Xiaomi has once again pushed the boundaries of smartphone photography with its latest flagship, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. Building on the success of the Xiaomi 14 and 15 Ultra, the company has released a special edition, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica, that caters specifically to photography enthusiasts and professionals. This device, recently acquired for review, represents a significant step forward in mobile imaging technology.
A Leica-Branded Flagship
Xiaomi’s Ultra series has consistently delivered impressive camera performance, thanks to its collaboration with Leica. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra continues this trend, offering a suite of advanced features designed to rival dedicated cameras. The 15 Ultra was a strong performer, but the 17 Ultra promises to elevate the experience further. Competition is fierce, particularly from Samsung’s upcoming S26 Ultra, but Xiaomi is clearly focused on appealing to users who demand maximum control and quality from their mobile photography.
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica distinguishes itself with Leica branding on the body and dedicated Leica camera simulation modes. This isn’t merely a cosmetic change; it reflects a deeper integration of Leica’s expertise into the phone’s imaging pipeline.
Design and Display
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica features a 6.9-inch (2608×1200, 3500 nits) LTPO AMOLED display. While slightly larger than the display on the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, the resolution has been adjusted. The front-facing camera has been upgraded to 50 megapixels, a significant increase from the 32-megapixel sensor in the previous model. The home screen icons have a unique design, evoking a classic, analog aesthetic.
The rear of the phone features the Xiaomi logo at the top and the Leica logo to the right of the camera module. The lower portion has a textured finish for improved grip and a camera-like appearance. The circular camera bump, a signature design element of the Ultra series, is retained.
The right side of the phone houses independent volume up and down buttons, along with the power button. The majority of the side is covered in a textured pattern, further enhancing grip. Notably, a dedicated shutter button is absent.
The left side of the device is engraved with “LEICA CAMERA GERMANY,” subtly highlighting the collaboration. This side also features the same textured finish as the right. The phone measures 77.6×162.9×8.46mm and weighs 229.8g. It boasts a 6800mAh battery, supporting 90W wired and 50W wireless charging.
The bottom of the phone includes a microSIM card tray and a USB Type-C port. The reviewed unit is a Chinese model and does not support eSIM, a feature that would be desirable in a global version.
Under the Hood
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, paired with 16GB of RAM. Storage options include 512GB and 1TB. The 512GB model is priced at 7999 yuan (approximately $1810), while the 1TB model costs 8999 yuan (approximately $2040). The standard Xiaomi 17 Ultra is priced at 7499 yuan ($1700) and 8499 yuan ($1920) respectively, representing a relatively small price difference.
Due to the limited price difference, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica has proven to be more popular in China, often experiencing stock shortages.
Camera System and Features
The camera system on the Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica has been refined, moving from a quad-camera setup to a triple-camera configuration. It consists of a 50-megapixel wide-angle lens, a 50-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 200-megapixel telephoto lens with a periscope module. The telephoto lens offers a variable focal length from 75mm to 100mm, providing optical zoom capabilities. The camera system is also certified with Leica’s APO optics.
A key feature is the rotating camera ring, which allows for intuitive control over various settings. The ring provides haptic feedback, simulating the feel of a physical click-stop mechanism. It can be customized to control zoom, EV values, filters, and other camera parameters depending on the shooting mode.
The camera app interface is similar to previous Xiaomi models, with slightly larger icons for the “LEICA AUTH” and “LEICA VIBR” color modes. The phone supports up to 120x zoom and can record video at up to 8K 30fps. It also includes special shooting modes like silhouette, stage, fireworks, and flame. The Leica color presets offer a range of aesthetic options.
The phone also introduces Leica M3 and M9 simulation modes, replicating the look and feel of classic Leica film cameras. Portrait mode allows users to simulate the characteristics of various Leica lenses, such as the SUMCRON, SUMLUX, NCTLUX, and THMBAR.
First Impressions
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica delivers a premium camera experience, offering a wide range of features and controls for both casual and professional photographers. The Leica-branded design and dedicated modes enhance the overall experience, making it a compelling option for those seeking the best in mobile imaging. The rotating camera ring is a particularly innovative addition, providing a tactile and intuitive way to control camera settings.
While the reviewed unit is a Chinese model with limitations such as the lack of eSIM support, the potential for a global release with full GMS compatibility is high. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica represents a significant step forward in smartphone photography and could potentially become the successor to the Leitz Phone, offering a unique and compelling experience for photography enthusiasts.
