Xiaomi 17 Ultra: First Uncovered Photos Hint at Impressive Camera Upgrades Ahead of This Week's Launch
The much-anticipated Xiaomi 17 Ultra, touted as a photography powerhouse, is on the cusp of its release, with official and leaked details flooding the internet over the past weekend. The smartphone's design lineage is becoming remarkably clear, thanks to fresh visuals emerging from China. Xu Fei, Vice President and Marketing Director of Xiaomi Group, shared a video on her Toutiao profile, showcasing the device in a crisp white finish. This provides a clear, multi-angle glimpse of the handset, offering a reassuring sense of continuity with previous Xiaomi flagships.
Camera Module: A Leica Partnership Reimagined
While the aesthetic details of the camera block are subtly revealed, they strongly corroborate earlier leaks. Positioned centrally on a circular island, the Leica logo signifies the deepening collaboration between the two tech giants. Finance.sina.com.cn confirms that the Xiaomi 17 Ultra will boast a triple-camera setup. At its core lies the OmniVision OV50X, a cutting-edge, domestically produced 1-inch sensor featuring the third generation of LOFIC technology. This signifies a significant leap in image capture capabilities, promising unparalleled detail and dynamic range.
Further bolstering its photographic prowess is a brand-new 200MP periscopic telephoto lens, a testament to Xiaomi's commitment to pushing optical boundaries. This module is notably 35% larger than its predecessor in the Xiaomi 15 Ultra and has achieved Leica APO optical certification. This groundbreaking collaboration marks the first product born from the new "strategic co-creation model" established between Xiaomi and Leica, promising a fusion of hardware innovation and imaging expertise.
Display and Zoom: A Flat Future with Enhanced Optics
Unofficial sources suggest the Xiaomi 17 Ultra will feature a completely flat display, deviating from the curved edges seen on some previous models, yet retaining the elegance of rounded corners. The buzz extends to the camera software, with leaked screenshots from a purported retail box offering a peek into the user interface. Beyond the standard 0.6x, 1x, and 2x zoom levels, the interface hints at a versatile zoom range from 3x to 4.3x, likely covering focal lengths from approximately 70mm to 100mm, with an impressive 8.6x zoom option also visible.
The term "continuous optical zoom Leica 200MP" is gaining traction, accompanied by assurances of "high optical quality." However, the aperture figures suggest a slight refinement rather than a drastic overhaul: F/2.2 at 70mm and F/2.9 at 100mm. While these might appear as minor decreases compared to the previous generation, the inclusion of a 1/1.4″ ISOCELL HPE sensor represents a substantial upgrade over the 1/2.51″ IMX858. Notebookcheck astutely summarizes that while the maximum zoom range might not exceed that of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, the quality of the zoom experience is expected to be significantly superior. Xiaomi themselves have released comparative photos, vividly illustrating the substantial size difference between the new periscope module and its predecessor, alongside the first official sample shot from the device.
Price and Release: An Earlier, More Premium Debut
Adding to the anticipation, Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun has already indicated that the 17 Ultra will command a higher price point than its predecessor, suggesting a premium positioning. In a Weibo post on December 18th, Xiaomi officially confirmed the smartphone's launch "next week," a departure from the usual February debut for their Ultra series. Industry insiders are pointing towards December 25th as the probable release date, setting the stage for an earlier than expected, and potentially very exciting, holiday season unveiling.
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