Xiaomi has officially confirmed the launch of its next flagship, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, in China on December 25. Following recent teasers, this Ultra series smartphone promises to redefine mobile photography through an upgraded global partnership with Leica Camera AG.
The companies have shifted from joint R&D to a “strategic co-creation model,” embedding Leica’s optics expertise, aesthetic philosophy, and interactive concepts into the product from the ground up. This aims to shatter traditional mobile imaging limits, delivering a reconstructed experience with pro-level performance.
Groundbreaking Camera System
At the heart of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is the first Leica APO-certified telephoto lens in a smartphone. APO (apochromatic) tech minimizes chromatic aberration for razor-sharp resolution and low dispersion, setting a new benchmark for mobile telephoto shots.
Paired with it is a next-gen 1-inch main camera sensor tailored for mobiles, featuring an f/1.67 aperture. The setup also includes:
- A 200MP periscope lens with f/2.9 aperture.
- Coverage from 14mm ultra-wide to 100mm telephoto (4.3x optical zoom).
- VARIO-APO-SUMMILUX lens branding.
Xiaomi highlights major gains in low-light purity, high-contrast detail accuracy, and telephoto creative freedom.
Sleek Design and Premium Finish
Official images reveal the phone in Starry Green, infused with mineral particles for a shimmering, starry-sky effect. Key design highlights include:
- 8.29mm slim profile—Xiaomi’s thinnest Ultra ever.
- Segmented volume buttons and wraparound frame for ergonomic comfort.
- Miniaturized camera module for unobstructed grip.
- Large-angle 2D flat screen.
Lu Weibing, Xiaomi Group Partner and President of the Mobile Phone Division, called it a “professional yet elegant imaging flagship,” completing Xiaomi’s rhythm of releasing all flagship high-end models in the same year.
More specs and details will drop in the lead-up to the China launch. Globally, expect it in early March 2026 at MWC, backed by recent FCC certification.