El Xiaomi 17 Ultra with Leica It's now official in China and is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious phones of the year in mobile photography. The brand has decided to skip the number 16 to align its lineup with the upcoming iPhone 17, a move that makes it clear they want to compete head-to-head in the high-end market.
This new flagship comes in two variants, the standard version and the Leica EditionBoth have the same basic hardware but a more focused approach purist and photographic in the model designed by the German company. For now, it's only sold in China, although its global launch in Spain and the rest of Europe is expected to be announced in the coming weeks, probably around the time of the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.
Design and display: the thinnest Ultra with a flat panel
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra breaks with the trend of previous generations and opts for a completely flat screenIt is an LTPO AMOLED panel 6,9 inches with a resolution of 2.608 x 1.200 pixels, adaptive refresh rate of 1 to 120 Hz and a maximum brightness that reaches 3.500 nitsFigures that point to good visibility even in direct sunlight.
The front is very well utilized, with symmetrical and very thin frames and a centered hole for the 50-megapixel camera intended for selfies and video calls, which is capable of recording in 4K at 60 fps. Beneath the panel is a ultrasonic fingerprint reader, faster and more reliable than regular optics.
With a thickness of 8,29 mm and a weight close to 223 grams, it becomes the thinner “Ultra” model Xiaomi's to date, placing it among the best Chinese phablets of the momentThis is surprising considering the camera module and battery. The chassis boasts certifications. IP66, IP68 and even IP69This provides advanced protection against dust, immersion in water, and even high-pressure jets.
The finishes vary depending on the version and the Chinese market: the standard edition can be purchased in black, white, purple, or green, while the Leica Edition opt for a two-tone design reminiscent of the classic M-series cameraswith a leather-like texture and metallic details.
Cameras: 1-inch sensor and 200MP Leica telephoto lens
The main feature of this smartphone is the triple rear camera setupDeveloped in collaboration with Leica and mounted in a large circular module. The main sensor is a Light Fusion 1050L from 1 inch and 50 megapixels, co-developed with the German firm. This sensor integrates technology LOFIC HDRdesigned to expand the dynamic range without relying so heavily on aggressive processing, which should help to better control of the high beams and preserve detail in shadows in high-contrast scenes, such as backlighting or night shots.
According to Xiaomi, this sensor offers a full well capacity several times greater This is in addition to the previous generation 15 Ultra, a key feature for gathering more light. The lens, equivalent to about 23mm, is complemented by color and processing adjustments developed by Leica, with proprietary profiles and a focus on a more natural aesthetic.
The second major pillar of the system is the 200 megapixel telephoto lens, based on a 1/1,4-inch Samsung HPE sensor. This module offers a continuous optical zoom between 75 and 100 mm equivalent (approximately 3x to 4,3x), utilizing the entire sensor area throughout that range without resorting to digital cropping. Beyond that figure, it can reach up to about 400mm via software, combining the 200MP data with magnification algorithms.
This telephoto develops an optical design with Leica APO certificationThis technology, reserved by the German brand for its best lenses in chromatic aberration control, combines several custom glass elements with a floating lens system to reduce the typical purple or green fringing in high-contrast scenes, a common problem with many mobile phone telephoto lenses.
The set is completed with a 50 megapixel ultra wide angle camera With a 115-degree field of view, it's designed for landscapes, architecture, and close-up shots thanks to its 5cm macro mode. Xiaomi highlights a Leica UltraPure design across all modules, featuring a G+P lens system to minimize internal reflections and artifacts.
Leica Edition: mechanical ring, classic aesthetics and exclusive functions
Where he Xiaomi 17 Ultra with Leica What makes the difference is the special edition. Leica Editionwhich shares specifications with the standard model but adds physical controls and a more photographic designThe first thing that catches the eye is the iconic Leica red dot on the back and a rear module that mimics the look of a traditional camera.
The most unique element is the so-called Leica Camera Ring or “Master Zoom Ring”, a mechanical ring around the camera module that allows physical control of the telephoto zoomThis ring integrates high-strength ball bearings and a precision transmission system capable of detecting minimal displacements, of a few hundredths of a millimeter, to translate the rotation into very fine variations in focal distance.
In addition to zooming in or out, this ring can be configured to modify parameters such as the exposure, white balance, or even switching between cameras, more closely resembling the experience of using a traditional camera than the typical touchscreen control.
From an aesthetic point of view, the central frame is knurling to replicate the feel of focus rings of the Leica lenses, and the rear is offered in off-white or black with a two-tone finish inspired by the M series cameras. The sealing of the mechanism has also been improved to maintain the IP66/IP68/IP69 certifications despite the moving parts.
