Xiaomi Launches 17 Ultra with 200MP Zoom and Leica Edition

Xiaomi has unveiled its latest flagship smartphone, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, in China, aiming to make a significant impact in the high-end smartphone market by 2026. This launch includes two models: a standard version and a specialized Leica Edition, both equipped with advanced hardware designed to enhance photography capabilities and bridge the gap between smartphones and traditional cameras.

Design and Technical Specifications

The design of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra marks a departure from the curved aesthetics of its predecessors. The new model features a flatter 2D design, showcasing a large 6.9-inch M10 LTPO AMOLED display with a resolution of 2,608 x 1,200 pixels. This screen supports a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and achieves a peak brightness of 3,500 nits. To ensure durability, Xiaomi has employed its proprietary Dragon Crystal Glass 3.0 and secured IP66, IP68, and IP69 ratings, offering resistance to dust and various levels of water pressure.

The camera system stands out as the highlight of the device. The primary rear camera features a 50MP 1-inch Light Fusion 1050L sensor, utilizing LOFIC (Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor) technology to enhance dynamic range, particularly in high-contrast environments. The most striking addition is the 200MP periscope telephoto lens, which uses a 1/1.4-inch Samsung HPE sensor. This innovative system allows for continuous optical zoom between 75mm and 100mm, maintaining native resolution without digital cropping. Complementing this setup is a 50MP ultrawide lens with autofocus and a field of view of 115 degrees, along with a 50MP front-facing camera for high-quality selfies.

Leica Edition and Unique Features

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition retains the core specifications of the standard model but introduces tactile hardware inspired by the iconic Leica M-series. This edition features a dual-tone design and a mechanical zoom ring around the camera module, allowing users to manually adjust exposure, white balance, and focal length. Additionally, it includes exclusive Leica Moment modes with a 3:2 aspect ratio and an encryption chip that enhances data security.

Both models are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, supported by up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.1 storage. Despite its slim profile of 8.29mm, the device houses a robust 6,800mAh silicon-carbon battery. Charging options include 90W wired charging, 50W wireless charging, and 22.5W reverse wired charging. Connectivity features comprise Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, and two-way satellite communication. The device operates on Android 16-powered HyperOS 3.

Pricing for the Xiaomi 17 Ultra series varies by storage configuration and edition. Pre-orders are currently available in China, with official sales scheduled to commence on December 27, 2025. The pricing structure is as follows:

– Standard Xiaomi 17 Ultra:
– 12GB + 512GB: CNY 6,999 (approximately $995)
– 16GB + 512GB: CNY 7,499 (approximately $1,065)
– 16GB + 1TB: CNY 8,499 (approximately $1,210)

– Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition:
– 16GB + 512GB: CNY 7,999 (approximately $1,140)
– 16GB + 1TB: CNY 8,999 (approximately $1,280)

As of now, there is no official announcement regarding a global launch date for the Xiaomi 17 Ultra series, but it is anticipated to reach international markets in the first quarter of 2026.