- Xiaomi has reportedly scrapped the Xiaomi 18 Ultra, reducing its next flagship lineup to three models: Xiaomi 17, Xiaomi 17 Pro, and Xiaomi 17 Pro Max.
- Oppo and Vivo are also expected to keep their next Ultra models, the Find X10 Ultra and X500 Ultra, exclusive to the Chinese market.
- Xiaomi is expected to revive the Ultra branding with the Xiaomi 19 Ultra, which could arrive in late 2027 or early 2028.
- Rising DRAM and NAND prices are cited as a key reason for the cancellation of the Xiaomi 18 Ultra and the exclusivity of Oppo and Vivo's Ultra models.
- The demand from the AI industry has significantly impacted the prices of memory components, affecting smartphone manufacturers' ability to produce Ultra models.
Xiaomi has decided to scrap the 18 Ultra model from its upcoming flagship series, reducing the lineup to three devices due to soaring DRAM and NAND prices. This strategic move aims to focus resources on the best-selling models, as the company anticipates a revival of the Ultra branding with the Xiaomi 19 Ultra in late 2027 or early 2028.
Tipster Kartikey Singh revealed that both Oppo and Vivo are also reconsidering their Ultra smartphone plans, likely keeping the Oppo Find X10 Ultra and Vivo X300 Ultra exclusive to the Chinese market. This marks a significant shift from previous generations, which enjoyed wider international releases.45
As a result, the Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra may emerge as the only major Ultra-branded flagship available globally, as other brands pivot towards Pro Max models. The industry-wide change is attributed to the sharp increase in memory component prices, driven by rising demand from the AI sector.
The impact of these rising costs is significant, as it affects brands' ability to produce smartphones with “Ultra” specs, pushing prices beyond consumer willingness to pay.
Xiaomi's decision reflects a broader trend in the smartphone market, where manufacturers are adapting to economic pressures while trying to maintain competitive offerings.
“The move is a strategic cost-cutting measure, as Xiaomi will focus on its three best-selling models instead of four. Tipster Kartikey Singh claims the Xiaomi 19 Ultra could return in late 2027 or early 2028 with a 200MP quad-camera system.”
