Xiaomi 17 Ultra redefines photography with manual zoom ring and 200 MP sensor in partnership with Leica

Xiaomi has officially launched its newest high-end smartphone focused on photography, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, scheduled for the end of 2025. Desenvolvido in a strategic collaboration with the renowned camera brand of cell phones. Essa functionality allows for precise, manual control of continuous optical zoom, offering a new layer of interaction for discerning photographers.

The device will first reach the Chinese market, with sales scheduled to start on December 27th, and prices starting from the equivalent of R$7,000 for the standard version. The premium edition, signed by Leica, not only includes the zoom ring, but also exclusive accessories and a different design that reminds us of classic cameras. Xiaomi has already confirmed that a global version of the device will be launched in 2026, increasing expectations from enthusiasts in other markets.

Equipped with the latest generation Snapdragon 8 processor, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra guarantees cutting-edge performance for every task. Sua 6.9-inch AMOLED LTPO screen, supporting a 120Hz refresh rate and a maximum brightness of 3,500 nits, ensures clear and fluid viewing even under strong lighting conditions. The set is powered by a robust 6,800 mAh battery with silicon-carbon technology, compatible with 90 W wired and 50 W wireless fast charging. Durability is reinforced by IP66, IP68 and IP69 certifications, which attest to its resistance against water and dust.

Mechanical zoom ring in Leica edition

The big star of the Leica special edition of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is, without a doubt, the mechanical zoom ring. Este component, made up of 26 high-precision parts, was designed to simulate the sensation of operating professional camera lenses, allowing for intuitive and tactile zoom adjustments. When turned, the ring automatically activates the camera application, but its functionality can be reprogrammed by the user to control other parameters, such as exposure or manual focus, providing unprecedented versatility.

The design of this version has been carefully thought out to reflect the heritage of the Leica. The two-tone finish, textured edges for better grip, the iconic red Leica logo and the exclusive engravings on the device’s body create a unique visual identity. The special packaging accompanies the luxury of the device, including a magnetic cover compatible with the MagSafe system, a lens cover, a security lanyard and a cleaning cloth personalized with the German brand.

Camera system developed in collaboration with Leica

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra photographic set was designed to meet the highest demands of professional photography. The main 50 MP sensor, in a 1-inch format, has an aperture of f/1.67 and incorporates LOFIC technology, which significantly expands the dynamic range, resulting in images with more detail in both shadow and high-light areas. The ultrawide camera, also with 50 MP, covers a 115-degree field of view, ideal for landscapes and group photos, while the 50 MP front camera guarantees high-resolution selfies.

The big difference, however, is the 200 MP periscopic telephoto lens. Este sensor offers continuous optical zoom ranging from 3.2x to 4.3x (equivalent to a focal length of 75-100mm), allowing precise framing without loss of quality. The lens is APO certified by Leica, which guarantees advanced apochromatic correction, minimizing chromatic aberrations and delivering sharper images with faithful colors.

The photographic experience is enriched with unique software modes such as “Leica Moments”, which captures images in 3:2 format, and classic film simulations, such as “Monopan 50”, which recreates the aesthetics of iconic monochrome photographs. Recursos security features such as CAI authentication and dedicated encryption for images reinforce the professional nature of the device, guaranteeing the authenticity of captured files.

Special edition design and differences

The Leica edition of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra adopts an aesthetic inspired by classic cameras, with the German brand’s red logo prominently and premium black or white finish options. The zoom ring is not only a feature, but also a central design element, enhancing interaction by eliminating the need to touch the screen for quick and precise adjustments.

The standard model of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, in turn, maintains exactly the same internal hardware specifications, including the processor, screen and camera set. The main difference lies in the absence of the mechanical zoom ring and exclusive accessories that come with the special edition.

Both versions of the device chose not to include a secondary screen on the back, a trend seen in some competitors. Instead, the focus was on a sleek, flat body, just 8.5mm thick, that balances ergonomics and sophistication.

The construction of the device uses high-quality materials, such as reinforced glass on the front and back, and a robust metal frame, ensuring durability and a premium touch feel. The attention to detail in the design reflects the product’s positioning as one of the most advanced flagships on the market.

Pricing and initial availability

In the Chinese market, the standard Xiaomi 17 Ultra will start at approximately US$995 for the configuration with 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage. Já the coveted Leica edition will start at $1,140 for the same memory configuration, with a higher option of 1TB of storage available for an additional fee, cementing its status as a technological luxury item.

Sales at China were scheduled to begin on December 27th, positioning the device as one of the major launches for the end of 2025. The expectation is that the Leica edition will also be available in selected markets outside of China, albeit in limited quantities.

Strategic partnership with Leica

The collaboration between Xiaomi and Leica has evolved from simple brand licensing to a strategic co-creation model, where the German company’s optical expertise is integrated from the early stages of smartphone development. Essa synergy results not only in APO-certified lenses, but also in image capture and processing modes that faithfully recreate the iconic visual qualities associated with Leica cameras. The focus on continuous optical zoom and tactile controls positions the Xiaomi 17 Ultra as a powerful tool for mobile photography enthusiasts and professionals looking for a device that combines the convenience of a smartphone with the precision of a dedicated camera. Recursos additions, such as dual satellite connectivity for emergencies and an independent security chip, complement the premium package, reinforcing Xiaomi’s ambition to lead the high-performance cell phone segment.

Main technical specifications

The Xiaomi 17 Sua robust construction, combined with the latest generation Snapdragon 8 processor, 6.9-inch AMOLED screen with 120Hz and 3,500 nits brightness, and a 6,800 mAh battery with 90 W (wired) and 50 W (wireless) charging, positions it as one of the most complete devices on the market. Memory options reach 16 GB of RAM and up to 1 TB of internal storage, ensuring fluidity and plenty of space for applications and high-resolution files.