Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica adds rotatable zoom ring and continuous telephoto

Xiaomi has unveiled the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica edition with a rotatable camera zoom ring and a new telephoto system. The flagship was announced on December 29, 2025, during the company’s year-end launch period in China.

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica focuses heavily on photography hardware. It introduces physical camera controls and continuous optical zoom, setting it apart from the standard Xiaomi 17 Ultra.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica camera design and hardware upgrades

The defining feature of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica edition is a physical, rotatable zoom ring built into the camera module. The ring allows manual zoom control and can also be reassigned for exposure or focus adjustments through software.

This hardware control is exclusive to the Leica edition. The standard Xiaomi 17 Ultra does not include the rotating camera ring or Leica-specific exterior details.

The Leica edition also marks the first time Xiaomi has added Leica’s red dot logo to a smartphone body. The device features a textured side finish and ships with physical accessories, including a lens cap and branded cleaning cloth.

Xiaomi includes Leica-tuned software features as well. These include custom film simulation modes designed to mimic Leica color profiles and contrast behavior.

At the core of the camera system is a 50-megapixel main sensor using a 1-inch-type sensor with an f/1.7 aperture. Xiaomi keeps the selfie and ultrawide cameras at 50 megapixels each.

The most significant internal change is the telephoto system. Xiaomi replaces the dual-lens setup used in earlier Ultra models with a single 200-megapixel periscope camera.

This telephoto lens delivers continuous optical zoom ranging from 3.2x to 4.3x. It uses a variable aperture between f/2.4 and f/3.0, allowing smooth transitions without digital cropping.

Continuous optical zoom in smartphones remains rare. Sony previously introduced a similar approach in its Xperia line, but Xiaomi’s implementation brings the feature to a larger sensor and higher resolution.

Performance, display, battery, and pricing details

Beyond the camera system, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica shares its core specifications with the standard 17 Ultra. It runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor.

Memory options go up to 16GB of RAM with storage configurations reaching 1TB. Xiaomi positions the device firmly in the ultra-premium Android segment.

The display measures 6.9 inches and uses OLED technology. Xiaomi pairs the large screen with a 6,800mAh silicon-carbon battery, which is larger than most current flagship competitors.

Xiaomi has priced the standard 17 Ultra at 6,999 yuan in China. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica edition starts at 7,999 yuan, reflecting the added hardware controls and branded enhancements.

The company has confirmed that the Xiaomi 17 Ultra will launch globally in 2026. However, Xiaomi has not yet confirmed whether the Leica edition will be included in the international rollout.

Previous Xiaomi Ultra models received global launches during major industry events in the first quarter. A similar timeline remains possible but unannounced.

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica represents a clear push toward camera-first smartphone design. With physical controls and continuous optical zoom, Xiaomi is targeting advanced mobile photographers and enthusiasts.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What makes the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica different from the standard model?

The Leica edition adds a physical rotatable zoom ring, Leica branding, and custom camera software. The standard 17 Ultra does not include these features.

Q2: Does the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica have optical zoom?

Yes. It features a 200-megapixel periscope camera with continuous optical zoom from 3.2x to 4.3x.

Q3: Will the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica launch outside China?

Xiaomi has confirmed a global launch for the 17 Ultra in 2026. It has not confirmed whether the Leica edition will be sold internationally.

Q4: What processor powers the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica?

The device uses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, paired with up to 16GB of RAM.

Q5: Does the phone include Leica camera accessories?

Yes. The Leica edition includes physical accessories such as a lens cap and a branded cleaning cloth.