Xiaomi’s latest flagship, the 17 Ultra, marks a notable return of a feature smartphone photographers have long missed: a physical zoom ring. Launched in China alongside the Leica Edition, the 17 Ultra integrates a 1-inch sensor and a 200MP periscope lens, transforming the ring around its massive camera module into a manual control interface for precise photography.
Advanced Leica-Branded Camera System
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra features a triple rear camera setup co-engineered with Leica, offering versatile imaging options:
- 50MP Main Camera: Equipped with the 1-inch Light Fusion 1050L sensor, delivering exceptional detail and dynamic range.
- 200MP Periscope Telephoto Camera: Supports continuous optical zoom from 75mm to 100mm, perfect for distant subjects.
- 50MP Ultrawide Camera: Includes autofocus capabilities for expansive landscape shots and group photos.
This combination enables the device to handle everything from sweeping landscapes to intricate telephoto captures.
Display and Performance
The front of the 17 Ultra houses a 6.9-inch flat LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 3,500 nits, ensuring vivid visuals even under bright sunlight.
Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, the phone offers up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage, running on HyperOS 3.0 for smooth performance and multitasking.
Battery and Durability
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra incorporates a 6,800mAh silicon-carbon battery, supporting 90W wired and 50W wireless charging. Despite being the largest battery in the Ultra series, it is the thinnest Ultra model yet at 8.29mm. The device also boasts IP66/IP68/IP69 water and dust resistance ratings, offering peace of mind in challenging environments.
Leica Edition: Manual Control and Iconic Design
The Leica Edition takes smartphone photography further with a physical zoom ring featuring 20 precision ball bearings capable of detecting movements as small as 0.03mm. Rotating the ring automatically activates the camera and can be customized for manual focus or exposure adjustments.
This edition showcases a dual-tone design inspired by Leica’s M-series cameras, complete with textured leather, the signature red dot badge, and exclusive film simulations that replicate classic Leica camera aesthetics.
Pricing and Availability
- Xiaomi 17 Ultra: Starts at CNY 6,999 (~Rs 89,455)
- Leica Edition: Starts at CNY 7,999 (~Rs 1,02,235)
Both models will be available in China starting December 27, 2025.
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