The wait is finally over for mobile photography enthusiasts who crave professional camera controls. Xiaomi has officially unveiled the Xiaomi 17 Ultra in China and it is redefining what a smartphone camera can do. This flagship device blurs the line between mobile phones and dedicated cameras with a massive 200MP continuous optical zoom. It also features a stunning mechanical ring on the Leica Edition for tactile control.
Xiaomi is clearly aiming to dominate the high end market in 2026 with this release. The device combines raw power from the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip with photographic elegance. It promises to be a powerhouse for both creators and power users.
A New Era for Mobile Photography Hardware
The centerpiece of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is undoubtedly its camera system. Xiaomi has once again partnered with Leica to tune the optics. The primary shooter uses a 50MP 1 inch Light Fusion 1050L sensor. This sensor integrates LOFIC technology which drastically improves dynamic range in high contrast scenes. This means your photos will retain details in both the brightest highlights and darkest shadows without looking artificial.
The real game changer is the telephoto lens. Xiaomi has equipped this phone with a 200MP periscope telephoto unit using a Samsung HPE sensor. This is not just a high megapixel count. The lens offers continuous optical zoom between 75mm and 100mm.
Here is why the camera system stands out:
- Continuous Optical Zoom: The lenses physically move inside the phone to zoom. This maintains native resolution without digital cropping.
- Ultrawide Clarity: A 50MP ultrawide lens with a 115 degree field of view ensures expansive landscape shots are sharp.
- Selfie Quality: Even the front camera gets a massive upgrade to 50MP for crystal clear video calls.
The standard model is impressive on its own. However the Leica Edition takes it a step further. It features a physical mechanical zoom ring around the camera module. This is a dream feature for photographers who prefer manual control over touchscreens. You can physically twist the dial to adjust focal length or exposure. It brings the tactile satisfaction of a Leica M series camera to a smartphone form factor.
Xiaomi 17 Ultra back camera module with mechanical zoom ring
Display Brightness and Durable Build Quality
Xiaomi has shifted its design language for the 17 Ultra. The company is moving away from the curved edges seen in previous years. This model opts for a flatter 2D design that looks modern and industrial. This change often helps with grip and prevents accidental touches on the sides of the screen.
The front of the device is dominated by a 6.9 inch M10 LTPO AMOLED display. It boasts a sharp resolution of 2608 x 1200 pixels. The visuals are incredibly fluid thanks to the 120Hz adaptive refresh rate.
The screen reaches a peak brightness of 3500 nits which ensures perfect visibility even under direct sunlight.
Durability is a major focus for this release. Xiaomi uses its proprietary Dragon Crystal Glass 3.0 to protect the panel. The phone is built to survive harsh environments. It has secured IP66, IP68 and IP69 ratings. This triple rating means the device is resistant to dust, standard water submersion and even high pressure water jets.
Powerhouse Chipset Meets Massive Battery
Under the hood lies the absolute bleeding edge of mobile processing power. Both the standard and Leica models run on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. This processor is designed to handle heavy AI tasks and computational photography with ease.
The chip is paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM. Storage options go all the way up to 1TB of UFS 4.1 storage. This ensures that apps load instantly and large video files save quickly.
One of the most surprising features is the battery capacity. Despite a slim 8.29mm profile the phone houses a massive 6800mAh silicon carbon battery. Silicon carbon technology allows manufacturers to pack more energy density into a smaller space compared to traditional lithium ion batteries.
Users will spend less time tethered to a wall outlet. When you do need to charge the speeds are incredibly fast.
| Charging Method | Speed |
|---|---|
| Wired Charging | 90W |
| Wireless Charging | 50W |
| Reverse Wired | 22.5W |
The device also stays connected with the latest standards. It supports Wi-Fi 7 for blazing internet speeds and Bluetooth 6.0 for stable audio connections. It even includes two way satellite communication for emergencies in remote areas without cell service.
Launch Date and Price Details
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra series is currently available for pre order in China. Official sales are scheduled to begin on December 27. The pricing strategy is competitive considering the high end hardware packed inside.
The standard model starts at approximately $995 for the base version. The Leica Edition commands a premium for its unique design and mechanical controls.
Standard Xiaomi 17 Ultra Pricing:
- 12GB + 512GB: ~ $995 (CNY 6,999)
- 16GB + 512GB: ~ $1,065 (CNY 7,499)
- 16GB + 1TB: ~ $1,210 (CNY 8,499)
Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition Pricing:
- 16GB + 512GB: ~ $1,140 (CNY 7,999)
- 16GB + 1TB: ~ $1,280 (CNY 8,999)
International fans will have to wait a little longer. There is no official global launch date confirmed yet. Industry analysts expect the series to make its international debut during the first quarter of 2026. This release sets a high bar for competitors like Samsung and Apple as they prepare their next generation devices.
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra shapes up to be a formidable contender for the best phone of the year. It combines a versatile camera system with battery life that can last days. The addition of a mechanical zoom ring proves that smartphone innovation is far from dead. It brings a soul back to digital photography.
We want to hear your thoughts on this camera beast. Would you pay extra for a mechanical zoom ring on your phone? Let us know in the comments below. If you are excited about this tech use the hashtag #Xiaomi17Ultra on X and share your thoughts with the community.
