In a move that will delight mobile photography enthusiasts, Xiaomi has unveiled its latest flagship smartphone, the 17 Ultra, which reintroduces a highly requested feature: a physical zoom ring. Launched in China, the device aims to bridge the gap between smartphone convenience and the tactile control of traditional cameras.
Camera Powerhouse with Tactile Control
The centerpiece of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is its formidable camera system developed in partnership with Leica. The rear setup is a triple-camera array, led by a 50MP primary sensor that utilizes a large 1-inch Light Fusion 1050L sensor for capturing more light and detail.
It is accompanied by a groundbreaking 200MP periscope telephoto lens. This lens offers continuous optical zoom ranging from 75mm to 100mm, allowing for high-quality, lossless zooming. Completing the trio is a 50MP ultrawide lens with autofocus, making the system versatile for everything from vast landscapes to detailed close-ups.
The most talked-about feature, however, is the physical manual control ring built directly into the raised camera island. This ring gives users precise, hands-on control over their zoom, evoking the feel of a dedicated camera.
Leica Edition Elevates the Experience
Alongside the standard model, Xiaomi introduced a 'co-created' Leica Edition that takes the physical control concept even further. This variant's zoom ring incorporates 20 precision ball bearings and can detect minute movements as small as 0.03mm.
Rotating the ring automatically wakes the camera app. Users can also customize the ring's function for tasks like exposure compensation or manual focus. The Leica Edition boasts exclusive aesthetics with a dual-tone design inspired by Leica's iconic M-series cameras. It features textured leather, the signature red dot badge, and exclusive film simulation modes that mimic the look of classic Leica photographs.
Flagship Performance and Robust Build
Beyond photography, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is packed with top-tier specifications. It sports a large, flat 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and an exceptionally bright 3,500-nit peak brightness.
Powering the device is the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, paired with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. The phone runs on Xiaomi's HyperOS 3.0.
A major highlight is its battery capacity. The 17 Ultra houses a massive 6800mAh silicon-carbon battery supporting 90W wired and 50W wireless charging. Remarkably, despite containing the largest battery ever in an Ultra model from Xiaomi, it is also the thinnest at just 8.29mm. The device is built to be resilient with IP66, IP68, and IP69 ratings for water and dust resistance.
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra starts at CNY 6,999 (approximately Rs 89,455) for the standard version. The more premium Leica Edition begins at CNY 7,999 (roughly Rs 1,02,235). Both models are scheduled to go on sale in China starting December 27. This launch marks a significant step in blending professional-grade camera controls with the power of a modern smartphone.
