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| Xiaomi 17 Ultra Premium Smartphone |
In recent months, flagship smartphone prices in Vietnam have increased significantly. As of March 2026, the newly launched Xiaomi 17 Ultra has become more expensive than leading models from Apple and Samsung in the Vietnamese market.
The development marks a notable shift in the premium smartphone segment, where Chinese manufacturer Xiaomi is now pricing its flagship above traditional industry leaders.
Core Facts: Xiaomi 17 Ultra Tops the Premium Price Range
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra, launched in Vietnam earlier this year, is currently listed at around 40 million Vietnamese dong (VND), equivalent to roughly $1,600 depending on exchange rates. This makes it more expensive than two of the market’s most recognized flagship smartphones: the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra.
According to retail pricing in Vietnam:
- iPhone 17 Pro Max – about 38 million VND
- Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra – about 37 million VND
- Xiaomi 17 Ultra – about 40 million VND
This means Xiaomi’s flagship device is currently 3 million VND more expensive than Samsung’s model and about 2 million VND higher than Apple’s device in the Vietnamese market.
Industry analysts say the price increase reflects multiple factors affecting smartphone manufacturing and distribution in Asia.
Market Factors: Supply Chain and Hardware Costs
Technology analysts note that the rising price of flagship smartphones is closely linked to supply chain disruptions, particularly in the global market for memory chips such as RAM and storage modules.
Manufacturers have also had to respond to fluctuations in currency exchange rates and increased component costs. These factors are especially noticeable in emerging smartphone markets like Vietnam.
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra includes a higher default storage configuration of 512GB, which partially explains the price increase compared with the previous generation Xiaomi 15 Ultra, which launched at around 35 million VND.
Compared with its predecessor, the new model’s price has risen by about 5 million VND.
Competition with Apple and Samsung
Despite the higher price, Xiaomi still faces strong competition from established flagship devices.
Apple devices continue to benefit from their integrated ecosystem built around , which connects iPhones with other Apple products and services. Many users also consider Apple’s video recording capabilities to be among the best in the smartphone industry.
Meanwhile, Samsung’s Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra remains a widely recognized Android flagship with global brand loyalty. Even though the device offers fewer hardware upgrades compared with some competitors, it still enjoys strong market recognition.
However, Xiaomi has been gradually strengthening its premium segment strategy. The company has been selling high-end smartphones in Vietnam for nearly five years, positioning itself as one of the few Chinese brands consistently focusing on flagship devices after the decline of Huawei in some international markets.
Pricing Strategy and Sales Approach
One key difference in Xiaomi’s strategy is its dynamic pricing model.
Although the official price of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is about 40 million VND, early buyers in Vietnam often receive promotional discounts or bundled offers. Retail promotions have already reduced the device’s price by about 4 million VND, bringing it closer to the cost of the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
A similar strategy was used for the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, where early customers were able to purchase the phone for around 27–28 million VND after discounts and promotional gifts.
Industry sources also reported that the Xiaomi 15 Ultra sold approximately 1,000 units quickly after launch, indicating strong early demand among premium smartphone buyers in Vietnam.
Background: Changing Perception of Chinese Smartphones
For many years, Chinese smartphone brands were mainly associated with budget-friendly devices. However, companies such as Xiaomi have increasingly invested in premium hardware, camera technology, and global partnerships.
The camera collaboration featured in the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is part of this strategy, aimed at competing directly with flagship models from Apple and Samsung.
This shift reflects a broader transformation in the smartphone industry, where Chinese manufacturers are moving beyond low-cost devices and entering the ultra-premium segment.
Future Outlook: Premium Smartphone Market in Vietnam
Market analysts expect Vietnam’s smartphone market to remain highly competitive in 2026. As component costs stabilize and global supply chains improve, flagship smartphone prices may become more balanced.
However, brands will continue to compete through camera innovation, artificial intelligence features, and ecosystem integration.
For consumers in Vietnam, the growing competition between Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi may ultimately lead to more advanced devices and promotional pricing strategies in the coming years.
CONCLUSION
The launch of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra at a higher price than flagship models from Apple and Samsung marks a significant moment in Vietnam’s smartphone market.
It highlights Xiaomi’s ambition to compete at the top end of the industry while also reflecting rising manufacturing costs and evolving market strategies. As competition intensifies, consumers may benefit from improved technology and pricing flexibility across the premium smartphone segment.
SOURCE REFERENCES
- ZNews Vietnam
- Reuters
- BBC
- The Daily Star
- Industry retail reports from Vietnam
DISCLAIMER
This article is written using information collected from reliable and trusted sources. The content is for informational purposes only.
FAQ
Why is Xiaomi 17 Ultra more expensive in Vietnam?
Higher component costs, increased storage capacity, and supply chain pressures have pushed up the device’s launch price.
Is Xiaomi competing with Apple and Samsung in the premium segment?
Yes. Xiaomi has increasingly focused on flagship smartphones with advanced cameras and high-end hardware to compete directly with leading brands.
