With its official launch scheduled for this week, Xiaomi has begun pulling back the curtain on its next flagship photography powerhouse, the 17 Ultra. Through official channels and early leaks, key details about the phone's design and ambitious camera system have emerged, signaling a significant evolution in its partnership with Leica and a renewed focus on optical excellence.
Official Design Reveal Confirms Leica-Centric Aesthetic
Xiaomi Group Vice President and CMO Xu Fei officially unveiled the design of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra via a short video. The showcased model sports a minimalist white finish, drawing attention to its prominent circular camera module on the rear. Centered within this module is the Leica logo, a clear visual marker of the deepened collaboration. The overall design philosophy appears consistent with recent Ultra models from Xiaomi and other Chinese manufacturers, a form largely dictated by the substantial camera hardware required for a top-tier imaging flagship. Symmetrically placed dual flashes at the top of the module complete the look.
Design & Partnership Highlights:
- Official Design: Minimalist white finish with large central circular camera module featuring a centered Leica logo.
- New Collaboration Model: First phone under Xiaomi and Leica's "strategic co-creation model."
- Focus Areas: Advancements in night photography and telephoto shooting.
- Launch Timeline: Official launch scheduled for the week of December 21, 2025.
Leica Partnership Evolves into "Strategic Co-Creation"
Xiaomi is positioning the 17 Ultra as the first product born from a new "strategic co-creation model" with Leica. This suggests a move beyond branding into deeper, integrated development of imaging technology. The core aim of this partnership, according to Xiaomi, is to deliver noticeable advancements in two key areas: night photography and telephoto shooting. This shift indicates a focused effort to tackle specific, challenging photographic scenarios rather than pursuing general spec sheet improvements.
A New Imaging System Headlined by Leica APO Lens
The camera hardware detailed for the 17 Ultra represents a substantial upgrade. The main sensor is the new OmniVision OV50X, a flagship-grade 1-inch sensor developed in China. It incorporates third-generation LOFIC (Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor) technology, which is designed to significantly enhance dynamic range and performance in low-light conditions by managing pixel saturation more effectively.
The most talked-about component is the new periscope telephoto lens. Xiaomi confirms it is a Leica-branded 200-megapixel module that is approximately 35% larger than the one used in the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. Crucially, this lens has received Leica's APO (Apochromatic) certification. APO optics are engineered to minimize chromatic aberration (color fringing), especially at the edges of frames and at long zoom ranges, promising superior clarity and color fidelity. This marks a first for mobile imaging, bringing a standard from high-end photography lenses to a smartphone.
Key Camera Specifications (Based on Available Information):
- Main Sensor: OmniVision OV50X (1-inch type)
- Key Sensor Tech: Third-generation LOFIC for improved dynamic range
- Telephoto Lens: Leica 200MP periscope module
- Telephoto Certification: Leica APO (Apochromatic) for reduced chromatic aberration
- Module Size Increase: Telephoto module is ~35% larger than Xiaomi 15 Ultra's
Early Glimpses of Performance
Xiaomi has offered early validation of the 17 Ultra's capabilities through an official camera sample shared by Lu Weibing, President of Xiaomi's Mobile Division. The sample, a night scene with fireworks, was highlighted for its vibrant colors, deep and pure blacks in shadow areas, and sharp silhouettes of foreground subjects. This teaser aligns with the stated goals of improved night photography and dynamic range. Furthermore, online leaks suggest that a special version of the phone may feature a physical rotating zoom ring on the camera module and even a small red "Coke-bottle" Leica logo, hinting at additional premium, photography-focused design elements.
Launch Imminent as Teasers Ramp Up
The full reveal of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is set for the coming days. The coordinated release of design details, camera specifications, and sample images forms a classic pre-launch teaser campaign, building anticipation for what Xiaomi claims will be a "groundbreaking optical system" and a "disruptive experience" for mobile telephoto creativity. The industry will be watching closely to see if this new strategic chapter with Leica translates into a tangible leap in smartphone photography.