Xiaomi has unveiled the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, marking a significant milestone in its partnership with Leica through a newly established “Strategic Co-creation Model.” This latest smartphone features a cutting-edge triple camera system, including a Leica 1-inch sensor and a 200MP optical zoom telephoto lens, all housed in the thinnest Ultra body to date at just 8.29mm.
At a launch event in Beijing, Xiaomi introduced the Xiaomi 17 Ultra alongside the Xiaomi Watch 5 Series, Buds 6, and a range of smart home appliances. This smartphone is the first product born from Xiaomi and Leica’s innovative collaborative framework, integrating Leica’s extensive expertise in professional optics with Xiaomi’s technological prowess from the very start of the product design process.
Xiaomi’s Strategic Leap in Mobile Imaging
The announcement comes as Xiaomi continues to push the boundaries of mobile imaging technology. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra, with its advanced imaging capabilities, is positioned as a powerful tool for content creators, offering a compelling alternative to traditional cameras for those who require a versatile, high-performance device on the go.
The smartphone’s ultra-slim form factor, at 8.29mm thick, represents a significant design achievement. It is the first in the Ultra line to feature a flat display, a departure from the curved screens of previous models. This design refinement includes a micro-curved aluminum alloy frame and a reduced camera module diameter, enhancing ergonomics and balance in hand.
Leica 1-inch Sensor with LOFIC HDR Technology
The centerpiece of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra’s imaging system is the Leica 1-inch ultra dynamic camera, built on a Light Fusion 1050L sensor with LOFIC HDR technology. According to Xiaomi, this sensor offers a full well capacity 6.3 times greater than its predecessor, significantly improving highlight control and shadow detail retention in challenging lighting conditions.
The 23mm equivalent main camera addresses a persistent challenge in mobile imaging: maintaining detail in both highlights and shadows without relying on aggressive computational processing, which can introduce artifacts.
200MP Telephoto with True Optical Zoom
Where the Xiaomi 17 Ultra truly distinguishes itself is with its Leica 200MP 75-100mm optical zoom telephoto camera. Unlike digital zoom systems that crop into a fixed sensor, this camera employs a sophisticated lens and prism design, allowing for true optical zoom across the entire focal range without digital cropping, maintaining native 200MP image quality.
The exceptional optical quality earned the Xiaomi 17 Ultra the distinction of being the first Xiaomi flagship to receive Leica APO certification.
Ultra-Wide Camera and Performance Specifications
The 14mm ultra-wide lens rounds out the triple-camera system, designed for landscape and architectural photography. Despite the focus on still photography, Xiaomi has not yet detailed the video specifications for the 17 Ultra, leaving questions about whether it will match or exceed the video capabilities of the previous Xiaomi 15 Ultra.
Under the hood, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform, featuring an improved CPU structure and Adreno 840 GPU. The device also boasts a 120Hz LTPO display with 3500 nits peak brightness, ensuring vibrant visuals and smooth performance.
Limited Edition Collaboration with Leica
In addition to the standard model, Xiaomi announced the Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica, a limited edition variant designed with direct involvement from the Leica team. This edition features a dual-tone design inspired by classic Leica M-series cameras, complete with a textured leather back panel and the iconic Leica red dot badge.
The limited edition also introduces CAI Photo Authenticity Protection technology, which adds a digital signature to every photo, verifying its origin and authenticity. This feature is particularly pertinent in an era where AI-generated content is becoming increasingly prevalent.
Pricing and Availability
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is priced at RMB 6,999 yuan (approximately USD $960) for the 12GB+512GB configuration, RMB 7,499 yuan (approximately USD $1,030) for 16GB+512GB, and RMB 8,499 yuan (approximately USD $1,165) for 16GB+1TB. Meanwhile, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica is priced at RMB 7,999 yuan (approximately USD $1,095) for 16GB+512GB and RMB 8,999 yuan (approximately USD $1,235) for 16GB+1TB.
Both models will be available for purchase on Mi.com, Xiaomi Store, and other official channels starting at 10 AM on December 27th, 2025. As Xiaomi continues to innovate in the mobile technology space, the 17 Ultra represents a strategic leap forward in both design and functionality, setting new standards for smartphone photography.
