In a move that blurs the line between smartphone and dedicated camera, Xiaomi has officially unveiled the Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica. Announced on Christmas Day in China, the flagship's most striking feature isn't just its Leica-branded optics but an innovative physical zoom ring encircling its prominent camera island, promising a tactile shooting experience previously reserved for high-end cameras.
A Tactile Revolution in Smartphone Photography
The defining characteristic of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is the physical "Master Zoom Ring" that surrounds its circular rear camera module. This isn't a digital touch slider but a mechanically rotating ring, complete with what early hands-on reports describe as a smooth, damped feel. Xiaomi positions this as a tool for serious creators, allowing for precise control over zoom and, reportedly, exposure value (EV) adjustments directly from the hardware. This feature aims to transform the act of framing a shot from a screen-tapping exercise into a more deliberate, hands-on process reminiscent of using a traditional camera.
Key Specifications (Based on Announcement & Rumors):
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
- Main Camera: 50MP, Custom OmniVision 1-inch type sensor
- Ultrawide Camera: 50MP, Samsung JN5 sensor
- Periscope Telephoto: Continuous optical zoom (3x - 4.3x), rumored Samsung HPE sensor
- Key Feature: Physical "Master Zoom Ring" around camera island
- Partnership: Official "Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica" branding, features red Leica logo
- Announcement Date: December 25, 2025 (Christmas Day in China)
Deep Leica Integration and Refined Design
The partnership with Leica reaches a new depth with this model. The phone officially carries the "by Leica" moniker, and for the first time on a Xiaomi device, the iconic red Leica logo—affectionately known as the "Coca-Cola dot"—adorns the back panel on at least one color variant. The overall design is said to pay homage to Leica's classic M-series cameras, featuring a distinctive two-tone finish. This goes beyond a simple branding exercise, suggesting Leica's direct involvement in the camera system's tuning and the device's photographic philosophy.
Streamlined Triple-Camera System with Cutting-Edge Sensors
Departing from the multi-camera arrays of previous Ultras, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra opts for a refined triple-camera setup. The system is rumored to be headlined by a custom 50-megapixel main camera using a 1-inch-type sensor from OmniVision, promising exceptional light capture. It is joined by a 50MP ultrawide camera equipped with a Samsung JN5 sensor. The most intriguing lens is the periscope telephoto, which is reported to support a continuous optical zoom range from 3x to 4.3x, a feature typically found in standalone cameras. This lens is speculated to utilize Samsung's new HPE (High-Performance Element) sensor technology.
Performance and Availability
Powering the device is Qualcomm's top-tier Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 system-on-chip, ensuring flagship-level performance for both computational photography and general use. The phone was officially announced on December 25, 2025—Christmas Day in China—with detailed specifications, pricing, and global availability expected to follow in the coming days. Early impressions highlight the device's focus on providing a professional, tactile tool for photography enthusiasts, marking a significant step in smartphone camera design.