Xiaomi has produced some of the best smartphones for photography, beating leading names like Apple and Samsung with a large 1-inch sensor and overall pro handling. So it is with great anticipation that the Xiaomi 17 series debuts on the global market after its initial launch in late December in China. To better align with the competition’s naming conventions, Xiaomi decided to skip the 16 series entirely and released the 17 series, with the Ultra topping the lineup above the 17 and 17 Pro versions.
Continuing its collaboration with Leica, the new Xiaomi 17 Ultra features three Leica cameras on the back. Its 50MP main camera has a rare, large 1.0-inch Light Fusion 1050L image sensor paired with a bright f/1.7 aperture lens and LOFIC HDR technology. This new sensor should deliver a wider dynamic range, exceptional low-light performance, and likely, beat even some compact cameras out there.
Perhaps the biggest news is the now combined telephoto camera. Previously, the 15 Ultra relied on two separate sensors for extended optical telephoto reach, but the 17 Ultra now has a variable optical zoom with a 75-100mm Leica APO Vario Summilux lens and a variable f/2.4-3.0 aperture. This helps create a real, optical shallow depth-of-field look. There’s also digital zoom on board up to 400mm equivalent.
For the ulta-wide, camera specs are unchanged, but the selfie unit has a higher resolution 50MP f/2.2 sensor up from 32MP f/2.0, with auto-focus. Video-wise, 4K 120fps Log is now available, as well as the ability to record in 4K at 120fps with Dolby Vision.
In terms of design, the camera housing is repositioned and the dual-toned rear cover is gone, instead there’s a unified Black, White or a sparkly Starlit Green option available. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra now joins the big guys with a 6.9-inch screen, and a somewhat lower 2608 x 1200 resolution. The new larger screen is protected by Xiaomi’s proprietary Shield Glass 3.0 which promises 30% better drop resistance over the previous model. For dedicated enthusiasts, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Photography Kit Pro includes an integrated 2000mAh battery, a detachable shutter button and a Fastshot mode ideal for street photography.
Overall there are plenty of improvements to be excited about – our review team can’t wait to get their hands on this new device. Until our full review, let’s take a look at the flagship Xiaomi 17 Ultra’s specifications, with the key differences highlighted (in bold) over the Xiaomi 15 Ultra.
Xiaomi 17 Ultra features:
- 200MP f/2.39-2.96 Leica telephoto camera, 75-100mm equiv., OIS (Samsung HPE image sensor) 30cm macro focus
- 50MP f/1.67 Leica main camera (23m equiv.) 1.0-inch Light Fusion 1050L image sensor, OIS
- 50MP f/2.2 Leica ultra-wide camera (14mm equiv.) (Samsung JN5 image sensor)
- 50MP f/2.2 selfie camera, (21mm equiv.) with AF
- 8K30p, 4K/30/60/120p, 4K60p Log
- 6.9-inch display, 1-120Hz, 3500 nits, 2608 x 1200
- 6000mAh battery, 90W fast charge, 50W wireless
- Snapdragon Elite 8 Gen 5 processor
- 162.9 x 77.6 x 8.29mm, 218.4g / 219g
- 512GB/1TB
- Available colour: Black, White, Starlit Green2
Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi
To mark the 100 year anniversary of Leica – The Leica Leitz Phone powered by Xiaomi is announced simultanously with and an aluminium alloy nickel-anodised body in a nod to the classic Leica cameras. It also features a Leica Camera Ring, a physical dial that lets you adjust zoom much like you would on a real camera lens.
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra will be available in th UK in 512GB and 1TB versions for £1,299/£1,499. While the Xiaomi 17 has a 256GB and a 512GB version available for £899/£999. The Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi is the most expensive retailing for £1,699 (1TB).
