Highlights
- Xiaomi 17 Ultra and its Leica Edition will debut in China on December 25 with the Leica Edition’s specs yet to be clarified.
- The Xiaomi 17 Ultra features a 200MP Leica co-developed telephoto sensor with 75–100mm focal lengths, teased continuous optical zoom, HDR tech and impressive low-light portrait samples.
- 17 Ultra hands-on video reveals slim bezels, 8.29mm thickness and new color options.
Xiaomi 17 Ultra is set to launch in China later this week as the fourth model in the company’s flagship Xiaomi 17 series, which already includes the Xiaomi 17, Xiaomi 17 Pro, and Xiaomi 17 Pro Max. Ahead of the launch, Xiaomi has confirmed that a special edition variant called the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition. At the same time, fresh details related to the phone’s camera capabilities, design, and zoom technology have surfaced online.
Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition Launch Details
In an official Weibo post, Xiaomi announced that the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition will be launched in China on December 25 at 7pm local time (4:30pm IST), the same date as the regular Xiaomi 17 Ultra. The company has not yet clarified whether the Leica Edition will feature any differences in specifications, design, or hardware compared to the standard model.
Xiaomi only showcased the retail box of the Leica Edition, which appears in a black finish with prominent Xiaomi and Leica branding. With the launch just a day away, more official details about both variants are expected to be revealed soon.
Xiaomi 17 Ultra – Rotary Zoom Dial Tipped
Separately, tipster Digital Chat Station (translated from Chinese) has claimed that the Xiaomi 17 Ultra may feature a rotary dial surrounding its circular rear camera module. According to the leak, this physical dial could allow users to zoom in and out while shooting photos or recording videos.
Xiaomi has not officially confirmed this feature, so the information should be treated with caution.
Xiaomi 17 Ultra 200MP Variable Zoom Telephoto Camera Teased
Xiaomi has also released a new set of teasers focusing on the Xiaomi 17 Ultra’s periscope telephoto camera. The handset is confirmed to use a 200-megapixel telephoto sensor co-developed with Leica, reportedly measuring 1/1.4 inches in size. Xiaomi claims the camera supports equivalent focal lengths ranging from 75mm to 100mm, placing it firmly in the portrait and mid-range zoom category.
Caption – Xiaomi side-by-side telephoto samples. (Image credit – Xiaomi)
The company shared side-by-side telephoto samples shot at 85mm, 90mm, and 100mm focal lengths, demonstrating what Xiaomi describes as 3x to 4.3x continuous optical zoom. Xiaomi did not disclose the names of the two competing smartphones used in the comparison.
In an earlier teaser, Xiaomi highlighted its “LOFIC ultra-high dynamic range technology,” and the newly released 85mm and 90mm samples appear to back up those claims. Compared to the rival devices, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra shows more consistent brightness levels and colour reproduction.
Xiaomi also published several low-light portrait shots captured using the telephoto camera. In these samples, subject separation looks clean, noise levels are minimal, and skin tones appear natural. While these images are officially curated, they still provide insight into the camera’s potential performance in experienced hands. A clearer picture of improvements over the Xiaomi 15 Ultra will emerge once both devices can be tested side by side.
Collectively, these teasers suggest that Xiaomi is positioning the 17 Ultra as one of its most capable camera smartphones to date and a strong contender among top camera-focused flagships expected in 2026.
Caption – Xiaomi’s official post on Weibo. (Translated via Google Translate)
Xiaomi 17 Ultra Hands-On Video – Front Design and New Colour Option Revealed
Xiaomi has also released an official hands-on video teaser revealing the front design of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. The video was shared by Xiaomi President Lu Weibing and offers the first real look at the device ahead of its December 25 launch.
The footage confirms that the Xiaomi 17 Ultra measures 8.29mm in thickness and features slim, fairly symmetrical bezels on all four sides. The display appears nearly edge-to-edge with flat sides and rounded corners. Xiaomi has not yet confirmed whether the bezels are narrower than those on the previous generation.
The hands-on video also showcases the phone in multiple colour options under real-world lighting. While Xiaomi had earlier teased three colour variants, the latest clip appears to reveal a fourth option. This newly spotted finish looks like a violet or purple shade and stands out as a more eye-catching choice. The previously teased Starry Green variant is also shown in greater detail, highlighting a shimmering texture that changes under light. The remaining colours appear more subtle but still refined.
As Xiaomi’s camera-centric flagship, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is expected to feature an upgraded Leica-tuned imaging system. However, the company has yet to confirm the full hardware specifications. Based on official photo and video samples, improvements in dynamic range and noise control are evident, but the true generational leap over the Xiaomi 15 Ultra will only be clear after hands-on testing.
FAQs
Q1. When will the Xiaomi 17 Ultra and Leica Edition launch?
Answer. Both models are confirmed to launch in China on December 25 at 7pm local time (4:30pm IST).
Q2. What are the key camera features of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra?
Answer. The phone features a 200MP Leica co-developed telephoto sensor with 75–100mm focal lengths, offering 3x–4.3x continuous optical zoom, HDR tech, and strong low-light portrait performance.
Q3. What design details and colour options of Xiaomi 17 Ultra have been revealed?
Answer. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra measures 8.29mm thick, has slim symmetrical bezels, and comes in multiple finishes including Starry Green with shimmering texture and a newly spotted violet/purple shade.