The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is set to arrive next week, and early official disclosures suggest the company is preparing a major shift in its mobile imaging strategy. The upcoming launch is positioned as more than just another annual refresh, indicating that the 17 Ultra will offer meaningful upgrades, especially in the photography department.
Xiaomi 17 Ultra to offer next-level photography
Xiaomi has confirmed that it has upgraded its global imaging partnership with Leica by introducing a new “strategic co-creation” model. This approach goes beyond joint development and brings both companies together at the earliest stages of product design.
According to Xiaomi, the goal is to rethink mobile imaging from the ground up by blending Leica’s optical expertise, visual aesthetics, and interaction philosophy with Xiaomi’s hardware and software capabilities.
Xiaomi Group President Lu Weibing highlighted that this renewed collaboration has resulted in a next-generation optical system developed specifically for smartphones. A key outcome of this effort is the introduction of the first Leica APO-certified telephoto lens for mobile imaging. Xiaomi claims this new system significantly improves long-range photography, night image clarity, and detail retention in challenging lighting conditions.
Reports suggest the phone will move to a triple rear camera setup, replacing the quad-camera layout seen on earlier Ultra models. The primary camera is tipped to feature OmniVision’s new 50-megapixel OV50X sensor with a 1-inch sensor size, larger pixels, and advanced HDR processing.
This setup is likely to be accompanied by a 50-megapixel ultra-wide camera with macro capabilities and a 200-megapixel periscope telephoto camera, which could support up to 5x optical zoom.
Xiaomi has confirmed that the Xiaomi 17 Ultra will be unveiled next week. Likely, the brand may unveil a few more products alongside it.
