Xiaomi has introduced its latest flagship phone, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, and it’s drawing attention for how closely it mimics a real camera experience. This new handset was announced in China on December 25, 2025, and has quickly become a talking point for smartphone photography fans.
The standout feature is the collaboration with Leica, the iconic camera maker. This partnership goes beyond branding and aims to deliver a camera experience that feels much closer to a traditional lens-based device than most phones on the market.
Design Inspired by Camera Controls
One of the biggest changes with the Leica Edition of the phone is the physical zoom ring around the rear camera module. This ring works more like a lens control on a traditional camera. You twist it to adjust zoom, exposure, and possibly other settings something rarely seen on smartphones.
This physical control gives photographers a more natural way to interact with the camera setup instead of relying solely on touch controls. It shows Xiaomi’s effort to combine the feel of a classic camera with the convenience of a smartphone.
A Powerful Camera System
Main Camera and Sensors
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica uses a 50-megapixel main sensor that is unusually large for a smartphone. This 1-inch sensor is designed to capture more light and detail than typical phone sensors.
This main camera also benefits from Leica’s expertise in optics, which helps with color rendering and clarity. The partnership aims to make photos look more natural and closer to what a dedicated camera might produce.
Telephoto and Ultra-Wide Lenses
Alongside the main camera, the phone includes a 200-megapixel telephoto camera with continuous optical zoom. It offers zoom from around 3.2x to 4.3x without relying on digital magnification.
There’s also a 50-megapixel ultra-wide camera with a wide field of view. These three lenses together give users flexibility for different types of shots from landscapes to portraits and long-range photography.
Leica’s Role in Image Quality
The Leica partnership goes deeper than past collaborations. This time, the phone’s telephoto lens has earned Leica APO optical certification, which should reduce chromatic aberration and improve image sharpness.
Leica and Xiaomi also worked on special camera software modes called “Leica Moment”, which offer looks inspired by classic Leica film profiles. These modes aim to give photos a distinctive style.
The combination of hardware and software enhancements is meant to appeal to photographers who want more control and higher quality from a phone camera without carrying separate gear.
Display, Performance, and Battery
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra features a 6.9-inch flat AMOLED display with high resolution and smooth refresh rates. It’s designed for bright, clear viewing in all conditions.
Under the hood, the phone runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor. This chip provides plenty of power for photography, gaming, and everyday tasks.
The battery is also substantial at 6,800mAh, which should help the phone last all day even with heavy use. Fast wired and wireless charging support keeps the device ready quickly.
These non-camera features make the Xiaomi 17 Ultra competitive as a full flagship device in 2025.
Design and Build
The phone maintains Xiaomi’s familiar Ultra design, with a centered circular camera island and flat display. This design choice gives a clean, balanced look.
For the Leica Edition, Xiaomi adds distinct touches like Leica’s red dot logo and a dual-tone finish inspired by classic Leica cameras. These visual elements help set this version apart as a premium option.
Despite packing powerful hardware and a big battery, the phone stays relatively slim, helping it feel comfortable in the hand.
Availability and Price
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra has launched in China, with the Leica Edition priced higher than the standard model. The exact cost reflects the advanced camera components and special edition branding.
At current exchange rates, the Leica Edition is about $1,138 and up, depending on storage and memory options. The standard version costs slightly less.
So far, Xiaomi has not announced global availability or release dates outside China, but many expect an international launch in early 2026.
User Experience and Photography
Real Camera Feel
What sets this phone apart is how closely the experience mimics a real camera. The physical zoom ring is more than a gimmick it adds tactile control that photographers appreciate.
Likewise, the Leica camera modes give users creative tools that go beyond standard phone camera software. These features make the phone feel like a creative instrument, not just a device for snapshots.
Flexibility for Different Shooters
With a large main sensor, strong telephoto lens, and wide-angle option, this phone covers most photography needs. It’s a strong choice for users who want a phone that can produce high-quality images in many scenarios.
How It Compares to Competitors
In the flagship space, many phones focus on camera performance. But the 17 Ultra by Leica stands out because of its hardware and Leica co-design.
Not all phones have physical controls or optical zoom that spans a meaningful range. This gives Xiaomi an edge for users who value tactile interaction and optical quality over pure digital gimmicks.
Whether this translates to better everyday photos depends on user preferences and skill, but the potential is clear.
Why This Matters
Smartphone photography has improved rapidly over the past decade. But few devices try to bridge the gap between phone convenience and camera-style controls.
With the Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica, the goal is to give users more creative tools without sacrificing performance or mobility. This approach may influence future designs from other manufacturers.
Conclusion
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica is one of the most photography-focused smartphones of 2025. Its collaboration with Leica, physical zoom ring, large sensors, and advanced camera tech make it feel more like a real camera than most phones. While global availability is still pending, this flagship device sets a high bar for mobile imaging and shows how far smartphone cameras have come.