In 2025, Xiaomi and Leica upgraded their global imaging strategic partnership, introducing a new “strategic co-creation model” that integrates Leica’s professional optical expertise, design aesthetics, and interaction philosophy into products. As the opening work of this strategic upgrade, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra debuted amid great anticipation.

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra adopts an all-new 1-inch + 200-megapixel combination, marking a shift from multi-lens “digital cropping” to single-lens “optical zoom,” ushering in the “optical zoom era” of mobile imaging. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra’s 23mm “Leica 1-inch Light & Shadow Master” main camera uses the latest-generation “Light Hunter 1050L” ultra-high dynamic sensor and debuts LOFIC ultra-high dynamic technology, significantly enhancing dynamic range for photos and videos. In night scenes and backlit environments, highlights are not overexposed and shadow details remain clear, delivering dynamic range performance comparable to professional cameras.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra Review

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra telephoto camera is built on a 200-megapixel ultra-large sensor with exceptional light intake, upgraded to an advanced 28nm process that reduces power consumption by 40% compared to the previous generation. Breakthroughs in telephoto structure enable continuous optical zoom, delivering native 200-megapixel optical output at any focal length from 75mm to 100mm, avoiding detail loss caused by digital cropping. This lens is the first in mobile imaging to receive Leica APO optical certification, featuring a unique “three-element APO apochromatic” optical path design that achieves ultra-low dispersion imaging. This high-quality lens has earned Leica’s professional recognition. Paired with a 14mm low-distortion ultra-wide-angle lens, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra’s ultra-wide, main, and telephoto trio confidently handles all shooting scenarios and subjects. Photography enthusiasts can also choose the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Professional Imaging Kit or the Lightweight Imaging Kit to further expand mobile creative possibilities, bringing smartphone photography closer to professional equipment.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra Review

Beyond imaging, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra also delivers a flagship-level experience. It is the first flat-display model in the Xiaomi Ultra series, featuring a clean and decisive design. With a thickness of just 8.29mm, it is the thinnest Ultra model to date, yet still houses a massive 6800mAh battery. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite (5th generation), and supported by dual-channel 3D annular cooling pumps and a new capillary structure, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra improves thermal conductivity per unit volume by 50% over the previous generation. It features a premium 2K display with 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, up to 3500 nits peak brightness, professional color accuracy, and cross-ecosystem multi-screen color consistency. Running Xiaomi HyperOS 3, it achieves a new level of interconnectivity with the Apple ecosystem.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra Review

Therefore, we believe that the Xiaomi 17 Ultra’s innovations and breakthroughs in mobile optical technology usher in the “optical zoom” era of mobile imaging. Combined with its flagship-level performance and experience, it stands as a truly deserving imaging technology flagship smartphone of 2025.