Xiaomi Reveals 17 Ultra with Leica-Tuned Triple Camera
Xiaomi has announced the Xiaomi 17 Ultra as its latest Ultra-series flagship, developed under an updated collaboration framework with Leica and currently introduced only for the Chinese market. As with previous Ultra models, the device places strong emphasis on imaging, while the overall hardware positions it firmly in the high-end smartphone segment.
The camera system is built around a triple-lens configuration developed in close cooperation with Leica. The main camera uses a 1-inch 50-megapixel Light Fusion 1050L sensor with LOFIC HDR technology, designed to increase full well capacity and improve highlight and shadow retention in high-contrast scenes. It is paired with a 23 mm equivalent lens intended to reduce dependence on aggressive computational processing, and a 14 mm equivalent ultra-wide camera with a 50-megapixel sensor and Leica UltraPure optics. The most distinctive component is the 200-megapixel telephoto camera, which combines a 1/1.4-inch sensor with a continuous optical zoom covering roughly 75 to 100 mm equivalent focal lengths. This system relies on multiple moving lens groups and a prism to maintain full sensor usage throughout the zoom range, avoiding digital cropping. The telephoto lens features a Leica APO optical design to minimize chromatic aberration, making the 17 Ultra the first Xiaomi flagship to receive Leica APO certification.
A mechanical control ring integrated around the camera module, particularly emphasized in the Leica Edition, allows direct adjustment of functions such as zoom, focus, and exposure, and can also be used to launch the camera app or switch between lenses. This design borrows operational concepts from traditional cameras, though its everyday advantages over touch-based controls remain to be evaluated.
Beyond the camera system, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra features a 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED display with 2K resolution, a variable refresh rate up to 120 Hz, and a peak brightness of 3,500 nits. The device adopts a flat display for the first time in the Ultra line and measures 8.29 mm in thickness, making it the slimmest Ultra model so far while still housing a 6,800 mAh battery. Power comes from the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 platform, paired with up to 16 GB of RAM and up to 1 TB of internal storage, supported by an updated cooling system designed for sustained performance. Charging is rated at up to 90 W wired and 50 W wireless.
Physically, Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition adds distinct industrial design elements inspired by classic Leica cameras, including dual-tone materials, Leica branding, and dedicated camera modes that emulate the visual characteristics of historical Leica models.
Pricing and availability are currently limited to China, with no confirmed plans for international release.
