With the launch of its next flagship just a day away, Xiaomi has shifted its marketing focus from raw specifications to a unique user experience. The company is teasing a special edition of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra that promises to blend smartphone photography with the tactile feel of a traditional camera, centered around a novel physical control ring.
The Unveiling of the Master Zoom Ring
Xiaomi has officially confirmed through its Weibo channel that the Leica Edition of the upcoming Xiaomi 17 Ultra will feature what it calls a "Master Zoom Ring." This is a physical, rotary ring that encircles the rear camera module. The design choice is a significant departure from the touchscreen-based controls that dominate modern smartphone photography. By incorporating a mechanical element, Xiaomi aims to evoke the hands-on experience of using a dedicated camera, where adjusting settings like zoom or focus involves turning a physical dial. This ring is the centerpiece of the Leica Edition's design and its primary differentiating feature from the standard model.
Key Specifications & Features (Leica Edition)
- Core Feature: Physical "Master Zoom Ring" surrounding the rear camera module.
- Camera Hardware: 200MP continuous periscope zoom lens (75mm-100mm / ~3.1x-4.1x optical range).
- Leica Integration: Higher authorization level; includes 3D-engraved red Leica dot on body and custom photo watermarks.
- Launch Date: December 25, 2025.
- Price Indicator: Confirmed to be "more expensive" than the standard Xiaomi 17 Ultra.
Linking Hardware to Function: The Continuous Zoom Camera
The functionality of this ring is logically tied to one of the phone's key hardware features. Xiaomi has previously confirmed that the Xiaomi 17 Ultra houses a 200-megapixel continuous periscope zoom camera. This lens offers an optical zoom range from 75mm to 100mm, equivalent to approximately 3.1x to 4.1x magnification. According to leaks from prominent tipster Digital Chat Station, the physical rotation of the Master Zoom Ring will be used to control the zoom level across this optical range. If accurate, this would provide users with precise, granular control over their framing, a feature typically reserved for high-end digital cameras.
The Leica Partnership and "Special Rights"
The Leica Edition is more than just a name. Information from Digital Chat Station suggests this variant holds a higher level of authorization from Leica, which grants Xiaomi "some special rights." While the exact nature of these rights is unspecified, they likely encompass more than just the iconic red Leica dot engraved on the device's body. These privileges could include access to proprietary Leica color science algorithms, unique lens coatings, or joint calibration processes that are not applied to standard models. The tipster also noted that this higher authorization level and the added hardware complexity of the zoom ring will naturally make the Leica Edition "more expensive" than the base Xiaomi 17 Ultra.
Aesthetic and Functional Distinctions
Beyond the zoom ring, the Leica Edition carries several visual markers that set it apart. Xiaomi has showcased packaging that confirms the Leica red dot will be a permanent, 3D engraving on the phone's body, not just a software watermark. Furthermore, leaker Smart Pikachu has mentioned that the device will feature a custom watermark for photos, likely integrating Leica branding into the image metadata or border. While the standard Xiaomi 17 Ultra was initially met with some disappointment for moving away from a distinct camera-centric design, the Leica Edition appears to be Xiaomi's answer, doubling down on a mechanical, photography-first aesthetic.
Context and Market Precedents
Xiaomi is not the first smartphone manufacturer to experiment with physical camera controls. Earlier in 2025, at MWC, nubia showcased the Focus 2 Ultra, which featured a movable lens ring to adjust zoom and switch between filter styles. Xiaomi's implementation, however, is deeply integrated into its partnership with Leica, a brand synonymous with premium photographic craftsmanship. The launch is scheduled for December 25, which is Christmas Day in many countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany. It remains to be seen if this niche, experience-focused Leica Edition will be available in global markets alongside the regular variant, or if it will remain a region-specific offering.