Camera monster: Xiaomi 17 Ultra debuts continuous zoom and physical ring in the Leica Edition

Xiaomi 17 Ultra launches innovative continuous zoom and physical ring in version Leica

Xiaomi has announced the highly anticipated 17 Ultra, a new flagship that redefines expectations for mobile photography, especially with its renewed partnership with Leica. The smartphone promises to transform the image capture experience with an advanced optical set and unprecedented features in the segment.

This launch stands out for the introduction of a high-resolution periscopic lens and a continuous optical zoom system, elements that give the device photographic capabilities previously restricted to professional equipment. The Chinese brand’s bet is to reinforce its position in the premium market, offering a device that combines cutting-edge technology with intuitive usability.

The device arrives with robust hardware, an efficient cooling system and a high capacity battery, ensuring superior performance for all demands. The design strategy focuses on durability and an aesthetic that optimizes handling, consolidating the visual identity of the Ultra line.

Leica camera technology reinvents mobile zoom

The heart of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra lies in its optical assembly developed in collaboration with Leica. Ele integrates three high-performance sensors, with the main 1-inch Light Hunter 1050L sensor at the front. Este sensor is driven by LOFIC (Lateral

One of the most impactful innovations is the 200MP periscope lens, equipped with a 1/1.4-inch sensor and a 3G+5P design. Esta configuration provides continuous optical zoom between 75 mm and 100 mm, in addition to generating images at 200 mm and 400 mm with high resolution processing, minimizing any loss of quality in digital cropping. The new “Fireworks” mode also optimizes color capture in dark environments, preventing overexposure and delivering vibrant results.

Performance and advanced cooling drive the flagship

As a legitimate high-end device, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra delivers cutting-edge hardware without disappointment. Ele is equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen5 processor, manufactured by TSMC with a 3nm process, focused on offering greater computing power and a significant reduction in energy consumption. Este chipset is complemented by 12 or 16 GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and storage options ranging from 512 GB to 1 TB UFS 4.1, ensuring fluidity and capacity for multitasking and demanding applications.

To mitigate the heat generated under high demand, the Xiaomi implemented an innovative dual-path three-dimensional ring pump cooling system, ensuring that the device’s performance is maintained even under heavy use. Energy management is another highlight, with the Jinshanjiang 6800 mAh silicon-carbon battery, which helps keep the device thin and light. Fast charging technology supports up to 90W wired and 50W wireless, providing agile and efficient recharges. Contudo, the global version of the device is expected to have a slightly smaller battery, with an expected limit of 6000 mAh, due to specific safety regulations in different markets.

Durable design and flat screen mark new generation

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra breaks the tradition of previous generations by featuring a flat screen, diverging from the curved panels that have become a trademark. The device sports a 6.9-inch 2D AMOLED panel with WQHD+ resolution (2608 x 1200 pixels), which offers a peak brightness of 3500 nits and a dynamic refresh rate ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz. The Xiaomi Dragon Crystal Glass 3.0 protection guarantees greater resistance against scratches and impacts, while the narrow symmetrical edges give the device a modern and elegant look.

At just 8.29 mm thick, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra positions itself as the thinnest model in the Ultra family, a remarkable feat considering its robust internal configuration. The rear design maintains the line’s established visual identity, incorporating the circular camera module, called “DECO mini”, which has been optimized to facilitate handling the device with just one hand. Esta attention to ergonomic details significantly improves the user experience.

In addition to aesthetics, durability is a crucial point, and the Xiaomi 17 Ultra arrives with IP66, IP68 and IP69 grade certifications. Essas ratings ensure comprehensive dust protection, water immersion capability and resistance to high pressure and temperature water jets. Tais features reinforce the smartphone’s resilience in various environmental conditions, ensuring the longevity of the investment for consumers.

The choice for a flat screen reflects a market trend and Xiaomi’s search for a balance between aesthetics and functionality. The decision aims to serve a portion of users who prefer the practicality and lower incidence of accidental touches offered by straight displays, without compromising visual quality or immersion in the user experience. With symmetrical edges and a premium finish, the design of the 17 Ultra is established as one of the most refined in its category.

HyperOS 3 breaks down barriers and expands connectivity

Integration with the brand’s own ecosystem has always been a logical objective for smartphone manufacturers, following the successful model established by Apple. Contudo, Xiaomi took a step forward with HyperOS 3, which makes its debut on Xiaomi 17 The new user interface not only enhances the internal experience of the Xiaomi ecosystem, but also opens up to other platforms.

HyperOS 3 allows iPhone or Macs users to view notifications, share the clipboard, and transfer files seamlessly between systems. Esta functionality aims to reduce usage barriers between different platforms and hardware, offering a bridge between the Android environment and the Apple ecosystem. The initiative represents a strategic move by Xiaomi to attract a wider audience and provide a fluid and unprecedented connectivity experience in the Android smartphone market.

Special edition Leica elevates the photography experience

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition edition, dedicated to photography enthusiasts, stands out for a design that captures the essence of classic cameras. The device incorporates the distinctive red label of Leica and a rear that refers to the German brand’s iconic models, giving it a unique and sophisticated visual appeal. Além of aesthetics, this special version introduces a significant hardware difference that promises to revolutionize the user’s interaction with the camera.

The Master Zoom Ring, a physical rotating ring located around the camera module, allows for precise manual zoom control. Essa feature offers photographers a more tactile and organic experience, similar to lens manipulation on professional cameras. The Leica Edition’s software is similarly enhanced, including “Leica Moment” mode with filters that replicate the aesthetics of the acclaimed Leica M9 and M3 cameras, enriching users’ creative options. Globalmente, this special model will be sold under the brand Leitzphone by Xiaomi, consolidating the partnership and focus on photographic excellence.

Availability and pricing in the Chinese market

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra had its pre-sale scheduled to begin immediately after its announcement, with the first deliveries scheduled from December 27th at The smartphone will be available in different memory and storage configurations, reflecting the needs and purchasing power of different consumer segments in the Asian market. Prices were advertised competitively, seeking to attract a wide range of buyers for this cutting-edge device.

In the Chinese market, the values ​​are as follows:

• 12 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage: 6,999 Yuan (approximately R$ 5,498)
• 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage: 7,499 Yuan (approximately R$5,891)
• 16 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage: 8,499 Yuan (approximately R$ 6,676)

For the special version, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition:

• 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage: 7,999 Yuan (approximately R$ 6,283)
• 16 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage: 8,999 Yuan (approximately R$7,069)

Technical specifications of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra features a robust technical sheet, developed to offer cutting-edge performance and features to the most demanding users:

• Screen:6.73-inch WQHD+ AMOLED (2608 x 1200 pixels), maximum brightness of 3500 nits, dynamic refresh rate of 1-120 Hz and Xiaomi Dragon Crystal Glass 3.0 protection.
• Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8
• RAM memory:12 or 16GB LPDDR5X.
• Storage:512 GB or 1 TB UFS 4.1.
• Quad Rear Camera:
  • Main: 50 MP (Light Hunter 1050L, 1”, f/1.67, OIS).
  • Telephoto Leica: 200 MP (3.2x to 4.3x optical zoom, f/2.39-2.96, OIS).
  • Ultrawide: 50 MP (14mm, f/2.2, 115° FOV).
• Front camera:50MP.
• Battery:6800 mAh with 90W wired, 50W wireless and 22.5W reverse wired fast charging.
• Connectivity and features:Certificação IP66, IP68, IP69, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, USB-C 3.2 Gen2, Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor.
• Dimensions:162.9 x 77.6 x 8.29 mm.
• Weight:224 grams.
• Operating system:HyperOS 3.