Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition Launches with Notable Upgrades
Xiaomi has unveiled its latest flagship cameraphone, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, which brings a range of improvements across the board. Among the two variants available, the special Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica edition stands out with exclusive design touches and additional features that elevate the user experience. We have had the chance to review the Chinese version of this Leica edition, providing an early insight while awaiting the international release.
Key Specifications and Features
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is powered by the cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, ensuring top-tier performance. It sports a slightly larger and brighter 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED display, which is completely flat and delivers a peak brightness of 3500 nits. The screen supports a 120Hz refresh rate and offers Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HDR Vivid for enhanced visual quality. The phone’s body measures 162.9 x 77.6 x 8.5mm, weighs 230g, and features a glass front with a fibre-reinforced plastic or eco leather back, framed in aluminium. It also boasts IP68/IP69 ratings, making it dust-tight and water-resistant up to 6 metres for 30 minutes, including resistance to high-pressure water jets.
Photography remains a highlight with a simplified yet versatile rear camera setup. The main sensor is a 50MP 1-inch type unit with f/1.7 aperture, dual pixel PDAF, and optical image stabilisation. The telephoto camera impresses with a 200MP sensor capable of continuous optical zoom ranging from 3.2x to 4.3x and a closer focusing distance, eliminating the need for an additional 3x telephoto lens found in previous models. An ultra-wide 50MP camera with a 115-degree field of view and a TOF 3D depth sensor complete the rear array. On the front, the selfie camera has been upgraded from 32MP to a 50MP autofocus unit.
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra also features a substantial 6800mAh battery, a notable increase over its predecessor. Charging capabilities include 90W wired and PPS fast charging, 50W wireless charging, and reverse wired and wireless charging options. Connectivity is comprehensive, with 5G support, eSIM, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, an infrared port, and even two-way satellite communication. Additional features include an under-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor and stereo speakers.
The Leica Edition: Design and Exclusive Enhancements
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica edition distinguishes itself with a dual-tone design inspired by Leica’s M-series cameras. This includes a knurling pattern on the side frame, which not only adds a premium aesthetic but also improves grip and handling. Leica Moment modes are integrated to enhance photography, and the device includes a dedicated security chip for encryption purposes. Furthermore, dual-satellite communication is supported, adding a layer of connectivity beyond conventional networks.
The Leica edition’s retail package is equally premium, featuring a large box that contains extras such as a magnetic case, a lens cap, a red lanyard, and a cleaning cloth, in addition to the standard USB-A to USB-C braided cable and charger. Interestingly, the charger provided supports 100W charging, despite the phone officially supporting up to 90W wired charging.
Context and What to Expect
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra builds on the brand’s strategy of combining flagship performance with advanced camera technology, now enhanced through collaboration with Leica. The move to a single, high-resolution telephoto lens with continuous zoom is a notable shift from previous models that featured multiple telephoto cameras. This simplification may appeal to users seeking versatile photography without complexity. The upgraded selfie camera and larger battery further position the Xiaomi 17 Ultra as a well-rounded flagship device.
As Xiaomi prepares to launch the international version, it will be interesting to see how the Leica edition is received outside China, particularly given its premium features and design. The inclusion of dual-satellite communication and dedicated security hardware also signals Xiaomi’s intent to push innovation in connectivity and privacy.
Overall, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica edition offers a compelling package for photography enthusiasts and flagship seekers alike. We will be watching closely for its global availability and pricing details.
In summary, Xiaomi’s latest Ultra model presents meaningful upgrades and a unique Leica collaboration that could set new standards for flagship cameraphones. The coming months should reveal how these enhancements translate to real-world use and market success.