In a significant move to cap off the year, Xiaomi has officially unveiled its latest imaging powerhouse, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, alongside a special Leica edition. Announced on Christmas Day in China, the new flagship arrives just ten months after its predecessor, signaling an accelerated product cycle. The launch event, attended by key executives including founder Lei Jun, underscores the strategic importance of this device in Xiaomi's high-end portfolio. The 17 Ultra refines the established "Ultra" formula with a thinner design and major camera upgrades, while the Leica edition introduces unique physical controls aimed squarely at photography enthusiasts.
A Thinner Design with a Focus on Imaging Heritage
Breaking from recent trends, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra adopts a flat 6.9-inch display, moving away from curved screens for a different in-hand feel. This change contributes to a slimmer profile of 8.29mm, making it the thinnest Ultra model to date. Despite the trim dimensions, Xiaomi has packed in a substantial 6,800mAh silicon-carbon battery. The iconic circular camera module, now a six-generation design signature, houses a triple-camera system co-engineered with Leica. Subtle design tweaks, like circular side buttons, further distinguish the new model.
Key Specifications: Xiaomi 17 Ultra
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.9" Flat M10 AMOLED LTPO, 120Hz, 2608 x 1200, 3500 nits |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 |
| RAM/Storage | Up to 16GB LPDDR5X / Up to 1TB UFS 4.1 |
| Rear Cameras | Main: 50MP, 1-inch Light Fusion 1050L, f/1.67, LOFICTelephoto: 200MP Periscope, 1/1.4", 75-100mm Continuous Optical ZoomUltrawide: 50MP, Autofocus |
| Front Camera | 50MP |
| Battery & Charging | 6,800mAh, 90W Wired, 50W Wireless, 22.5W Reverse Wired |
| OS | Xiaomi HyperOS 3.0 |
| Durability | IP66/IP68/IP69 |
| Other Features | Satellite Comm, Wi-Fi 7, Ultrasonic Fingerprint, Stereo Speakers |
| Colors (Standard) | Black, Cool Smoke Purple, Starry Green, White |
| Colors (Leica Ed.) | Black, Off-White |
Camera System: 1-Inch Main Sensor Meets 200MP Continuous Zoom
The camera hardware represents the core of the 17 Ultra's upgrades. The primary shooter utilizes a 1-inch type Light Fusion 1050L sensor with LOFIC (Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor) technology, which is designed to drastically improve dynamic range and reduce overexposure in high-contrast scenes. The headline feature, however, is the 200MP periscope telephoto camera. Built on a new 28nm process for 40% lower power consumption, it offers genuine continuous optical zoom from 75mm to 100mm focal lengths. This addresses a common smartphone photography compromise, allowing users to frame shots optically within this range without any digital interpolation loss. A new dedicated "Fireworks Mode" also simplifies capturing complex night-sky scenes.
Performance and Charging: Top-Tier Specs Across the Board
Under the hood, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.1 storage. It runs the company's HyperOS 3.0, which incorporates various AI features. The substantial 6,800mAh battery supports 90W wired and 50W wireless charging, with 22.5W reverse wired charging for topping up other devices. Connectivity is comprehensive, featuring Wi-Fi 7, satellite communication, and an IP68/69 rating for dust and water resistance.
The Leica Edition: A Nod to Traditional Photography
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica edition shares all the core specifications of the standard model but is differentiated by several exclusive features that evoke the feel of a dedicated camera. The most notable addition is a mechanical zoom ring on the camera module, allowing for tactile control over focal length, exposure, and white balance. Its design is inspired by Leica's M-series, featuring a dual-tone finish, a knurled frame, and the iconic red Leica logo. The package includes a collector's-grade box containing a magnetic case, lens cap, lanyard, and cleaning cloth, enhancing its appeal as a premium imaging tool.
Leica Edition Exclusive Features
- Mechanical zoom ring for adjusting focal length, exposure, and white balance.
- Dual-tone design inspired by Leica M-series cameras with a knurled frame.
- Prominent red Leica logo on the camera module.
- Special "Leica Moment" photo modes in 3:2 aspect ratio.
- Includes a collector's box with magnetic case, lens cap, lanyard, and cleaning cloth.
Pricing, Availability, and Competitive Context
The standard Xiaomi 17 Ultra starts at CNY 6,999 (approx. $995) for the 12GB/512GB model, with a 16GB/512GB variant at CNY 7,499 ($1,065) and a 16GB/1TB option at CNY 8,499 ($1,210). The Leica edition commands a CNY 500 premium, priced at CNY 7,999 ($1,140) for 16GB/512GB and CNY 8,999 ($1,280) for the 16GB/1TB configuration. Both versions are scheduled to go on sale in China starting December 27. While the camera system is highly capable, some observers note the absence of an official tele-converter lens accessory might limit its appeal in extreme long-range scenarios like concert photography. Nevertheless, with its aggressive specifications and the emotive pull of the Leica edition, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra positions itself as a formidable contender in the high-end smartphone market for the coming year.