 50 W wireless |
| Memory | 12 GB / up to 2 TB | 16 GB / 512 GB - 1 TB |
| Weight | 211 g | 218.4 g |
| Price | current prices | current prices |
Cameras
Here Xiaomi plays in its own league. A 1-inch sensor is physics: more light, more natural blur, less noise. And the 200 MP telephoto with a variable 75-100 mm focal length delivers zoom quality the iPhone doesn't have.
The iPhone answers with its variable aperture and processing that makes every shot predictable. For video the iPhone is still the benchmark: stabilization, colours, ProRes. Xiaomi records 8K and 4K/120 - interesting for slow motion.
Battery and charging
A clear win for Xiaomi: 6000 mAh, 90 W wired and 50 W wireless. The iPhone with 25 W wireless loses here.
Display and size
The Xiaomi is a big 6.9-inch phone with 3500 nits of brightness. The iPhone is a compact 6.3 inches. The weight is almost the same, but they feel very different in the hand.
Small things that matter
The Xiaomi has an IR blaster - a remote for your air conditioner or TV is always with you. Two nano-SIMs plus eSIM. Very convenient.
Verdict: who should buy which
- Photos, especially zoom and portraits - Xiaomi 17 Ultra.
- Video - iPhone 18 Pro.
- Battery and fast charging - Xiaomi 17 Ultra.
- Compactness - iPhone 18 Pro.
- Price - Xiaomi 17 Ultra is cheaper.
FAQ
What sensor does the Xiaomi 17 Ultra use?
The main camera is a 1-inch Light Fusion 1050L, 50 MP.
Does the Xiaomi 17 Ultra have wireless charging?
Yes, 50 W.
How much does it cost?
See the current prices on the device page.