The Xiaomi 17 Ultra has begun its global rollout, positioning itself as a premium competitor in the smartphone market with a strong emphasis on advanced photography. The device, developed in partnership with German camera maker Leica, features a distinctive multi-sensor camera array and supports optional external hardware kits designed to improve handling and control.
Key specifications include Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor, a 6.9-inch AMOLED display with a peak brightness of 3,500 nits, and a substantial 6,000 mAh battery supporting 90W wired charging. The phone is available with 16GB of RAM and storage options of 512GB or 1TB.
Innovative Camera Hardware
The camera system is the phone's centrepiece. It uses a 1-inch type 50-megapixel main sensor with an f/1.67 aperture, capable of switching between 23mm, 28mm, and 35mm equivalent focal lengths. A unique 200-megapixel telephoto lens offers continuous optical zoom from 3.2x to 4.3x (approximately 75mm to 100mm), rather than fixed steps.
"When taking photos of pets or framing certain objects within the frame, it is very handy," notes the review, though accessing specific focal lengths within the zoom range requires using an on-screen dial. The system is rounded out by a 50-megapixel ultrawide camera, also useful for macro shots, and a 50-megapixel front-facing camera.
Software and Optional Kits
The camera software offers multiple Leica-inspired colour profiles, including 'Authentic' and 'Vibrant', alongside various film simulation filters. To enhance the physical shooting experience, Xiaomi offers two add-ons: The Photography Kit and the Photography Kit Pro.
The base €99.99 Kit acts as a protective case with integrated Bluetooth-connected buttons for shutter and video recording. The €199.99 Kit Pro adds a USB-C attached grip with a two-stage shutter button, a video button, and a customisable control dial for adjusting exposure, ISO, or shutter speed. This grip also includes a 2,000 mAh battery and a mount for 67mm camera filters.
"I really appreciated having a hardware zoom control," stated the reviewer, who found the Pro Kit made one-handed operation and street photography more intuitive and engaging.
Market Context and Availability
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra enters a competitive global landscape, where it will face upcoming devices like the Vivo X300 Ultra and the Oppo Find X9. Its early launch may provide a strategic advantage. In Europe, the phone starts at €1,499.
While the camera housing is notably large, the device combines top-tier components with novel photographic tools, aiming to appeal to enthusiasts seeking alternatives to dominant brands like Apple and Samsung.