Home / Technology / Xiaomi 17 Ultra: Leica camera takes phone photography higher
Xiaomi 17 Ultra: Leica camera takes phone photography higher
28 Feb
Summary
- Xiaomi 17 Ultra features a co-engineered Leica camera system.
- It boasts a 200MP telephoto lens with a 1-inch sensor and mechanical zoom.
- The phone is priced competitively against high-end iPhone and Samsung models.
Xiaomi has unveiled its latest flagship smartphone, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, positioning it as a direct competitor to premium devices like the iPhone 17 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. The device prominently features a co-engineered Leica camera system, highlighted by a 200-megapixel telephoto lens equipped with a substantial one-inch sensor and mechanical zoom capabilities, an uncommon feature in smartphones.
This advanced camera setup is designed to deliver superior portrait shots, exceptional nighttime performance due to improved light capture, and overall enhanced image clarity. Video recording options include 8K at 30fps and 4K Dolby Vision up to 120fps, complemented by a 50MP front-facing selfie camera.
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra also boasts a 6.9-inch HyperRGB OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 3,500 nits, protected by Xiaomi Shield Glass 3.0. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, paired with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, expandable to 1TB.
A robust 6,000mAh battery supports 90W wired and 50W wireless fast charging. Additional features include an under-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor and IP68 dust and water resistance. The phone is available in Black, White, and Starlit Green.
Pricing for the Xiaomi 17 Ultra starts at £1,299 for the 16GB RAM/512GB storage model, with a 1TB storage option available for £1,499. These prices place it in direct competition with rivals; for instance, the iPhone 17 Pro Max starts at £1,199, and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is currently on offer for £1,279.
