Xiaomi 17 Ultra, launched in China in late 2025, redefines flagship smartphones with Leica-partnered camera innovations that outperform rivals in key areas. This Leica Edition device prioritizes photography like never before, featuring a rotatable camera ring and massive sensors. Tech enthusiasts in India will eye its global debut at MWC 2026 for potential local availability.
Standout Design Features
Xiaomi breaks from safe designs of Apple and Samsung by integrating a full Leica camera module on the back, complete with heavy branding and a physical rotating ring around the camera bump. This ring not only opens the camera app but allows precise control over zoom, exposure, and focus by twisting it, mimicking professional DSLR adjustments unavailable on iPhone 17 Pro Max or Galaxy S26 Ultra. Despite moving parts, it holds IP68/IP69 ratings and uses Xiaomi Shield Glass 2.0, making it slimmer than predecessors at under 9mm thick.
Powerhouse Performance Specs
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 on a 3nm process, it pairs 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB UFS 4.1 storage for benchmark-topping scores, handling 90fps gaming smoothly with minimal heating. The 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED display hits 5000 nits peak brightness with 120Hz refresh and quad-curved edges for immersive viewing superior to many flagships. A 6800mAh battery supports 100W wired, 80W wireless charging, and 10W reverse wireless, outlasting rivals’ 5000mAh packs.
Leica Camera Revolution
The quad-camera setup shines: 50MP 1-inch LYT-900 main with OIS and Laser AF, 50MP ultrawide, 50MP floating telephoto, and a groundbreaking 200MP periscope telephoto offering continuous optical zoom from 3.2x-4.3x via physically moving lenses—no quality loss from cropping. Leica tech adds sensor-level HDR (LoFic), Authentic/Vibrant looks, Pro modes like M3/M9, and master portraits, delivering sharper, brighter shots than iPhone in dynamic range tests. The rotatable ring enables DSLR-like zoom and control, with 4K 120fps video and AI audio excelling over Samsung in low light.
Head-to-Head Comparisons
Xiaomi 17 Ultra beats iPhone 17 Pro Max in primary shots with better sharpness, brightness, and sky detail thanks to LoFic HDR, while portraits surpass Vivo X200 Pro (2025’s camera king) in skin tones and bokeh. Against Galaxy S26 Ultra, its 200MP telephoto and larger battery provide edges in zoom and endurance, though Samsung leads in software polish. Night photography pops colors vividly, often outdetailing Vivo, but video stabilization favors iPhone slightly.
| Feature | Xiaomi 17 Ultra | iPhone 17 Pro Max | Galaxy S26 Ultra |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Sensor | 50MP 1-inch LYT-900 | Smaller, software HDR | 200MP but cropped zoom |
| Telephoto | 200MP continuous 3.2-4.3x optical | Fixed focal lengths | 50MP quad |
| Battery | 6800mAh, 100W wired | ~4500mAh, slower | 5000mAh |
| Unique | Rotating Leica ring | Ecosystem integration | S Pen |
Why It Challenges Giants
Xiaomi positions this as a “camera first, phone second” device, innovating boldly where Apple and Samsung play safe with iterative designs. HyperOS 3 on Android 16 includes Leica-themed UI, though global versions will refine bloat; pricing around ₹1,20,000 in India could disrupt premium segments. For photography-focused creators, its pro tools and samples prove a real threat, even if limited reach tempers mass impact.