Xiaomi has unveiled its new flagship smartphone, the 17 Ultra by Leica, positioning it as one of the most advanced camera phones on the market. With cutting edge imaging hardware, extreme performance specifications, and a distinctive mechanical zoom control, the device signals Xiaomi’s ambition to challenge established premium smartphone brands on both innovation and photography.
Advanced Camera System
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra features a powerful camera setup built around a 1 inch 50 megapixel main sensor with an f 1.67 aperture, paired with a 1 over 1.4 inch 200 megapixel periscope telephoto lens. This configuration is designed to deliver exceptional low light performance, detail, and long range zoom capabilities.
The phone also includes a 50 megapixel ultrawide camera and a 50 megapixel front facing camera, making it a comprehensive imaging system for both photography and video. A standout innovation is the physical zoom ring integrated into the camera module, which activates the camera when rotated and allows precise zoom control without on screen interaction.
Leica Edition Enhancements
The Leica edition adds design and software elements inspired by classic Leica cameras. These include a two tone exterior finish, textured edges, a red Leica status dot, and film style simulations such as Leica Monopan 50 black and white.
The mechanical zoom ring can be reprogrammed to control exposure compensation or manual focus, offering photographers greater creative flexibility. Additional exclusive features include a 3:2 Leica Moments shooting mode, a dedicated encryption chip, and dual satellite connectivity.
Performance and Display
Both versions of the device are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X memory and up to 1TB of UFS 4.1 storage. This hardware configuration places the 17 Ultra firmly in flagship territory, supporting demanding multitasking, gaming, and computational photography.
The smartphone features a 6.9 inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and peak brightness reaching 3,500 nits, ensuring strong visibility even in bright outdoor conditions.
Battery and Charging
Battery life is supported by a large 6,800mAh silicon carbon battery. The device supports 90 watt wired charging and 50 watt wireless charging, reducing downtime despite the power demands of its high end components.
Premium Packaging and Accessories
The Leica edition is presented in a custom box that includes a lens cap, lanyard, magnetic case, and branded cleaning cloth. These additions reinforce the positioning of the device as a photography focused premium product rather than a standard smartphone.
Conclusion
With the 17 Ultra by Leica, Xiaomi is pushing smartphone photography closer to dedicated camera territory. By combining high end sensors, a unique mechanical zoom control, and refined Leica inspired design, the device sets a new benchmark for what a flagship camera phone can offer.
