In today’s flagship smartphones, the camera has become the defining feature. With the 17 Ultra, Xiaomi leans fully into that reality, pairing Leica’s optical expertise with its latest advances in imaging hardware and computational photography. The result is a device designed with one clear objective: pushing mobile photography further while giving users greater creative control over how they capture the world around them.
At the core of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra sits a new imaging system led by Xiaomi’s first 1-inch LOFIC main sensor, the Light Fusion 1050L. The technology significantly increases full-well capacity, enabling stronger HDR performance and improved highlight retention in complex lighting situations. In practical terms, this allows the camera to capture more detail across both bright highlights and deep shadows, whether shooting in daylight or low-light environments.
The collaboration with Leica remains central to the Xiaomi 17 Ultra’s imaging approach. Drawing from Leica’s decades of optical expertise, the system incorporates specialised lens coatings and optical tuning designed to preserve detail, reduce reflections, and maintain colour accuracy across different lighting conditions. The result is an imaging experience that balances technical precision with the distinct photographic character Leica is known for.
Where the Xiaomi 17 Ultra truly stands apart, however, is its telephoto camera. Developed in collaboration with Leica and built to Leica APO optical standards, the 200MP telephoto lens features a 75–100mm mechanical optical zoom system. Each step of the zoom remains optical, preserving clarity and colour accuracy throughout the range. Combined with advanced sensor technology, the system can extend to an equivalent focal length of 400mm, opening the door to powerful long-range photography while maintaining strong image detail.
Completing the setup is a versatile triple-camera system anchored by a 50MP main camera, alongside a 50MP ultra-wide lens and the 200MP telephoto. Together they span focal lengths from an expansive 14mm ultra-wide perspective to a tighter 100mm portrait range before extending further through advanced in-sensor zoom. Video capabilities are equally impressive, with support for recording up to 8K as well as 4K at 120fps, alongside Dolby Vision and Log recording options that give creators greater flexibility in post-production.
Beyond the camera system, Xiaomi has also refined the device itself. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra measures just 8.29mm thick and weighs around 218g, making it the thinnest and lightest Ultra model the company has produced so far. Despite the slimmer profile, durability remains a priority with Xiaomi Shield Glass 3.0, an aluminium alloy frame, and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.
Powering the device is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 platform, delivering the processing muscle required for computational photography, intensive multitasking, and demanding mobile games. A large 6,000mAh battery keeps the phone running throughout the day and supports 90W wired HyperCharge alongside 50W wireless charging for quick top-ups when needed.
Up front sits a large 6.9-inch OLED display capable of reaching up to 3,500 nits of peak brightness. Paired with a dynamic 1–120Hz LTPO refresh rate, the screen delivers fluid scrolling and vibrant visuals whether viewing photos, streaming video, or gaming. Xiaomi’s HyperRGB display technology further enhances colour accuracy and clarity, ensuring images appear just as vivid on screen as when they were captured.
Taken together, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra signals just how seriously Xiaomi is approaching mobile photography. With Leica-engineered optics, a pioneering 200MP telephoto system, and hardware built to support demanding imaging workflows, the device stands as one of the most ambitious camera-focused smartphones Xiaomi has released to date.
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is priced from RM5,499, with the 16GB + 1TB variant retailing at RM5,999, and is available in White, Black, and Starlit Green.
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