Xiaomi officially elevated its strategic partnership with Leica this evening during a major launch event in China, unveiling the highly anticipated Xiaomi 17 Ultra and its premium counterpart, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition. As the first flagship born from the new Strategic Co-creation Mode between the two brands, this series aims to redefine the standards of professional mobile imaging through deep optical architectural evolution and sophisticated technical integration.
Moving away from the bulky feel of previous Ultra models, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra features a refined internal stack that slims the profile down to 8.29mm and a weight of 223.4g. The design language remains true to its camera heritage, featuring a wrapped metal middle frame with a dedicated circular volume key and high-gloss chamfered edges. Available in Black, White, Cold Smoke Purple, and Starry Sky Green, the device is built for durability with Xiaomi Dragon Crystal Glass 3.0 and a comprehensive “Waterproof Grand Slam” rating covering IP66, IP68, and IP69 standards.
The visual experience is centered around a 6.85-inch flat display with ultra-narrow borders. This panel utilizes Super Pixel technology with a 9.38 million sub-pixel RGB arrangement and a resolution of 2608×1200, offering clarity that surpasses traditional displays. With a peak brightness of 3500 nits, a 1-120Hz LTPO adaptive refresh rate, and full-process DC dimming, the screen is designed for both high performance and eye comfort.
The core of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is its revolutionary imaging system. The primary camera features the Light Hunter 1050L sensor, a 1-inch large-base sensor co-developed with Leica that utilizes third-generation LOFIC technology to achieve a dynamic range of 110dB. Complementing this is the industry’s first Leica APO-certified 200MP continuous optical zoom periscope lens.
Using a 3G+5P dual floating lens group, it achieves lossless continuous optical zoom between 75mm and 100mm, allowing for native 200MP output at critical portrait focal lengths.
Powering the series is the Snapdragon 8 Elite (Gen 5) mobile platform, supported by a dual-channel self-driving circular cold pump system to manage heat during intensive photography sessions. Connectivity is bolstered by the new Starry Communication system and T1P signal enhancement chips.
Battery Endurance is provided by a 6800mAh Jinshajiang battery with a high energy density of 882Wh/L, supporting 90W wired and 80W wireless fast charging.
Additionally, Xiaomi has introduced enhanced compatibility with the Apple ecosystem for improved user workflow.
Pricing for the Xiaomi 17 Ultra starts at 6999 Yuan (approx. RM4031) for the 12GB+512GB standard model, rising to 8499 Yuan (approx. RM4895) for the 16GB+1TB variant. The Leica Edition is priced at 7999 Yuan (approx. RM4607) for 16GB+512GB and 8999 Yuan (approx. RM5183) for the 16GB+1TB configuration.
For enthusiasts seeking the ultimate aesthetic, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition introduces the iconic Leica red dot, an engraved knurled frame, and a dual-texture lychee grain back cover inspired by the Leica M series. This edition exclusively features a physical “Master Zoom Ring” for tactile focal length or exposure adjustments, alongside specialized Leica M9 and classic black-and-white film profiles. It further differentiates itself with dual-satellite communication and a dedicated privacy encryption chip.
While the current launch is focused on the Chinese market, Xiaomi has begun teasing a global version, with further details expected soon.