The software also includes additions: the Leica Edition incorporates the mode Leica Moment and the mode Leica Essentialwith simulations based on classic cameras like the M9 and M3. Among other things, an aspect ratio is recreated 3:2 full frame style, specific color profiles and a black and white film grain that seeks to approach the MONOPAN 50 aesthetic.
Top-tier performance, battery life, and connectivity
Beyond the camera, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra with Leica features the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5The Qualcomm Oryon is Qualcomm's most powerful chip for Android mobile devices at the moment. This SoC combines high-performance Oryon cores, an Adreno 840 GPU, and significant efficiency improvements, designed for both demanding games and image and video processing.
The configurations in China go up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM y 1TB of UFS 4.1 storagewith intermediate variants of 12/512 GB and 16/512 GB. In all cases, the system runs under HyperOS 3.0 based on Android 16, a layer in which Xiaomi has been introducing AI features and a more integrated ecosystem between mobiles, tablets and other devices for months.
In terms of thermal performance, the brand boasts a dual-channel IceLoop 3D system With a new capillary structure, which according to official data improves conductivity by up to 50% compared to the previous generation. This is especially relevant when recording video for extended periods or taking many high-resolution photos in quick succession, where temperature is often an issue.
The autonomy is supported by a battery of 6.800 mAh silicon-carbonThe largest seen so far in an Ultra model from the company. It supports 90W fast charging via cable, 50W wireless chargingIn addition to 22,5W reverse charging with cable and up to 20W wireless charging, it makes it easy to recharge accessories such as headphones or watches.
In terms of connectivity, the device is very complete: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, infrared and satellite communication compatibility in the Chinese models. It also incorporates stereo audio with Dolby Atmos support and a multi-microphone array to improve sound capture.
Security, photo software, and extra features
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra with Leica isn't just about the hardware. The brand has focused on the image security and in the fight against AI-generated counterfeits, especially in the Leica Edition. This version includes a dedicated encryption chip and the technology of Photographic Authenticity Protection CAI, which adds a digital signature to each photograph to verify its origin.
As for the camera software, the usual ones remain. Leica modes with different color and contrast profiles, professional options with full manual control, and new Leica Edition exclusive modes that replicate the look of the M9 and M3 cameras. The focus on advanced video recording is also maintained, with capabilities that in previous generations already included 4K at high frame rates, 10-bit Log, and Dolby Vision compatibility.
HyperOS 3.0 also adds features designed for the ecosystem: the system allows Mirror the screen of Xiaomi devices and also Apple products like iPhone, iPad, or Mac, with remote control options and tighter cross-platform synchronization. The idea is to integrate mobile devices into the daily workflow for both entertainment and content creation.
In terms of ergonomics for photography, Xiaomi will offer in China specific photographic kits with magnetic grips, ultra-thin cases, and accessories like lens caps and straps. The Leica Edition, specifically, comes in a themed box that includes a case, a front cover for the camera module, and a cleaning cloth—items clearly geared towards the enthusiast user.
Price and availability: what we can expect in Europe
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra with Leica has gone on sale in China with several memory configurations. Official prices start at 6.999 yuan (around €845-850 at the current exchange rate) for the standard model with 12 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage. The 16/512 GB version goes up to 7.499 yuan, while the 16 GB and 1 TB version is located in 8.499 yuan, around 1.020-1.030 euros depending on the exchange rate.
La Leica Edition It has a higher price tag than the standard model, mainly due to the design, the mechanical zoom ring, and the extra software and connectivity features. In China, the 16/512 GB variant starts at 7.999 yuan (around 960-970 euros), while the 16 GB and 1 TB option goes up to 8.999 yuanThat is, something above 1.080-1.090 euros at the current exchange rate.
It's worth remembering that when these devices arrive in Europe, the Prices are usually higher The direct conversion from yuan is affected by taxes, logistics, and other costs. Various leaks suggest the Xiaomi Mi 17 Ultra could be priced around €1.000 in Spain for the base model, with the Leica Edition exceeding that figure. However, Xiaomi has not yet confirmed an exact release date or official pricing for the Spanish market.
With this launch, the company reinforces its strategy of competing in the highest segment of the premium range, combining one of the more complete technical specifications of the Android landscape with a clear commitment to more traditional mobile photography thanks to Leica, while the rest of the specifications —screen, battery, performance and connectivity— remain up to the standard expected of a flagship mobile contender in Europe.