The Xiaomi 17 Ultra has officially arrived, and it feels more like a "camera with a phone attached" than ever before. Launched in China on December 25, 2025, this flagship is engineered to lead the mobile photography landscape throughout 2026.
Leica Imaging System
Xiaomi has made a bold strategic shift, moving from a quad-camera array to a highly refined triple-camera setup. This "quality over quantity" approach centers on three massive sensors:
- ● Main Sensor: 50MP 1-inch Light Fusion 1050L. It utilizes LOFIC technology to deliver a 16.5EV dynamic range, virtually eliminating blown-out highlights.
- ● Telephoto: 200MP Samsung S5KHPE periscope lens. This allows for continuous optical zoom (3.2x to 4.3x) without the need for digital cropping.
- ● Ultra-Wide: 50MP sensor equipped with autofocus, doubling as a high-end macro lens for close-up photography.
The "Leica Edition" Twist The most talked-about feature of the special Leica Edition is the physical, rotary "Master Zoom Ring" encircling the camera module. Much like a DSLR lens, it allows users to manually control zoom, exposure, or white balance.
Note : Some early users reported the ring feels slightly "wobbly." Xiaomi clarified that this is an intentional "sandwich" design consisting of 26 parts to protect mechanical components from dust and impact.
Performance & Hardware Powerhouse
- ● Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3nm).
- ● Battery: 6,800mAh Silicon-Carbon battery.
- ● Charging: 90W wired, 50W wireless, and 22.5W reverse wired charging.
- ● Display: 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED, 3,500 nits, and a new flat display design.
- ● Durability: IP66, IP68, and IP69 ratings.
The Final Verdict
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is the definitive choice for mobile photographers and power users who refuse to compromise. Between the 200MP continuous zoom and the 1-inch main sensor, it is arguably the best camera phone of 2026.