In the relentless pursuit of mobile photography excellence, manufacturers have long relied on an array of fixed-focal-length lenses to mimic the versatility of a traditional camera. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra, launched in late December 2025, represents a bold departure from this established formula. By integrating a genuine continuous optical zoom lens into its flagship device, Xiaomi is not just iterating on camera hardware; it's attempting to redefine the physical constraints of smartphone imaging. This review, synthesizing hands-on experiences and detailed testing, examines whether this optical gamble pays off and what it means for the future of mobile photography.
A Redesigned Form Factor Prioritizing Function
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra undergoes a significant aesthetic and ergonomic shift from its predecessor. Abandoning the curved screen and subtly curved back panel of the 15 Ultra, the new model adopts a flat-screen design with a vertical aluminum frame and a flat glass-fiber composite back. This "squared-off" design philosophy results in a noticeably slimmer profile, with the body thickness (excluding the camera module) reduced from 9.35mm to 8.29mm. While this sacrifices some of the previous model's hand-feel for a more angular, modern look, it makes the phone easier to grip. The tactile experience is further refined with new, separate circular volume buttons that replace the traditional long rocker, adding a touch of precision to the design.
Key Specifications & Pricing
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | Xiaomi 17 Ultra |
| Launch Date | December 2025 |
| Display | 6.9-inch flat panel, 2608 x 1200 resolution |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 |
| RAM/Storage | 12/16GB LPDDR5X, 512GB/1TB UFS 4.1 |
| Primary Camera | 1-inch OmniVision Light Hunter 1050L (50MP, LOFIC) |
| Telephoto Camera | 1/1.4" Samsung HPE (200MP), Continuous Optical Zoom (75-100mm) |
| Ultra-Wide Camera | 14mm Samsung JN5 |
| Body Thickness | 8.29mm (excluding camera bump) |
| Starting Price | CNY 6999 (~USD 970) for 12+512GB |
| Special Edition | Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica, starting at CNY 7999 (~USD 1110) |
The Core Innovation: A Continuous Optical Zoom Lens
The most groundbreaking change lies within the camera system. Xiaomi has moved away from the dual-telephoto sensor setup (3x and 4.3x) used in the 15 Ultra. In its place is a single, massive 200-megapixel Samsung HPE sensor paired with a movable lens group. This engineering feat enables true, lossless continuous optical zoom between 75mm (3.2x) and 100mm (4.3x). Unlike digital cropping, which simply enlarges a portion of the sensor, this optical system physically adjusts to change the focal length, utilizing the sensor's full resolution across the entire zoom range. This means popular portrait focal lengths like 85mm and 90mm are now captured with the full optical quality of the large sensor, a significant advantage over systems that rely on digital interpolation between fixed lenses.
Performance and Imaging Prowess
Powered by the flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 platform, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra delivers robust, if not class-leading, performance. Gaming tests with titles like Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail show stable frame rates, though thermal management under sustained load is typical for a device with such a large camera module. The phone's "dual-path self-driven cooling system" effectively isolates heat from the processor and camera sensors. The primary camera remains a one-inch-type sensor, the custom OmniVision "Light Hunter 1050L," now enhanced with LOFIC technology for expanded dynamic range, particularly improving highlight detail in challenging high-contrast and night scenes. However, Xiaomi's night mode algorithm still exhibits a tendency to use slower shutter speeds, which can lead to motion blur with moving subjects.
Performance Benchmarks (Approximate)
- Genshin Impact: 58.7 fps average (30-min test), peak temperature ~40.2°C.
- Honkai: Star Rail: 55.9 fps average (30-min test), peak temperature ~49.3°C.
- Note: Performance is managed by a dual-path vapor chamber cooling system to isolate SoC and camera heat.
Market Positioning and The "Leica Edition" Wild Card
The standard Xiaomi 17 Ultra starts at CNY 6999 for the 12GB+512GB model, positioning it as a premium flagship. It offers a compelling, well-rounded package with top-tier core specs and its revolutionary zoom system. Yet, in a market increasingly defined by specialized accessories—like the telephoto extenders offered by competitors—the 17 Ultra's optional photography kit, which includes a grip and 67mm filter adapter, feels less expansive. Interestingly, Xiaomi also unveiled a "by Leica" edition, featuring distinct cosmetic branding, a customizable zoom ring on the side, and exclusive imaging color science, starting at CNY 7999. This variant presents a curious value proposition, offering a unique identity at a relatively modest premium over the standard model.
Conclusion: A Pioneering Step, Not a Finished Journey
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is a landmark device that successfully brings continuous optical zoom to the mainstream flagship segment. Its 25mm zoom range, while limited, proves immensely practical for everyday photography, eliminating the quality compromise between fixed focal lengths. It signals a welcome shift back towards optical innovation in an era dominated by computational photography. While it retains some familiar Xiaomi traits, such as a competent but unremarkable ultra-wide camera, its core achievement is undeniable. The 17 Ultra doesn't just capture better photos; it challenges the very architecture of mobile camera systems, offering a tantalizing glimpse into a future where the line between smartphone and dedicated camera continues to blur.